Crowner's Dilemma - Part Eght

[ismenin]

Hey, ho, to my Fro I'll go,
to heal my heart, and drown my woe!
He may fall, his sword may glow,
but he has still, many miles to go!

Sweet is the sight of his big blue eyes,
He's ten times cuter than other guys,
Cuter than Bloom or Monaghan,
He may be small,
But he's still my man!

To the tune of, 'Hey, ho, to the bottle I go!' I can't remember where I read it, but it tickled me! :D


Greetings, on this misty, moisty morning. Darn it, someone sneaked into my outside dunny last night, for a pee. They left the door open, too. We often get that, from folks coming home from the pub, but they usually shut the door. They come off the road, up the lane, for a quick pee, and spot the door. 'That looks like a loo!' they say, to themselves, and lo! So it proves!
I'd put a notice in there, telling them to do shut the bloody door, if I thought they'd be sober enough to read it! Giggles!

Anywy, on with stuff. Here is part 8 of CD. I only have one in hand, now, as precious little was achieved over the holidays, but I'm sure I can get stuck in, really soon.

And thank you, angelmati for the card I received yesterday. I really appreciated it - it made me smile. :D




Thanks to ladysunrope for beta.


Part - 8

Elijah had not been asleep when Dom had called "Amiloun!" through the door. He was lying in bed, thinking of Dom, and his beloved voice whispering through the door had Elijah shivering under the sheets, so much did he want to hold him in his arms, and comfort him.

"Then what stops you, you fool?" he asked himself in the covering dark. But no answer came.

He was thinking how Dom had tended him so gently in that noisome cellar where Ralph D'Harcourt had imprisoned them. How Dom had held him in his arms as he rested, safe, within them. How Dom had led him to the bucket, and helped him without demur, to accomplish the necessities of life. How Dom had spoken to him of his love.

Then, of that first time in bed, when he had shown Dom the delights of love, hearing in his lover's tone the joy he could not see in his face. That Dom loved him was plain. That he loved Dom was not in question. Then why... his conscience railed at him from deep inside his heart... ...do you shut him out, now? Now, when his brother lies sick, perhaps unto death, and you are keeping from him the only comfort available to him?

Elijah shifted against the pillows, and breathed deeply.
"Amiloun!" Dom had whispered, all the longing in his heart apparent in his tone.

Do you wish to lose all this, stupid, proud man? Do you wish to be alone - without the only man you have ever truly loved, for the rest of what will no doubt prove to be a long, lonely and miserable life?

The answer was a resounding "No!" Elijah needed Dom. He leapt out of bed, and unlocked the door. "Amis?" he said into the felt dark. A low cry issued from the man in the bed, and Elijah went immediately to him, and climbing in beside the shivering man, took him in his arms.

"Hush, my love. I am here. We have both been unwise, but it is over now. I love you, man of my heart," Elijah whispered into the top of Dom's head, resting as it was upon his chest.

"Amiloun!" Dom croaked, and lifted his face to be kissed.

Elijah tasted the tears on the unsteady lips, and knew, without doubt that he would never kiss another like this. Never have, in his belly, the warm, tight feeling of wanting and caring. Never, for any other.

"I am here," Elijah whispered, and Dom nestled closer into his arms, and to his surprise, fell asleep, safe and cherished. In a little while, so did Elijah, after pausing to thank his God for opening his mind and heart before it was too late.

Elijah was not in bed with Dom, when Dom awoke. He had returned to his own chamber, and Dom, entering the room softly, just after dawn, was told that Andrew had left, and Astin would be caring for him from now on.

"Astin knows nothing of our love, my Amis, and I would keep it that way. I shall tell him, later, when he comes to me, that I will call for him when I need him. This will mean we will not be surprised in future by his inopportune arrival."

Dom smiled at the naked man in the bed. "Put on your night shift then, if you do not want him surprised. No duke, surely, sleeps uncovered. It cannot suit Astin's dignity, after all. Imagine if there should be a fire, or a raid, and your grand ducal lordship was seen running through the castle, naked!"

