Time Enough for Love
by Elfscribe, elfscribe5@yahoo.com
Characters: Legolas/OC (Elwin), Elrond/Glorfindel, Lindir/OC
Overall Rating: NC-17, this chapter PG
Beta: Capella
Disclaimers, see chapter 1
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Chapter 7 - The Fiddler of Bree

Riding on the swift elven horses, starting early in the morning and camping only
when the daylight was almost gone, the travelers made the journey to Bree in a
fortnight. Cade was elated when they finally glimpsed smoke rising from distant
chimneys in the village of Combe. There, they left the road to cut cross the
fields towards the Rushlight farm which, Elwin explained, was located closer to
the village of Archet than Bree. They arrived in the late afternoon and the
westering sun was turning the light golden.

Their horses' hooves clattered on loose cobbles as they rode into the courtyard
of the rambling two story farmhouse. The house looked comfortable.The roof was
freshly thatched and trellises of blue morning glories climbed up the
whitewashed walls. Cade jumped down from the horse loaned to him by Elrond and
headed toward the door. The elves also dismounted and stood quietly.

A large black dog barked once, then came over to them stiff-legged, sniffing
curiously and then wagging his tail. The front door opened and two barefooted
children pelted out. "Cade," they shrieked and grabbed him about the thighs. The
children looked up at the elves and stared wide-eyed at them a moment before
running back into the house.

Shortly thereafter an older man appeared in the doorway. His face was rough and
care-worn with a closely cropped beard. He wore heavy work boots and clenched a
pipe in his teeth. He pulled the pipe out of his mouth with a look of relief,
then the expression was replaced with a narrowing of the eyes and a set to the
jaw.

"It is good to have you back, son," the man said and clasped Cade briefly to his
chest. "You gave your mother and me a terrible scare running off like that." He
paused and looked up at Elwin. "I see you managed to find the elf," he said to
Cade.

"Aye. How is Granddad?" Cade asked.

"Not well," the man said. "But he lives still."

Elwin came forward and put out his hand. "Timothy, it is good to see you, again.
Your son is a valiant boy." Cade looked up at Elwin with a wide smile.

Tim Rushlight took the elf's hand briefly. "Aye, he is, if a bit strong-headed."
He tapped the pipe out on the sole of his boot. "Well, I expect you'll want to
see Dad. He has not been well at all today. We fear it won't be long now. Fact
is, we thought he was done for weeks ago, but when he heard Cade had gone after
you, he held on like." His glance strayed to the others. "You've brought
companions, Master Elwin."

"Yes." Elwin replied. "May I present Legolas and Thornan of Mirkwood and
Glorfindel from Rivendell."

"I don't think I've ever seen so many of the fair folk all at once," Tim said.
"You honor us with your presence, my lords."

There was a slight edge to the man's voice that Legolas did not understand. He
and the others bowed their heads.

"I don't know that we have room for all of ya," Timothy said.

"We can camp out in your fields, if you'll allow us," Glorfindel said.

From within the house they heard a female voice call, "Who is it, Timothy?"

"It's Cade, Margaret. He's back and he's brought company."

There was a cry of joy and a woman with long, brown braids touched by a few
strands of silver emerged, wiping her hands on her apron. Legolas could see her
resemblance to Cade: the same wide mouth and upturned nose. She enfolded her son
in her arms and kissed his face.

"Blessed be," she said. "We thought you were lost for good. We sent your uncle
out after ya, but you'd had too long a start."

"Ma, I'm fine. Truly," Cade said, moving his face aside to avoid the embrace.
"I'm sorry to cause you worry but I had to go." He lowered his voice. "Granddad
said it was his last wish to see Elwin again. How could I not do something?" He
looked at his father who frowned back at him.

Margaret turned to the elves and her bright eyes grew round. Stepping away from
Cade, she said, "Master Elwin, welcome. We are honored you and your friends
have come to see us. Timothy, don't keep these fine folk standing here, take
their horses to the barn. Please, my lords, come in."

