The Song Of Sunset
Part 10 - Where The Loyalties Lie
Posted: September 19, 2008
*****
Glorfindel watched the Sindar entourage from Lothlorien dismount proudly. Amdir was accompanied by his wife, daughter and son. Glorfindel raised his eyebrows. It was probably the first time that the Lorien King had taken his family outside his own borders and predictably there was a sullen expression on his handsome but harsh features. Gil-Galad was receiving them courteously. He led Amdir, Amroth and the rest of the male nobles inside the halls, while Melorien guided the females of the contingent. Glorfindel averted his eyes.
“Glor”, Erestor’s soothing voice calmed him, “Come with me.”
Glorfindel followed his friend and sword brother silently and they made their way inside.
“I have not seen Elrond today”, Erestor remarked concernedly, “I thought he would turn up to receive the Lorien nobles.”
“Now that he is back in Lindon, he has been brooding again”, Glorfindel admitted, “I guess he must be in the barracks or in his study working his way through the papers until he faints of exhaustion and hunger.”
Erestor sighed, “Lindon does not agree with his spirits, maybe once the Numenorians arrive, we shall succeed pulling him out of his shell. He gets along well with Aredhil’s Queen.”
Glorfindel smiled on hearing Aredhil’s name, “I look forward to greeting the young King, we must deepen our acquaintance, we had scarce time for conversations during the battle. But the little I have known him, I like his company. He is remarkably wise for one so young, and very brave in battle.”
“He is a human, Glor”, Erestor reminded him, “Their race grows in wisdom faster than ours for their lives are shorter. They have a greater zest for life according to Elrond.”
“Elrond knows the bitterness of mortality all too well”, Glorfindel agreed, “but yet he says sometimes the gift of men is valuable. They do not grow weary of life”, he shook his head tiredly.
Erestor halted walking and folded his arms across his chest. He said in a dangerous voice, “Are you weary of life?”
“I feel so sometimes that I have lived past my quota”, Glorfindel shook his head sadly.
“Perhaps you think it is better to fade?” Erestor asked in the same low, dangerous voice.
Glorfindel shrugged.
“Well, know that I shall not let you go alone”, Erestor said quietly.
“How touching!” a melodic voice intoned from behind them.
Erestor turned so fast that Glorfindel was afraid he would break his neck, the Chief Counsellor’s sombre features transformed as he laughed merrily and rushed to embrace the newcomer.
“THRANDUIL!” he shouted happily, “I am glad to see you safe!”
“I do not understand why you think me safe in a nest of Noldor!” Thranduil smirked as he embraced Erestor tightly before walking to Glorfindel and bowing with his hand over his heart.
Glorfindel repeated his gesture and asked him quietly, “Is all well in your realm?”
“It is”, Thranduil beamed, “Come, Glorfindel, even if we do not have Balrog Slayers, we still manage!”
Glorfindl smiled, Thranduil Oropherion was one of the few elves he was always glad to see, the handsome features and melodic voice soothing him like few things could. But, Glorfindel observed frowning, there was an aura of power and other worldly radiance about Oropher’s son now. There was an expression of deep wisdom in those green eyes. Glorfindel gasped quietly as those eyes met his own, he knew without a doubt that Thranduil Oropherion had travelled to Mandos’ Halls and defied the call.
“Is your Adar here?” Erestor queried.
“With Gil-Galad”, Thranduil wrinkled his nose, “It must not be a happy scene, but tell me Erestor, where is Elrond? He has my falcon in his keeping!”
Erestor said quietly, “He is in his study working himself to Mandos. I hope you have a better chance to drag him to the feast tonight!”
“I see no reason why the Noldor should have a sea port when they cannot in any case cross to Valinor!” Oropher exclaimed.
Gil-Galad felt like banging his head on the desk. It had not been even half-an-hour and Oropher had succeeded in nearly reducing him to tears. He spared Galadriel and Celeborn a scathing look. The two had done nothing but exchange flirtatious looks and coy smiles since the beginning of the council. His frown vanished as he considered them, his aunt was obviously happier and healthier than she had been for decades. Galadriel caught his stare and blushed before smiling giddily. He raised his eyebrows before turning back to argue with Oropher though he knew he had already lost.
