Posted: August 2005
Title: Eyes On Me
Author: Arthvaineth
Type: FCS
Characters: Gildor/Lindir, OMC: Fearghas, the tavern owner
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own LotR or any characters from the Tolkien world.
Timeline: AU
Beta: Larian Elensar
Author's Notes: Inspired by Faye Wong's song - Eyes on me. (Main theme of Final Fantasy VII)

Summary: Lindir found his place.

*****

In a tavern on the stage there sat an elf. He was playing his harp and singing songs. The music was wonderful and the voice was sweet, however, no one was listening. The men were drinking and talking loud. He was singing his songs alone. Near mid-night, the place was quiet, the customers were gone. He sighed.

"It's late, go to sleep, elf." The patron said.

"Yes, master," Said the elf and bowed his head. "Good night." Then he turned his back and walked to his room.

Once inside his room, he put his harp near his tiny little bed. He walked toward the wash basin and looked at the mirror which hung on the wall. A crying face showed in it; tears dropped down into the basin below.

---*---

In the same tavern, on the same stage sat the same elf. He was playing the same harp and the song which on one heard. Those men were drinking and talking loud still.

"Good evening," The patron greeted his customer who reached the bar. "How may I help you, master elf?"

"Good evening. I need a room." The golden haired elf answered.

"A room for one?" Fearghas asked.

"Do I look like I have company?" The elf looked over his shoulder and turned his eyes to the man again.

"Sorry for my lack of attention." Fearghas bowed. "How long would you like to stay and may I have your name, sire?"

"Tonight and tomorrow and my name is Gil...dor." He hesitated when he heard a beautiful voice and looked at the stage afar. His breath was taken away when he saw the elf who played his music alone. "Who is he?" He asked the owner when he turned his head back to the man.

"Ah... Lindir is his name." He grinned at Gildor. "He is your kinfolk."

"Why is he here?"

"Well, it's still a mystery. But I think you better ask him yourself. I give him a place to live and he plays music for customers." He said. "He seldom talks. He only knows how to sing I guess." He snorted when he walked around the bar and toward Gildor. "Let me show you your room, master Gildor." He beckoned Gildor to follow him to his room. The beautiful voice was fading when he walked up stairs.

---*---

"Good morning, master Gildor." Fearghas greeted the elf lord who walked down the stairs.

"Good morning." Gildor replied when he rubbed his eyes.

"Did you sleep well? Shall I prepare your breakfast?" He asked while he wiped the bar table.

"Oh! Yes, the bed comforted me and the breakfast... yes please." Gildor bowed slightly and found himself a table. He looked around and hoped to find any sign of Lindir but found nothing.

"Are you looking for the singer?" Fearghas asked when he placed a plate of food and a bottle of honey milk on the table.

"Where is he?" Gildor nodded for thank.

"He is out already."

"Out?" Gildor sounded surprise. "So early? Where does he go?"

"That I don't know." He shrugged. "No one knows where he goes in day time, but he will be here in the evening." He smirked. "I believe that you are the first one who has sought him out since he was here. Anyway, please enjoy your breakfast. If you have any need, just wave to me." He dried his hands on his apron.

"Thank you." The warrior nodded for thanks again.

"Enjoy." Fearghas nodded back to him and walked away.

* *

In the evening, Gildor came back from the market and picked a corner table and sat down. He waved to a boy and ordered a mug of ale and some food. As the night progressed, the tavern started to fill up with people. Gildor observed the people around; they mostly were farmers and workers. Only one or two tables were traveler or merchants. Suddenly, his eyes were caught by a figure which walked down the stairs slowly. 'It's him. It's Lindir.' He cried out in his mind. He watched Lindir walk toward the stage quietly and not even look to those men at the tables. He sat down and prepared for his performance. The song was raised but the men were still drinking and talking. As usual, he only concentrated on his music.

Toward the time to close the tavern for the night, the customers left gradually. But Gildor still stayed where he was. He watched Lindir pack up his things silently. Then he saw Fearghas talk with him while he pointed his finger to the table where he sat. He saw Lindir take a peek toward him as he nodded to the owner and walked up stairs.

Gildor tried to run after him, however, he lost the musician in seconds. He ran down stairs to Fearghas.

"Where is his room?" Gildor hissed.

"I'm not supposed to tell you, sire."

"What?" Gildor surprised.

"He told me don't tell anyone."

Gildor sighed and walked upstairs and toward his room. Meanwhile in Lindir's room, he put down his harp next to his bed and sat on the bed spiritless. He stared at the door for a moment then buried his head in the pillow.