Tim and Cade took the horses. The elves entered the house, ducking their heads
as they went through the door. They found themselves in a large, comfortable
sitting room with a fireplace at one end. Braided rugs covered a rough-hewn
floor and the walls were decorated by framed embroideries. An attractive young
woman of about seventeen was coming down a stairway in the hall. She glanced at
them and her face registered the same awestruck look that her mother had shown.
Legolas wondered what caused such an expression. Perhaps the only elf they had
ever seen was Elwin.

"Elves," she said and turned to her mother. "Cade has returned?"

"Yes," Margaret smiled. "Good sirs, this is my daughter, Lisbet."

Elwin stepped forward and bowed. "It's been a while since I saw you last, young
miss. You've flowered most charmingly."

Lisbet blushed and curtsied, casting her glance to the ground. "I remember you,
Master Elwin," she said. "You used to throw me up in the air and catch me.
Sometimes I thought I would reach the stars, you tossed me so high."

"Well, I doubt I could do that now." Elwin smiled. He introduced his companions.


Margaret asked, "My lords, would you care for some tea?"

"If you don't mind, madam, I should like to see Will, straight away," Elwin
said.

"He was dozing just now when I left his room," said Lisbet. "I shall go and see
if I can wake him."

Margaret looked doubtfully at the elves. "Perhaps Master Elwin, just you go
first. All of you at once might be too much for ‘im."

"I should like to bring my friend, Legolas, if you think it won't be too tiring
for Will," replied Elwin.

Margaret nodded. "Show them the way, Liz dear."

They followed her up the narrow, creaking stairway to the second floor, turned
and went down a hallway. Lisbet paused in front of a door, knocked gently and
went in.

"Granddad," she said softly, "a friend is here to visit. Someone you've been
asking for." They heard a soft moan and then the rustling of covers. "Here
Dada, I'll prop you up," she said. She came back to the door. "He's awake. Go on
in."

Legolas and Elwin entered. Legolas was immediately overwhelmed by a strange,
sour smell of sickness and decay, which made him feel queasy. He looked about
the room, his eyes adjusting to the gloom. It had a low bed, a small table next
to it and two chairs. Various stringed instruments hung on the walls along with
a variety of colored ribbons that, when Legolas bent closer to examine, he
discovered were all prizes won at fiddling competitions in Bree.

The man in the bed was frail. His white hair straggled across a pale scalp, his
gray-stubbled face wrinkled like an old apple, stiffly held hands were covered
with brown blotches. Legolas had never seen anyone look so old and was reminded
of one of his foxhounds who had died blind and crippled. But when the man opened
his hooded eyes, they were a startling blue.

Elwin dragged a chair next to the bed and sat. "Will," he said. "It's Elwin,
I've come."

"Praise the gods," the man said, his voice shaking. He struggled to sit up
further and Elwin put a hand behind his back to help him.

"Lissy, open the curtains a bit?" Will asked. "It seems so dark in here."

She pulled open the drapes, allowing the afternoon sun into the room. The light
turned the colors of the room brown and golden and gave a faint illusion of rosy
health to Will's skin.

"Well, I must help with dinner. I'll leave you to talk," Lisbet said. "Don't
tire him out, Master Elwin."

"It matters not," said Will.

The girl met Legolas's eyes with a sad glance, then she left.

"Ravenhair!" Will said and took Elwin's hand. "Let me look at you." He sighed.
"By the gods, it's uncanny. You don't look a day older than my earliest
recollections of you. You're still that beautiful young man I knew in my youth.
While I . . . ," he paused and stared into the air. "I'm afraid I haven't the
blessings of the First Born. More's the pity." He glanced up at Legolas with a
remarkably alert expression. "And who is this other elf you've brought to see
me?"

"This is my friend, Legolas Thranduilion. He is a prince from the realm of
Mirkwood the Great."

Legolas bowed slightly. "Well met, William Rushlight," he said. He sat in the
other chair, feeling more than a little awkward.