Elrond held his head in his hands as he tried to put himself in a more cheerful mood. Gil-Galad had personally volunteered to come and fetch him if he missed one more meal or meeting.
“Brooding, are we?” Thranduil leapt through the window and neatly landed beside him. Elrond watched with amazement as the Prince settled himself on Elrond’s study desk comfortably, his legs indolently placed in Elrond’s lap.
“You never use the door”, Elrond complained as he shoved Thranduil’s legs off him and got to his feet.
Thranduil shrugged before accepting a cup of tea from Elrond and remarking, “You look better.”
“You do not”, Elrond observed as he saw traces of fatigue on the other’s visage, “Were you injured?”
“Yes, I took a Morgul blade in a skirmish near our borders”, Thranduil said less self-assuredly, “I was near death, Thalion’s skill and Ada’s love pulled me back.”
Elrond hugged him whispering, “I am glad that you are safe”, he pulled back to scrutinize Thranduil more closely, “You need to rest for a few days, mellon-nin and I intend to make sure you do, atleast as long as you are in Lindon. You look different”, Elrond paused thoughtfully, “A bit like Galadriel, I suggest you rest under my care before you end up shrivelled like her!”
Thranduil asked him, “Why halt your ministrations after I leave Lindon? You have never visited my home, Elrond, come with me, a change will do you good.”
Elrond sighed, “I cannot possibly leave here, Thranduil, and that too with the Sindar! Gil shall fry me! But thanks for the offer anyway.”
Thranduil pouted, “Do you know people will kill for an invitation by the Golden Prince Of Greenwood? And you say no so uncivilly! You are hopeless, Peredhil! My Adar’s right, the Noldor do not know what is good!”
Elrond grinned inspite of himself.
Thranduil changed the topic abruptly keeping up with his reputation for unpredictability, “Shall we get dressed for the ball? Ada and I have a bet regarding who will be the most stared at this eve. I vouch for myself, Ada bets on Celeborn and Galadriel.”
Elrond smiled, “You are likely to lose the bet, mellon-nin, for Celeborn and Galadriel have been the focus of everyone these past few days.”
“Well, Ada will certainly win if I don’t make an effort to look good!” Thranduil said in a mock worried tone, “Come now, let us get dressed!”
Elrond found himself dragged to his chambers by the hurricane that was the Prince. He dressed hastily in his formal robes and accepted Thranduil’s assistance in braiding his hair, though he started to be apprehensive when the Prince began interweaving gems within the braids. But Thranduil, with his characteristic stubbornness persisted and there was nothing that Elrond could think of to dissuade him.
Then they started with Thranduil’s attire, which did not require a long time as Thranduil threw on a set of usual green robes and hastily braided his hair lightly into two thin braids above his ears away from his face.
“Would you wear anything other than green?” Elrond asked him invitingly, “I have a whole set of ceremonial robes that Gil had ordered for me, though he failed to warn the tailors of my broader half-human measurements!”
Thranduil muttered, “Wish I could, But adar-nin will not be happy and I don’t wish that.”
Gil-Galad watched appreciatively as Erestor was announced. The advisor was clad in rich purple silken robes that highlighted his aristocratic pallor admirably. Erestor smiled at Gil-Galad’s hungry stare and took his seat to the King’s right. Gil-Galad possessively placed his hand on Erestor’s knee.
“We are quite eager tonight, are we?” Erestor teased him good naturedly.
“I really do not appreciate sitting through yet another ball that is probably going to end up in a brawl between Oropher and Amdir”, Gil-Galad sighed.
Erestor nodded bleakly. The Sindar nobles of Lorien were already squabbling with those from Greenwood. Amdir kept to the Noldor side, his son and Galadriel accompanying him. Lady Anoriel was not present, Erestor noted worriedly.
“Where is Elrond?” Glorfindel, who had arrived just then, asked them, “Gil, you need to have a talk with him. He is becoming worse than Oropher in attending banquets!”