Elijah laughed as he got up, and pulled the night shirt on. "Very true, my love! Go you and see how Matt does, and I will follow. Then we shall go to breakfast."

Dom nodded, and returned to his room. It was not a moment too soon, for Astin was turning the handle of the duke's door, surprised, no doubt, Elijah thought, that it should be locked against him.

"I did not wish to be disturbed, for I was tired," he said to Astin's raised eyebrow as he let the steward in. "I told them to call me if our latest visitor grew weaker.”

As Astin drew out of the chests Elijah's raiment for the day, he ventured a question. "My lord, it is said in the stables that the sick man is a relative of Sheriff Mortain." Elijah noticed that Astin did not go so far as to ask the question direct, but nevertheless, he thought it best to answer honestly.

"It is his brother, fallen upon hard times, Astin, but I would not have it spread abroad. It will do no good to have it generally known, at least, not yet. I will be grateful if you could discourage the servants from speculation."

"You may be sure of it, my lord," Astin replied, handing Elijah the towel as the duke emerged from his silver washing bowl, his hair dripping water over the fine red Turkey carpet. "But, from what I have seen of the sick man, he looks very like the Sheriff, my lord. Anyone entering the room, or seeing him, later, when he is well enough to leave it, will see the likeness."

And that explains why Aunt Gertruda thought she had met Dom before. Matt has been to the abbey. It is where, of course, he met Odilla. More questions for when he feels better!

Matt was still sleeping when Elijah went to his room, so the apothecary left with Dom and Elijah to eat breakfast. Wat would not leave, however.

"He is very anxious about Matt, as is only right.” John commented, “They have been together four years, Wat said. It is plain he cares for him more than is usual in friendship."

Elijah smiled. He had heard Wat call Matt "my lover" after all. It was no surprise to him. He had also seen the look on the big man's face as he leant over and tended the sick man. He recognised that look. He was looked at in the same way – by Dom.

As they left the breakfast table, and John returned to his patient, Elijah informed Dom that he planned to return to the abbey that morning. "It is plain to me that Matt met Odilla there. I wish to discover who else amongst the girls knew of their...connection. It might afford us some clue."

Dom stood against the door lintel, and smiled sweetly at his love. "It might also reveal how it was that my knife came to be the instrument of that poor child's death." Suddenly he was no longer smiling. "Tell me plain, Elijah, do you still think Matt had anything to do with these girls' murders?"

Elijah sighed, staring out into the bailey from the side door where they both stood. "If you mean do I think he killed either of them, then I can answer truly, no, I do not. But if you ask whether he is involved indirectly in some way, I do not know. Something tells me that it is because of him, these girls died."

Astin had brought Elijah's cloak, and Red had been called to accompany his master. "I do not ask you to come with me, Dom," he said after Astin had withdrawn. "Stay with Matt until he is stronger. But is there anything - any point that concerns you - that you would have me ask at the abbey?"

Dom thought for a moment. "Matt gave that knife to Odilla - I would know who took it after she had been slain, and killed Claudia with it. It may be someone will remember who had the knife after Odilla. That, to me, is an important consideration."

Elijah agreed. "I will have to tread carefully. We do not want anyone to discover to whom the knife belongs. That would only confuse matters."

Red was walking across the courtyard, leading the horse. He was not yet competent to ride a horse alone, but he confided to Elijah from his seat behind him on the fine black stallion, that Ben was teaching him well. "He says it will not be long, sir, before I can be trusted on my own."

Elijah, turning left after leaving the drawbridge, asked after Ben.

"He has found some fine books in your library, sir. He intends to spend the morning reading, if the Sheriff does not need him. I hope you will find in me a reasonable deputy. My writing is not as good as is Ben's, but I can manage very well, he says, and I can read anything, now, in Latin and English. Ben said he will teach me French when I have fully mastered the others."

Elijah praised the lad. He had come a long way since the Crowner had found him, ragged and dirty, what seemed such a short time before. But Red was a quick study, and Ben a dedicated teacher. Both would do well in life.