"A prince! Well, very nice, Elwin. I can't say that I've ever met a prince
afore." Will coughed. "Some water, please, friend." Elwin looked around and
poured him a cup from a pitcher standing on the small table. Will took it with a
shaking hand and drank a sip. He sighed, gave it back, and looked Legolas over
thoroughly. "I see the beauty of your kind does not rest solely with you, Elwin.
It's a good thing he's an elf, and not likely to pass out of your life someday .
. . as I soon shall."

"Don't say that," Elwin murmured.

"Eh, why not? It's true and at the end all we have is truth, they say. I can
only think you brought him because he's special to you."

Elwin nodded solemnly. "I wanted him to meet you, my good friend."

"Aye, good friends, that we were." Will's voice sank to a whisper. "And more,
too, once."

Legolas looked at him, startled. Was he hearing what he thought?

But Elwin had stood up abruptly and was walking about the room looking at the
ribbons on the wall. He paused and his face lit. "Remember that contest, Will?"


"Which one?"

"The first one we entered together."

"Aye, over forty-five years ago. I was just twenty. I'll never forget it, as
long as I live." Will seemed aware of the irony of his statement. He coughed
and reached for a handkerchief.

"You see, Legolas," Elwin said, "I had spent the summer here and we had worked
up a number of tunes together. We entered the competition as a pair."

"We were fine, weren't we, Elwin?" Will said.

"We beat out everybody to take first prize. But then the second place winners
complained because I was an elf. They didn't think it fair for me to compete.
What were their names?"

"Oh, it was them Figworts. Never was a good ‘un in that family," Will scoffed.
"But there's a lot of ‘em and they put pressure on old Master Thomas, who was
judging."

"Yes, so the judge decided there would be a play off and the crowd would decide
who the winner was."

Will lay back against the pillow and closed his eyes. He smiled. "I can see it
all again. Just as if it was yesterday."

"It was held in the common room of the Prancing Pony Inn," Elwin explained.
"There was hardly room to move, so many Breefolk were packed in there. The
Figworts played and they were good. Will and I knew we'd have to do something
extra to beat them. So, we played a tune with the apt name of ‘The Elf's
Madness.' A jig. We started together, but then we began acting as if we were
trying to outdo one another. I played a variation, then Will another, faster
each time. And we were having a marvelous time making faces at each other,
stamping our feet." Elwin laughed. "They were all dancing and creating a
tremendous din. One rather stout fellow jumped up and down so hard he put his
foot through the floorboards. It took three men to pull him out."

Will chuckled. "Ah, everyone laughed so. We just kep' playing. Finally Elwin
played the last round so fast that you could barely see his hands. They were
just a blur like, but he didn't miss a note. Not him. No one in all of Bree
could say he didn't deserve to win."

"And so they gave you the prize," Legolas concluded.

"Aye," Will looked satisfied. "Then we had a celebration to beat all."

"Will got so drunk that he fell face down in a mud puddle. I picked him up and
dropped him in a watering trough to clean him up. I never heard such swearing."
Elwin laughed joyously.

"That cussed water was cold, Elwin." Will smiled.

"He was too drunk to walk so I had to sling him over my shoulder like a sack of
wheat. It took all night to stagger home. He swore at me the whole way." Elwin
looked at him fondly, as one might a mischievous child.

Will spluttered into another laugh and began coughing again. Elwin sat down next
to him and hit him lightly on the back but Will waved him off. Finally, he
quieted. "We had some fine times, didn't we, Elwin?" he said.

"Yes, friend."

"Take that ribbon."

"What?"

"Take it with you, a token from me."

Elwin stood up and removed the ribbon from the wall and tucked it in a pouch at
his waist.

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me. It's not going to do me any good where I'm going. My hands are
so crippled up, I can't play any more. It eases my soul to think that night will
live forever in your memory." He closed his eyes again and there was a long
pause. Legolas thought he might have gone to sleep, but then he spoke.