Gil-Galad sighed and murmured, “I will send someone to fetch him, I cannot leave now, the Numenorians are being escorted hither as we speak, I have to receive them and start the banquet officially.”
“Thranduil Oropherion, Crown Prince Of GreenWood, and Elrond Earendillion, Herald Of the Noldor!”the aides announced.
Gil-Galad eased back into his chair, his expression less worried as he watched Elrond laugh easily at something that Thranduil had said. Gil-Galad noted with pleasure that Elrond had dressed well for the occasion. His rose silken robes highlighted his dark complexion and through the intricately done up braids, small gems twinkled in the firelight. Thranduil was as resplendent as ever, but, Gil-Galad frowned, there was an inner aura that complemented the Sindar’s natural charms. Maybe, the King wondered thoughtfully, it might have been the brush with death that he had before the winter. Cirdan had told him that it had been touch and go.
Gil-Galad watched the two elves walk towards the Sindar of Greenwood and strike up an easy conversation with Celeborn and Oropher. Gil-Galad noted the easy rapport that his cousin shared with Oropher. He raised his eyebrows, Oropher did not obviously stick to his Noldor hating policy at all times. Or it might be because of the presence of his son, Thranduil obviously had his father about his little finger.
“King Aredhil”, the aide announced.
Gil-Galad and Erestor stood up to receive the young human King and his advisors. Gil-Galad could not help noticing that Aredhil had eyes only for a certain Balrog-Slayer. Erestor had tactically placed Glorfindel beside the human. Gil-Galad smirked at his bonded mate’s blatant meddling as the latter plied Aredhil with tales about Glorfindel.
Thranduil asked his father, “ Ada, would you like to dance with me?”
“NO”, Oropher said firmly, “I suggest you take young Elrond to the floor, ion-nin, and leave us to our concerns.”
Thranduil willingly complied with his father’s instructions as he dragged an unprepared Elrond to the floor.
“You idiot!” Elrond muttered, “Amdir is here! Do you have any idea what he will conjure in his imagination?”
Thranduil remarked wryly, “Probably he will accuse me of being a prostitute! Adar might knock his nose off this time.”
Elrond opened his mouth but Thranduil whirled him about suddenly, causing him to almost lose his balance. He cursed the Prince as he clumsily righted his posture and fell into step with Thranduil again.
Celeborn smiled indulgently as he watched Elrond glower at Thranduil, “Your son has been bested at his game, Oropher”, he said boastfully.
“Well”, Oropher said wickedly, “My son is young and hasty. He will learn to be more patient. Like his Adar!”
“Care for a dance?” Celeborn asked.
“Your lady will be mighty displeased!” Oropher pointed out. Galadriel was sitting with Amdir and his wife.
“She does not dance. Neither do I as you well know. But anything for my cousin”, Celeborn said gallantly.
Oropher wrinkled his nose, “Oh, no! He is at it again! Amdir and company will bay for our blood now!”
Celeborn turned to look at the floor. Elrond and Thranduil were in deep conversation.
“You say you can seduce anyone!” Elrond asked incredulously.
“Certainly!” Thranduil agreed proudly, “Let me show you.”
“How?” Elrond asked nervously as he watched a subtle change in those green eyes.
“Quiet”, Thranduil said in a low, enchanting voice, “Listen to my voice, Elrond. Is it as melodic as the call of the sea? As deep as the song of your love? Tell me, what does it make you desire?”
Elrond sweated as he felt himself fall into the trap Thranduil had made for him. He could see Oropher and Celeborn look warningly at him. Erestor was shaking his head silently imploring him not to do anything stupid. Glorfindel and Gil-Galad were however smirking at the scene, a knowing expression in their eyes.
“Elrond?” Thranduil said silkily, “What use is there in hesitation? Are we not warriors? Do we ever hesitate?”
“I…”, Elrond cleared his throat, “I do not know what I want. But you are enchanting, Thranduil… and, well, most desirable.”
“Well”, Thranduil replied in his normal tone, “I proved it!”
Elrond shook himself to sensibility and said scathingly, “You are the limit, Oropherion!”