When Elijah rode in through the abbey gates, he saw, to his consternation - and great annoyance - that Sheriff St Aubin was there before him. Two of the Sheriff's men were leaning against the stable wall, talking to the ostlers.

"Damn!" Elijah breathed. This intrusion would hardly please the abbess, and he needed her on his side. But he need not have worried. The Sheriff stamped out of the main door, followed by one of his deputies, his head bent low. The Sheriff's face was red with either anger or embarrassment - which, Elijah could not tell. After bidding the crowner a curt "good morning!" the Sheriff and his group rode out, with more haste than ceremony, and Elijah waited a few minutes before beckoning to Red to follow him in to his aunt's office.

She sat there, behind her desk, stiff with suppressed outrage. "Ah, Elijah!" she said, curtly, as her nephew entered and bowed, Red, hovering undecided, at the door.

"Well, come in, boy, and close the door!" the abbess snapped, as Elijah sat in the chair she had indicated with the wave of one impatient hand. Red moved quickly, and stood against the wall.

"Did you see that...that...popinjay...as you rode in?" she asked her nephew, her eyes dark with resentment. "What a fool! Handsome, I'll grant, good mannered, but still...a fool!"

She glared at Red, who pressed himself harder into the wall, and wished to disappear, but she did not address him again.

"He asked," she continued, "if I knew anything of these...deaths. I have rarely heard such a stupid question! If I knew anything, I would have acted upon the knowledge. Even you would not ask of me such a pointless thing."

"Thank you, aunt," Elijah said, dryly, still regarding the abbess with a look of spurious concern. "I have come for permission," he continued, feeling his way, "to ask more questions about the abbey. May I have it?"

The abbess nodded. "You may. I would have these matters solved. We cannot hope to attract any young postulant or novice here whilst these matters remain...pending. Ask what you will, of whom you will." The abbess looked her nephew in the eye, and to his astonishment, smiled. "I can trust you to be discreet with the girls, at least. I have never known you to be ungentle, Elijah. It is much to your credit. You are like your mother, in that people warm to you."

He could not help it. It was out of his mouth before he realised what he was saying. "You never did, aunt - warm to me. The months after mother died were made miserable by your punishments and strictures."

The abbess breathed deeply before she answered. "It is true, I was strict. I observed in you many faults, Elijah. But I see you have grown to maturity a good and well-respected man, despite them. And, perhaps, you have learned to be kind because I was not?"

Elijah looked at the floor. This was, at least, true. She had taught him to think of his fellow men, to accept their smaller faults, and to overlook them. In this she had succeeded.

"I have much work to do, Elijah. Do you go about your business whilst I carry on. Ah! Here is Sister Aefre with the account ledgers. Come in, sister; his Grace is just leaving."

He bowed to Sister Aefre as he passed through the door, and Red let out a long breath as they walked along the corridor.

"Where shall we go first, sir?"

"To the infirmary, I think, Red. I have a theory that needs testing."

There was one sister there, tending to the three patients in bed. She accepted that Elijah had permission of the abbess to look everywhere, and allowed him to wander about freely, whilst she got on with her work. Of Sister Wilda, who had found Odilla's body, there was no sign.

Elijah went to the space where Claudia had lain, with her leg in a splint, and glanced towards the door leading into the outer corridor. Then he opened each of the two windows, and, sticking his head out as far as it would go, looked about him. He closed the last window, and sighed.

Red wondered what his master was doing, but said nothing. It was obvious his lordship was thinking, and Red knew he liked quiet to do so.

Then they went to the kitchens, and questioned Sister Wilfrida again. She was adamant she knew nothing of wine or mead and foodstuffs being taken illicitly from her stores. "But I am not saying, my lord, that it could not happen. We have many sisters here, to feed, and if one roast chicken or duck out of twenty went missing, we would scarcely notice it. I am not in the habit of counting such things once they are cooked, or what is left after meals. We have servants here who eat like the horses they tend. I have missed nothing."

Elijah went outside, once more, to the spot where Odilla had lain in the grass, and stared back at the abbey. "Red, my lad," he said. "Let us sit under that tree, and do you write down what I shall say. Or would you rather that I wrote it?"