"Elwin, d'ya think you could play that song for me?"

"Which one?"

"You know the one. The song you said my great grandfather played that enticed
you to learning the fiddle. What's its name? You used to sing it for me when I
was a young ‘un. When I couldn't get to sleep."

"It is called, ‘My Heart's Only Thine.' Solemnly, Elwin reached for one of the
violins hanging on the wall, sat down again, and began tuning it.

Will turned his head to look out the window. The sun was hovering on the horizon
in a pool of liquid gold. "A fitting time of day for you to visit, Elwin," he
said softly. "Like the westering sun, my time is up, and I will soon pass into
darkness."

Elwin stopped plucking the strings. "Into darkness? No, I don't believe it."

"Well then, do the elves know what happens after we, after we depart?" the man
asked, tremulously.

Legolas cleared his throat and Will turned his anxious blue gaze on him. Legolas
replied, "It is said that, like the elves, men go to the Halls of Mandos to
await a journey to another place."

"Then I might see you again one day, Elwin?" Will asked. The sound of hope in
his voice was heartbreaking.

Legolas looked at Elwin and shook his head slightly. But Elwin gripped Will by
the shoulder and said, "Yes, that is possible, mellon nîn."

Will sank back into the pillow. He waved his hand feebly. "Then, I don't fear
what's coming," he whispered. "Maybe I'll see my lovely Mandy again there too.
Play the song for me."

The song was in a minor key, filled with sadness and yearning. Elwin played the
tune and then lowered the violin from his shoulder and sang in his clear, silver
voice:

My lover is gone, sailed over the sea
A tall ship bore him away
He swore he'd return that he loved only me
But where he has gone, none can say.

‘Though many have wooed me, I'll ne'er wed
After tasting thy lips so like wine
I'll die all alone, taking none to my bed
My darling, my heart's only thine.

Alone I stand at the rolling grey shore
My face is lashed with the spray
Or is it the tears that dampen my cheeks?
Oh my lover, I no longer can say.

‘Though many have wooed me, I'll ne'er wed
After tasting thy lips so like wine
I'll die all alone, taking none to my bed
My darling, my heart's only thine.

They tell me I'm foolish, he's left you for good
You've wasted your life, so they say
Give your love to another. If only I could!
To all others my heart replies nay.

‘Though many have wooed me, I'll ne'er wed
After tasting thy lips so like wine
I'll die all alone, taking none to my bed
My darling, my heart's only thine.

But lo, broken by a billowed white sail
is the line where the sky meets the sea
His ship has returned! So brightens my tale
My heart's longing has come home to me.

Tears had collected in the corners of Will's eyes. Finally one of them ran down
his cheek. Legolas felt close to tears himself. The song brought on an aching in
his heart that he could not contain. He clutched at his chest, murmuring
something about needing fresh air.

"Sshhh," Elwin said, motioning at him. He patted Will's arm. "I'll let you rest
now."

"Nay. Don't leave, Elwin. I have to, I have somethin' . . . I must tell you."

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry."

"For what, friend?"

"For treating you ill when last I saw you. I was . . . so jealous, you see. I
was growing old and no longer handsome while you just . . . continue as if time
doesn't touch you. I couldn't bear it."

Will seemed to be struggling to get the words out. He coughed again, stopped and
looked for a while at Elwin's face. The elf waited patiently. Finally, the man
said, "I thought you were angry with me because of how I was and that's why you
didn't visit for so long. I couldn't go with that between us."

"I wasn't angry, Will, just puzzled about your actions. As for the ten years, I
was remiss. Time moves, I think, differently for us. I didn't realize it had
been that long. I was shocked when I saw Cade."

"Aye, Cade. Grown well, hasn't he? Some talent in that young ‘un. Unlike his
father, who had a tin ear."

"Yes, he's got talent. We worked on his playing on the way here. He's a good
boy. You should be proud."

"I am. Promise me, somethin', Elwin?"

"Yes."