“So I have been told”, Thranduil bowed politely to him as the dance ended.
Close to them, Amroth, who had been dancing with a Sindar maiden frowned. He had to warn his sister about Thranduil’s unpredictability.
Elrond retired to the banquet tables while Thranduil danced with one of those maidens whose sole purpose in life was to be noticed by him.
Erestor, Elrond observed darkly, was pulling Gil-Galad to the dance floor leaving only Aredhil, Glorfindel and Cirdan at the table. Sighing, Elrond took a seat across Aredhil trying to be as far as possible from Cirdan who sat on Glorfindel’s right.
“Lord Elrond”, Aredhil smiled, “It is good to see you in a better atmosphere!”
“I agree!” Elrond heartily agreed, “The Queen has not accompanied you, I take it?”
Aredhil shifted uneasily in his chair before murmuring, “No, only my counsellors have accompanied me. Travelling does not please her over much.”
They talked lightly about matters in Gondor and its provinces. When the dance music ended and the ministrels started a slow, romantic tune, Aredhil watched the dancers wistfully before sneaking a glance at Glorfindel. But when the elf turned and intercepted his glance, he hastily turned back to watch the dancers.
Thranduil was dancing with Erestor, Gil-Galad had opted out and stood nearby, chatting merrily to a counsellor, as he watched with mild disfavour his bonded mate dancing with the Prince. The pair drew admiring glances from the onlookers, their dancing skills supplementing their natural grace.
“Lord Aredhil”, Elrond said kindly, for he was well disposed towards his brother’s line in general, “Do you fancy dancing?”
“Yes”, Aredhil blurted, “I mean not much, only when required by state rules.”
“I would have taken you to the floor myself”, Elrond smiled as he saw the disquieted expression in the human’s eyes, he was reminded of Elros, the same insecurity and daring evident in the King’s eyes, “But Glorfindel is a much better dancer than I can ever be.”
Glorfindel sighed mentally seeing the hopeful expression in the human’s eyes. While he loved Aredhil’s company, he certainly did not wish to dance a romantic air with him, not while Melorian was dancing the same with Galdor. But since Elrond had named him specifically, Glorfindel had no choice but to smile, bow and extend his hand, which was readily accepted.
Elrond was now alone with Cirdan at the table. He resolved to be quiet as he was sure that any attempt at conversation would ultimately end in a disagreement. A few moments of reflective mutual silence later, it was with surprise that Elrond heard the mariner clear his throat loudly to get his attention.
“My Lord?” Elrond queried politely, not wanting to argue. He shot a desperate glance at Celeborn, who was winking at him from the other side, to extricate him from present company.
“My foster son has suffered enough defeats and betrayals in his life, Lord Elrond. I hope that you would do nothing to cause him further loss”, Cirdan said in a low voice.
“And what makes you presume that I would do that?” Elrond asked coldly.
Cirdan murmured, “I have lived a long time and I cannot but help seeing what is very evident regarding your feelings for Lord Erestor.”
Elrond did not reply as he appraised the other elf carefully.
“You do not need to worry about me running to Gil-Galad about this. I wish him happiness. Though I love both of them dearly, I wish Gil had married someone who could give him heirs”, Cirdan paused, “But what has come to pass cannot be changed. And I hope that you understand and act accordingly.”
Elrond said waspishly, “Then you would not tell me so. For I have done nothing that would harm their marriage. Gil-Galad is my cousin, Lord Cirdan, and I would never hurt him. My lineage may not be as pure as yours or his, but that will not make me reckless.”
Cirdan said nothing as he twirled a goblet of wine in his hands, his gaze fixed on Erestor and Thranduil, who were approaching the table talking excitedly.
Thranduil stepped forward and boldly kissed Cirdan on the cheeks before remarking, “Blue suits you well, My Lord.”
Cirdan said embarrassedly, “You are kind, pen-neth, I am glad to see you well.”
“Would you walk with me?” Thranduil asked softly.
Cirdan complied and they left the hall together.
Erestor dropped into the seat near Elrond’s and whispered to him, “How goes it? You look angry, that is why I came over. I know you dislike Cirdan.”