Red shook his head, glaring at his master. "I can assure your lordship that you will not find my writing so bad that you cannot read it, Truly!"

Elijah laughed. "Come then! Let us make a beginning."

After Red had scratched Elijah's last observation on the parchment, he ventured a comment. "It seems, sir, that today's search has given us more puzzles, not solved any."

Elijah stretched his arms, and rubbed his injured leg a little, needing to return to the castle, and have Andrew rub the salve in. No, Andrew had gone, Barebone could do it - or...Dom. His face flushed at the thought of Dom's hands upon him. It had only been a few days, but he needed his lover's body, as well as his heart. Jumping up quickly, lest his body swell and betray him, Elijah moved to the stables.

To get there, they had to pass the laundry, and as they did so, Elijah heard a voice raised in anger. "It was always thus! It is not my fault she did not care for you as she cared for Claudia and myself, you silly, spiteful thing!"

Out of the laundry door rushed the small, mousy creature that had been so upset on the first day Elijah and Dom had questioned the novices. She saw them, and gasped, then ran quickly around the back of the building and disappeared.

Another young girl came out through the door - one Elijah did not remember seeing. She did not appear distressed so Elijah asked her if she knew where Sister Wilda was. "I am not sure, my lord," she shook her head. "I think she went into Canterbury with a few sisters to buy materials for new habits."

Elijah thanked her, and stood, for a moment, thinking. He needed to speak with the red-headed girl who had been so helpful to him on previous occasions, but he did not know her name, and did not wish to call attention to her by asking after her. He wandered about for a while, entering all the common rooms and likely places, but she was not to be found.

"It may be she has gone to Canterbury with the other sisters," Elijah concluded. "Come, Red, let us leave. I need to sift what I have learned this day, and I would like Dom and Ben to hear it, too."

He thought to return by the road near which Matt's men were camping, and stopped near the oak tree that marked the spot and called out.

Soon a rustle was heard, and the men came forward, out of the trees, and stood respectfully before him. "I have come to give you news of Matthew and Wat. Matt is having the best of care, and Wat is tending him. They are safe with me. I have sworn I will not hurt them, or hand them over to authority, until I am certain they have committed a crime. I take leave to tell you now, I do not think either of them have committed murder within the abbey. However, I would know exactly when Matt went there, as he is in no case to answer my questions, and Wat is weary from attending upon him. Can you help me?"

There was a muttering amongst the men, and one was chosen to come forward. "If your lordship and the lad would care to come off the horse, we will speak with you."

Elijah saw no harm in it. After all, their leader was lying, helpless within his fortress - for such it was - with a drawbridge to pull up against attack. He dismounted and walked, Red tagging behind, off the road, into the trees.

They were taken to a rough campsite, where shelters made of branches of trees and ferns were erected between smaller saplings. There was little in the way of bedding that Elijah could see, and two cooking pots were simmering over a decent fire set within stones far away from the trees.

"I will send you blankets and clothing, if you wish it. I do not know how long Matthew will be recovering. He is very sick, and I cannot think he will get well in a short time."

The men looked strained and fidgeted, as if they were rudderless without their leader. One or two of the men looked far from well, and it came to him how unpleasant it was waking, every morning, damp and covered in dew. He had personal experience of it, and it was not comfortable.

A thought came to him. "I have thought of something better. Are any of you familiar with tending sheep?"

A young, fair headed man stepped forward. "I am, my lord. My family has always had flocks of sheep - until John commandeered them to feed his troops, with no thought of leavin' any for breedin'. I've done it all my life, since a child. Shearin' an' all!" he said, proudly.


"Very well," Elijah said, smiling at the speaker. "If you do not mind moving your camp, there are two cottages, at present unoccupied, a mile or so along the road, closer to the castle. No-one goes near there nowadays, but I know the cottages are whole, and would afford you better shelter than these trees. It rains, in Kent, even in summer!"