"Don't go another ten years without checking up on ‘im. He'll need guidance and
I won't be here."

"I promise."

Will's voice sank then to the barest whisper. "Ravenhair?"

"Yes?" Elwin leaned close to listen.

"Could you . . . ?" Will paused. "Just a kiss. In memory of . . . what was."

Elwin looked up at Legolas apologetically, a well of sorrow in his light violet
eyes. Then he bent and pressed a brief kiss against the old man's lips.

The man's chin quivered and tears pooled in his eyes. "Lips like wine, as I've
always said." He sighed deeply. "I'm so tired. I would sleep a bit now. Will you
. . . stay with me?"

"As long as you wish," said Elwin.

Will seemed to fold in on himself, turning his face to the wall and clutching a
piece of blanket to his chest. The sun had disappeared behind the horizon
leaving golden tinged clouds in its wake.

Legolas looked into the darkening sky with that sense of stillness and waiting
that comes on the cusp between day and night. He shifted in his chair wondering
if he should leave when suddenly he had a vision. His dark-haired lover lay
stiff and waxy-faced, dressed formally, hands folded on his breast as if laid
out for a funeral, a silver circlet in his hair. He saw himself standing
silently nearby, stricken by rage and sorrow. Several elves approached, carrying
torches to light the pyre. They touched the flame to wood which crackled, then
roared and Elwin's body disappeared behind a wall of fire. Legolas's throat had
closed tight, face hot and swollen from tears. He heard the dragon's rumbling
laughter and his chest throbbed in pain.

Panicked, he stood abruptly and almost fell back against the wall. "Excuse me,
Elwin," he gasped, "I'll go and see about some supper."

Elwin looked up at him through his long, black lashes. His eyes had a bright
sheen. "I'm not hungry," he said. He put his fingers to Will's neck and felt his
pulse."Go on. I'll be down later. Tell the family they should come up."

Legolas stumbled down the stairs. He couldn't breathe properly. Needed to get
out, away from the smell of death. He came across Glorfindel, Thornan, and the
rest of the family having tea by the large fireplace in the parlor. He stood for
a moment looking at the pleasant scene, not wishing to disturb them with the
news. Glorfindel was telling a funny story about badgers. Cade and the children
were laughing and the women had indulgent looks on their faces.

Glorfindel looked up at him and his face became grave. "What is it, mellon nîn?"
he said.

"Elwin requests that the family come upstairs. I believe William is near his
end," Legolas said. His voice choked. The family rose quickly, their expressions
suddenly grim.

"Are you all right?" Glorfindel asked.

"I'm, I'm fine. Going out for some air," Legolas stammered. He opened the door
and stepped into the yard. The night was swiftly falling around him, the air
still warm. A few crickets tuned up nearby. Eärendil's star shone through the
pale yellow band still lingering along the horizon.

Even the stars wear with time, Legolas heard echo in his head. Eventually you,
your lover, and everything you hold dear. All gone. Something within him broke.
An iron claw raked through his heart and a frantic voice spoke in his ear. You
must get away, far away from here, from this place of death.

Legolas began to run. At first a lope, and then as the voice took over, filling
his mind with unreasoning fear, he increased his pace until the landscape
blurred as it flew by him. Find some woods with tall trees, something ancient
for comfort. Where no one will find you. Where death has no place. Run!

************************
"Something is not right with our Sinda prince," Glorfindel said to Thornan.
Then, he shook as he felt the full extent of Legolas's terror. Standing abruptly
he said, "I'm going after him. You stay and keep an eye on Elwin."

Thornan stood. "I should go too. My duty is to the prince."

"Warrior, I need you to watch out for Elwin and not to ask questions,"
Glorfindel snapped. "Legolas would never forgive us if something happened to his
lover."

Thornan looked at him uncertainly and nodded.

Glorfindel bolted out of the door. In the distance, he could see the slim,
golden-haired figure flying across the plowed field like an arrow loosed from a
bow. It was going to be difficult to catch up with him.

-tbc-