“Now it is not dislike anymore”, Elrond said sullenly, “It is hate; the evil, old sailor!”
Erestor laughed saying, “Fine language, mellon-nin, mayhap a walk would ease your temper?”
Elrond decided against it, Cirdan would probably skewer him, “No, would you grace me with a dance?”
Erestor got to his feet and extended his hand, “It would seem that I have more in common with you than with my dear husband! He dances so reluctantly that I have given up asking him.”
Elrond said nothing as he walked with Erestor to the dance floor, if he could not have Erestor’s heart, he would settle for these smaller pleasures whatever Cirdan presumed.
*****
Thranduil hummed to himself as he strolled lazily through the gardens. His feet automatically carried him to the summer house. He smiled reminiscently as he thought of the last time he had been here. He lay down on the soft, damp grass and closed his eyes, the smile still on his lips.
“Dreaming?” a female voice asked him softly.
Thranduil opened his eyes abruptly. Above him, a hooded form towered.
“I was worried when I did not see you at the ball”, Thranduil sighed, “But tell me, are you here without your Adar’s permission again?”
Anoriel pulled back her hood and said nervously, “Yes, I wished to see you. May I sit down?”
“Wild grass is not the throne I would have you seated upon”, Thranduil said smiling, “But I do not have anything else to offer you now.”
Anoriel smiled and spread her cloak on the grass before sitting down on it, her unbound flaxen gold hair bounced in the breeze. Thranduil whiffed at her familiar scent and gazed at the stars peacefully.
“Adar has asked me to rethink about this”, Anoriel mumbled quietly, “He says I am too naïve for you.”
Thranduil smiled, “In what way? I certainly have never disobeyed my father’s orders and followed him secretly to Lindon! I should say I am the naïve one.”
Anoriel laughed weakly, before saying hesitantly, “He says you are much experienced in matters of the heart.”
“I have never loved before”, Thranduil said lazily, as he turned to watch her pensive features, “I guess he might mean the matters of pleasure seeking instead. The last time he deigned to talk to me, he all but called me a body-seller.”
Anoriel said nothing, his carefree words increasing her doubts.
“Lie down”, Thranduil said smoothly, though Anoriel could detect the steel beneath his calm words. It was not a request, but a command. She obeyed, she would get the truth of this matter whatever it cost her.
Thranduil started speaking in a low voice that had none of his usual haughtiness, “My mother left my father and me while I was yet a babe. But the short while she resided in the Havens, I was with her. Her brothers would rage at my father and me so. Obviously they thought that since I was a child, I would not understand it. They were grieving for their sister’s ‘rash’ choice and cannot be blamed that they vent their rage on me and Adar. But those words haunt me even now. My nights are restless because of those memories, their harsh words, her crying, my parents’ tearful parting and the letter from the Havens that informed us of her passing into the Halls of Mandos. I cannot endure sleeping alone, the fear overcomes me. While I was young, I used to sleep in Adar’s bed. But after I reached my awakening, we decided that I should have a separate room. Adar knew of my fear, so he asked me to take partners in pleasure. After passion, my exhaustion carries me into a dreamless repose. So, I guess, in a way that I am really a body-seller, as your Adar declares. But my heart is untouched and that is what I shall lay down at your feet for eternity. And my body, as blemished as it is, if you would have it.”
Anoriel replied quietly, “I do not wish to have ownership over your body and your pleasures, My Lord Thranduil.”
“Do not keep formality between us”, he implored as he rested his head on one hand to look down upon her.
“I had never wished to love for I have seen and deplored the havoc it plays on us”, Anoriel whispered as she looked into those jade green eyes, “I had hoped to marry into a political alliance and save my heart as my own. I had prayed to be spared the emotional upheavals that love is destined to bring upon an elf”, she hesitantly ran her fingers over Thranduil’s finely sculpted face, “Now I find that I have indeed lost my heart to one I had never expected to claim it.”
Thranduil mirrored her gesture, his fingers lingering over her soft skin, as he said reverently, “I am yours, heart, body and soul.”