One of the men, a surly, rough looking individual came forward. "Why would you help us? Is it so we can be in a handy place when yon Sheriff and his men come to find us? Aye, we saw them, never fear."

Elijah sat down on the rock offered to him, and shook his head. "I have told you, apart from poaching my livestock - which I trust has ended - I know of no crime you have committed. If you are settled at the cottages, you can make it known that I have set you there to protect the flocks across the stream, and to build fences to protect the sheep from falling into the gully. I will have some sheep driven there, and you may have charge of them, taught how to do so by this fine young man. But I warn you not to take any. I trust you to do as I say. "

Again the men huddled together, whilst Red eyed them warily as they spoke, and Elijah refreshed himself from a flask one of the men handed to him. It was raw aqua vitae, so he took only a sip.

The same spokesman came forward. "Will you feed us as you have done, if we work for you? If we do not take sheep, we will have nothing to eat."

Elijah saw the anxious faces of the seven men behind the spokesman, and understood that food was now their most pressing need.

"I will feed you, but you must work for it. A fair day's work for a fair day's pay. Do you agree? All must pull together to make it a success." Elijah was firm, but fair. Red understood that the little duke was used to controlling men, and he was not afraid, although sitting amidst a group of outlaws. He was proud to be associated with this man.

Elijah then made arrangements for the one-time shepherd - the cleanest and friendliest looking amongst them, Red noted - to come to the castle, and ask for Dame Rowenna if they needed anything, or wanted news of their leader. "She is my old nurse, and I keep no secrets from her, even if I do from my other servants. Food I will arrange for you to collect at the castle. A cart will be provided. Tell Dame Rowenna what you chiefly need, and you shall have it - within reason."

Elijah cast a glance about the bedraggled group. "Clothing suitable to your new work will be provided. It is summer, I know, but the nights can still be cool and wet. I wish no more sick men at the castle!"

The men smiled at that, and one or two even ventured a laugh. He looked at the chosen man. "If you come tomorrow morning, goods will have been prepared for you. If any ask, you are the duke's stockmaster for the new western pastures."
He listened to the information they had concerning Matt and the abbey, which did not provide any new information, gave them directions to the cottages, and as they left, the men were already gathering together the few possessions they had and clearing the campsite.


Red, sitting behind Elijah as they made for home, had been thinking. "They seemed to trust you, sir. Do you trust them?"

Elijah laughed. "I am not sure I would go as far as to say I trusted them, Red, but I think we have reached an understanding, of sorts. It remains to be seen if it works out."


Dom was sitting on the wall near the drawbridge as they approached the castle. "I am getting a little fresh air. Sick rooms are stuffy," he said, as the horse was brought to a halt beside him.

Elijah dismounted, and told Red to move into the saddle and take the horse in. "It will be good practise for you!" he called to the lad's retreating back. There was no answer; Red was concentrating.

The two men walked slowly inside. "Did you find out anything that may be useful to us?" Dom inquired, as they entered the Hall. Elijah flung himself into his favourite chair, and ordered wine. Dom, too, nodded his acceptance of the drink, as he sat opposite the duke.

Elijah did not answer immediately, but asked Dom about Matt, and said he was glad to hear that the man was breathing more easily. "John is a wonder, Lij!" Dom enthused. "And so is Dame Wenna. Matt is fortunate to have two such good attendants - plus his Wat, of course."

Elijah grinned. "Plus Wat. I'm sure he will feel more comfortable with his lover nearby - as did I when I was sick," Elijah said, the look in his eyes bright and soft, as he gazed at his companion. "I wonder how Wat felt about Matt's romance with Odilla? It does not seem to have damaged their...er...friendship, does it, my love?"

Dom blushed, but it was clear he was beyond pleased by Elijah's softer manner towards him. It augured well for the night. He thought of something else, before the warmth in his loins became heat, and gave his strong feelings away.

When Astin came with the wine, Elijah sent for John and Red. "We need to discuss what I found - or rather did not find at the abbey," Elijah said, sipping his wine.

Dom curbed his impatience until the two other members of the impending conference were present, and seated at the table. "Now, Elijah, what is it you didn't find?" Dom asked, as John raised an eyebrow at the question.