---*---

Lindir's life was usually a routine. However, something was changed tonight. Besides concentrating on his music, he peeked to the corner table unconsciously. He was looking for the figure which appeared there last night. He found that table was occupied by a group of men. He shook his head and started his play.

Night after night, Lindir peeked at the corner table and tried to find the sight of the fair haired elf lord. Each time he felt desperate when he saw someone else sitting there. Again he went back to his room when the tavern was closed. He placed down his instrument carefully and looked at the mirror.

"Don't be stupid." He talked to himself in the mirror. "He won't be here for you. Just give up one's hope for good. Go to sleep." He sighed and washed his face then went to bed.

---*---

It seemed the Valar answered Lindir's prayer. When he stepped down the stair, he looked at the corner as a habit. He found the pale haired elf lord at the table talking with Fearghas. A smile was on his face when he walked toward his stage. He played his music as normal but he lifted his head and looked at Gildor often. He saw Gildor smile at him. 'Is it real or just my fantasy?' was the question on his mind and he felt his face heat. Lindir longed to speak with Gildor however he was too ashamed to speak. He ran back to his room immediately after his performance day after day. Gildor would have liked to talk him as well but he always a little bit late, he could only look up the empty staircase each time.

"I cannot stay here anymore." Lindir talked to the mirror again. "Tomorrow shall be my last night here." He talked to himself while he packed up his belongings. Then he walked out of his room quietly and toward Fearghas' room.

Gildor didn't go back to his room tonight. He stayed where was and waited. He didn't want to miss the chance to talk to the beautiful songbird. He knew Lindir always went out in the morning. He sat in the bar and waited until morning. However, he didn't see Lindir--not even a shadow. Anor greeted the land and the bar started its business.

"Didn't you go to sleep last night?" Fearghas asked, surprised.

"We sleep less then Men." Gildor replied without moving so the stairs would remain in his sight.

"Want some breakfast, sire?"

"It would be nice, thank you." Gildor bowed his head slightly.

"Yes, sire. Your meal will be ready in a minute." The owner bowed and turned his back and walked toward the kitchen.

The dusk was gone and Gildor was still waiting. When night fell, the crowd started to fill up the bar. A smiled was on Gildor's face because he knew he would see the songbird again. And yes, Lindir showed up as every before. He settled down himself and started singing.
~~
My last night here for you
same old songs just once more
My last night here with you
Maybe Yes Maybe No
I kind of liked it your way
How you shyly placed your eyes on me
Did you ever know that I had mine on you ？

Darling So there you are
with that look on your face
As if you've never hurt
As if you've never down
Shall I be the one for you
Who pinches you softly but sure
If frown is shown then
I will know that you are no dreamer

This time, he did look at Gildor when he sang. His eyes never left Gildor's and Gildor's never left his.
~~
So let me come to you
Close as I wanted to be
Close enough for me to feel your heart beating fast
and stay there as I whisper
How I loved your peaceful eyes on me
Did you ever know that I had mine on you ？

Suddenly he stopped his song and ran back up the stairs. This time, Gildor tried to run after him and again, he missed. Nevertheless, he didn't give up. He knocked on each door and cried out his name.

"Lindir!" Few knocks on the door. "Lindir!" Another knock on the door. He searched every single room, and luck came to him eventually. A dim light came from inside one of the rooms. Gildor was sure Lindir was inside. He knocked on the door.

"Lindir. I know you are inside. Please open the door. We have to talk." The golden haired elf kept on knocking on the door.

"I don't know you and we have nothing to talk about." A beautiful voice came from inside.

"Alright." Gildor spoke outside. "Let me introduce myself, I'm Gildor Inglorion." He paused. "I came from Imladris, the Last Homely House. I was sent by Elrond, the Lord of Imladris." He paused again when there were nothing came from Lindir's room. "We are looking for you, Lindir. Can I see you now?" He pleaded.

The atmosphere of quiet filled up the air in a moment and the door was opened slowly. Gildor took a deep breath and waited. When the door opened totally, there stood Lindir with his head lowered. "We meet face to face finally." He broke the silence with a calm voice and smile was showed on his enthusiasm face. Then silence felt between them again.

"What do you want from me?" It was Lindir who broke the silence this time, his gaze still fixed on the ground.

"I came on behalf of Elrond." Gildor answered. "He said you can stay in Imladris."

"Who said that I want to leave here?" Lindir sounded loud. "I..." He stopped when Gildor walked toward him. Lindir stepped away from him without realizing it.