Elijah rested his chin on the back of his hands as he leaned his elbows on the table. "Do you remember that the elderly nun - Sister Wilda - who said she found Odilla's body, told us she only noticed it because she opened an infirmary window that morning, and saw what she thought was a bundle of clothing lying by the stream?"

Dom nodded. "Yes that is what she said. Why is it important?"

Elijah paused for a moment before answering. "I looked out of both of the windows in the infirmary, on that side of the wall, as Red will attest, and from neither of them was that place visible to me. The windows overlook an area quite sixty paces from where we found Odilla lying. I measured it."

John folded his hands on the table, and looked about at his three companions. "It is clear, then, that the nun lied. A serious charge. Now why, do we think, was she driven to such a lie? Have you any notion, Elijah?"

Dom's brow was creased, for he had no clues as to why the little nun should do such a thing. However, it was clear from his expression that Elijah had thought of a good reason for the nun's untruth. "I have," he said quietly. "I have several ideas. But they confuse rather than enlighten."

"It seems that Wilda might have found the body elsewhere, and moved it - why, remains to be discovered. Or someone else asked Wilda's aid - after finding the body - and engaged the old nun to remove it. Or Wilda is lying about that, as well, and some other person found the body, and she is lying to protect them."

"My final thought - unpleasant though it may be - is that Sister Wilda killed Odilla herself."

Comments

[mole-caz.livejournal.com]

Yet again I'm saving this for later when I can really relax and enjoy it. Oh heck - just realised that I'm going to be missing at least three episodes soon so will have a major catch up to do!!!!

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Well, my love, I hope it'll still be there, when you have chance to read! ;D xxx

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

This Elijah is altogether admirable. He's noble and powerful, but very kind, and fair with everyone. The way he's treating Matt's men will make them trust him, and it made me happy that he's doing all he can to lighten their burdens. I liked the scene with his aunt. And I'm so glad he finally made up with Dom

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Yes, I like Lij best when he's like this, I must say. It's how I hope he is in RL. We can all dream. I'm glad about Dom, too. I hate it when they quarrel, but needs must, in the prosecution of the story, what? ;D xxx

[verangel.livejournal.com]

"Do you wish to lose all this, stupid, proud man?" NO Thank God. Showing again how smart Elijah is. I LOVED this moment when he took Dom in his arms and comforted him, tasting Dom's tears. It has been hard on Dom too. Their deep love is intact. Great dialogue, mesmorizing as always. A whole different element was given in the secrecy they must apply with Sean tending Elijah. Ahhh naked Elijah. The harsh feelings were somewhat put to rest between Elijah and his Aunt. I still wonder what qualities she did not like in him. She helped shape him and make him fair minded.
I too wondered how Wat felt about Matt and Odilla. Why Matt turned from him. The mystery is twisting and turning and wonderful. What's better is that Elijah and Dom are solid and the desire and need to show each other their love is strong. I can't wait for the next chapter!!!
hugs you Ru and hope you are fairing well. xoxoxooxxo v I LOVE THIS!

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Hugses. I love how Elijah reasons things out in his mind. I think the RL Lij might do the same. Whereas Dom rushes in, where angels fear to tread. Bless.

I'm not too bad, thanks, love. :D xxx

[tristanpaulus.livejournal.com]

Lovely that Elijah finally gave Dom the comfort he so needs right now :)

A flicker of humanity from the Abbess?

So Sister Wilda may have murdered Odilla...but why? And Wat certainly seems an obvious suspect as well, given that he apparently had a romantic relationship with Matt before Odilla came along. Apparently neither of the Mortain boys is exactly straight as an arrow...unless Wat's feelings for Matt were one-sided, as we haven't seen Matt interact in a conscious and coherent manner with Wat yet, heh.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Ah, well, at the moment, no-one knows what's going on. Indeed, when the murders were committed, neither did I know! :D Luckily for the story, I do now. Giggles. :D xxx

[http://users.livejournal.com/saura_/]

That's very nasty of the people!! Maybe you should write the note anyways: I'm pretty sure they pass the same way and sober when they go to the pub!?