"If you don't want to leave, why did you sing that song?" The elf lord questioned Lindir.

"I..." Lindir tried to protest but Gildor continued.

"If you are not coming with me, where do you want to go?"

"I don't know, don't ask me!" Lindir cried out loud and covered his ears. "That's enough!"

Gildor sighed and gave Lindir a hug. "Shh... please listen to me. I'm not going to force you. But I want to know the reason. Would you like to tell me?" He asked softly.

Lindir pushed away slightly then walked toward his bed and sat down. Gildor walked after him after he closed the door. He sat beside the musician. He glanced at Gildor and fixed his eyes on the ground again then spoke.

"I was born in Eregion and worked under the court of Celebrimbor as minstrel." He closed his eyes. "After Sauron destroyed Eregion, I meandered in this land. I lost my objective. I am just a mere minstrel and I don't have any skills." He started to sob. "During war time, I can do nothing. I only know about was music; no one will want a musician. I am worth nothing..." Tears dropped from his watering eyes.

"You are worth anything." Gildor lifted Lindir's head up and forced him to look at him. "You are welcome in Imladris." He rubbed Lindir's cheek with thumb.

"Welcome?" He snorted and pushed Gildor's hand away. "Why am I welcome there? I am not welcome here." Lindir turned his head away from Gildor's sight.

Gildor stood up suddenly and keen in front of Lindir. He took Lindir's hand into his own and sighed. "Listen to me," He said peacefully. "Lord Elrond welcomes anyone who wishes to stay in Imladris."

"Even if I cannot fight?"

"Who said that you have to fight?" Gildor shook his head. "Do you why Lord Elrond built up Imladris?"

"I heard that," The minstrel spoke softly. "But I don't need pity."

"I see," Gildor released Lindir's hand and now cupped his face. "There is no pity in Imladris, only respect." He spoke direct to Lindir's eyes.

"Respect?" Lindir confused "Isn't that place for refugees? There is no respect to the refugees. Those refugees fled and tried to survive."

"For men, may be yes," Gildor said without took away his eyes from Lindir. "But not for our elves. We are a strong folks. We ran away was not because we are cowards. It is because we know we have to stand up again and against the dark force. Then we will live in peace." Gildor nodded after he finished.

Lindir said nothing and started at the warrior's eyes. "But I only know music." He managed finally.

"That's enough," Gildor sounded with joy and placed his hands on Lindir's shoulders. "Do you know your voice can give us peace and courage?" A pink blush showed on his face and he lowered his head. "But," Gildor continued "the most important thing is," He stopped and took a deep breath. "I love you."

Lindir jerked his head and lost words.

"Don't be surprised," Gildor pulled Lindir into his embraced and he still knelt on the ground. "I know what I just said." He paused. "I know you are the one. And I know you have the same feeling." Lindir kept quiet and placed his chin on Gildor's shoulder. Gildor spoke again. "Why do you think I paid attention to you?" He teased. "I saw you looking at me while you were playing your music."

Lindir bit his lower lip while he was listening to Gildor's words. Gildor released him from his embrace after he rolled his eyes, then he faced the musician once again.

"Where is your beautiful voice?" He teased again. "Now tell me, would you like to come and stay with me, melethron?" He cocked his head and smiled. (Lover - male)

Lindir bit his lip another time and tears fell down his reddish cheeks. Then he nodded without a word. Gildor smiled and used the hem of his sleeve to dry those tears and said. "But I still want to hear your voice. It seems I am the only one who can speak."

Lindir giggle. "Yes, I will. I will fellow you wherever you go." He responded with his attractive voice.

Gildor's eyes sparkled and he placed his lips on Lindir's. A promise was sealed with a sweet and soft kiss. Then he embraced his new lover and a silent night fell upon them.

---*---

Next morning, Lindir and Gildor walked down the stairs together. Gildor greeted Fearghas and whispered in Lindir's ear before he walked toward the front door.

"Thank you." Lindir said and bowed to the owner.

"It's good to see you found your place." Fearghas bowed. "Your kin is waiting for you. Good luck."

Lindir bowed once more and turned his back and walked toward Gildor who waited him at the door. Gildor walked with him toward the stable. He helped Lindir get settled on the horse then he mounted as well.

On the horse's back Gildor smiled and listened while Lindir sang softly on the way to his new home.
~~
Darling So share with me
your love if you have enough
your tears if you're holding back
of pain If that's what it is
How can I let you know
I'm more than the dress and the voice
Just reach me out then you will know that you're not dreaming

~~ Faye Wang - Eyes On Me ~~

*****