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

The trouble is, they're probably drunk when they use it, and beyond reading. I see the door is open, again - all I ask is that they don't pee (or worse!) on the floor! :D xxx

[http://users.livejournal.com/saura_/]

Oh dear!!! That's so nasty!!! Have you tried using something, like using rat poison on the walls and the ground? I mean: it would smell so badly they won't enter again. And when they don't do it again, you can grow out something again? I don't know.

[primula-baggins.livejournal.com]

"someone sneaked into my outside dunny last night, for a pee."

I don't know what a 'dunny' is, but that is disgusting!

I read some of this chapter yesterday, and some today, and I've already forgotten the fb I was going to give. I'm sorry.

I do recall how happy I am that Dom and Lij made up! : )

I'm glad Lijah is helping out Matt's band of outlaws. Let's hope they can be trusted. Dear Red is coming along nicely even learning to ride a horse!

Elijah's zeroing in on who committed the murder I think. It is a mystery why Wilda lied about seeing the body from the window.

Looking forward to more, Issi. I'm pleased that you're still getting ideas!

PS I love the poem at the top!

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Sorry, my love. Dunny is Australian slang for a lavatory, but we use it in the UK, too! :D I'm glad to say I don't really mind men - I suppose they are mostly men - using it. I'd rather than than they pee over my wall or gate. Yuck!

I have plenty of ideas, Prims. All I lack is the energy to convert them into fic. Bless.

I liked the verse, too. ;D xxx

[bellewood.livejournal.com]

I'm really enjoying this .. (yes, i'm still here..lol! I mostly print it out to enjoy while i relax.) I love the Elijah you're portraying! I love a man who commands respect .. he's fair, powerful and strong, and yet is sensitive and gentle!! Wonderful!

Love your poem too..
"He may be small,
But he's still my man" ... he sure is!

I wonder.. could you let me have the original words to the song. I don't think i know it all. :)

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

I didn't write the alternative version, Belle - I read it somewhere - Tolkien Online I suspect! Many years ago, when the film first came out. This is what I found whn I Googled the original.


'This song is sung by Merry and Pippin as they stand on a table at the Green Dragon. Peter Jackson says in the FOTR EE Audio Commentary that Fran Walsh wrote the tune after playing with the lyrics a little. The Annotated Score for the CR-FOTR call this "A Drinking Song". I've chosen to keep the first line as a title since it's easier to quickly identify exactly which song one is talking about.



Hey ho! To the bottle I go
To heal my heart and drown my woe
Rain may fall and wind may blow
But there still be
Many miles to go
Sweet is the sound of the pouring rain
And the stream that falls
From hill to plain
Better than rain or rippling brook
Is a mug of beer inside this Took


FOTR, Bk. 1, Ch. 4, A Short Cut to Mushrooms

This first part of this song is from one that Pippin and Sam sang as they made their way with Frodo to Crickhollow.


FOTR, Bk. 1, Ch. 5, A Conspiracy Unmasked

The second part of the song is the second verse of Bilbo's favorite bath song. This was sung by Pippin as he, Frodo and Sam bathed after arriving at Crickhollow.



The last line is, I think, meant to be one of those last minute substitutions one throws into a familiar song.'

Hope it helps. Glad you like my Elijah, too. Hugs. Ru xxx

[bellewood.livejournal.com]

Brilliant! Thanks Ru.. xxx

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

I love that song, it always cheers me up and makes me smile ;0)

What a bloomin' cheek, using your *dunny* like a public convenience! Now, if they had to pay 20p for a pee, they might think twice ;-/

Another very interesting chapter! Very glad that the Boyz are reconciled :-)

Thanks for posting.

*huggles*

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Do you tink I ought to put a dish in there with a few coins in, so they get the idea? :D They'd prolly pinch it!
Glad the bois ae back together, too! Huggles back xxx

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

They probably would nick it, I agree... Pity you couldn't put on one of those old slot machines that we used to have!

*more huggles*
XXX