She shook her head firmly, “I will not have you forego the needs of your body until we are bonded or atleast betrothed, until I am sure that I can allay your fears at night. Until then, you may seek pleasure where you will”, she hesitated, “though I wish never with a woman.”
Thranduil said solemnly, “Never have I lain with a woman after I have seen you. And never shall I again unless it is you.”
She smiled and said quietly, “You are an unpredictable enigma, Thranduil Oropherion. I would never have expected you to say those words.”
“Yet you heard me saying so”, Thranduil laughed, “I fear this is just going to be one of the many things I will do before you are done with me. Now up and leave, for if your Adar sees us now, he shall call me a seducer!”
“That you are”, she remarked as she looked into those green eyes, an electric feeling pulsing through her entire body, “May I ask of you something?”
Thranduil nodded easily as he laid back, his head nested above his arms comfortably as he looked up at the stars again.
“I wish to kiss you, just to know if I can stand your taste”, she continued wickedly watching his stunned expression happily. As he opened his mouth to argue, she swooped down her head and kissed him, his words unheard.
His lips were soft as were hers, but she noticed that he had firmly shut his mouth. She pulled away. He was right, her father would kill him if he saw them kissing.
“Where did you learn to do that?” he gasped, “And your father thought you naïve!”
She laughed as she got to her feet gracefully, “Oropherion, he was right. This was my first kiss.”
“Then I will need no aphrodisiac!” he said still dazed by her kiss.
She laughed merrily as she pulled her hood on and flitted away silently. He shook his head and laughed happily once more wondering how his Adar could have chosen so perfectly well.
“A fine evening?” a quiet voice asked him.
Thranduil stopped laughing as Amroth’s figure emerged from behind the bushes.
Glorfindel asked Aredhil concernedly, “Are you tired? I mean no insult, but you have arrived after a long journey.”
Aredhil smiled, “No, My Lord, even though I am not an elf, I am not worn out by a few days’ riding and a couple of dances.”
Glorfindel raised his eyebrows. They had danced continuously for nearly five songs. Except for Elrond and Erestor, who were still dancing without a care in the world, most of the other pairs who had stepped onto the floor with Glorfindel and Aredhil had taken a break. Feasting and dancing would continue till dawn as was elvish custom. But Aredhil was a human, and he did look weary. If Aredhil turned up half asleep at the next day’s meet, the elvish nobles would snub him citing his human fallacies. No, Glorfindel decided firmly, it would not do to give into Aredhil’s pleading eyes now.
“Well, pen-neth”, Glorfindel said pleasantly, “You may not be tired, but I am old and my body needs rest. I suggest you leave this ancient elf to his rest and secure younger blood for the next dance.”
Aredhil looked up at him with concern and unhappiness, “I am sorry to have kept you from your rest, Lord Glorfindel! But may I escort you to your chambers now? In case”, he continued slyly, “You are too tired to find the way yourself?”
Glorfindel shook his head, “I am tired, but I will ask Erestor to take me to my chambers. Elrond will escort you to yours, My King. They have forgotten their duties with all the feasting!” He beckoned to Elrond and the latter unhappily stopped dancing and came over to them with Erestor.
“Escort your kin to his chambers, Elrond”, Glorfindel told him, “I am tired and would hurry to bed.”
Erestor cut in before Elrond could reply, “My King Aredhil”, he smirked at Glorfindel, “Your room is the next one to Glorfindel’s. To the right. And Glor, I do not think it would inconvenience you very much if you were to direct him to a door a few paces away from yours.”
Glorfindel fumed as Aredhil thanked Erestor with badly contained enthusiasm.
“Now if we are done, Glor, I would not keep you from your rest. Go by all means, and soak your weary bones in your warm bed, silk soothes your skin like nothing else can”, Erestor offered, Aredhil smiled nervously and Glorfindel groaned. Erestor was trying to make the situation worse.
Elrond caught on and said politely, “We bid Lord Glorfindel and the King Aredhil a good night. Now, we have a dance to finish.”
Erestor laughed and the two dark haired elves ran away to join those on the dance floor leaving Glorfindel with Aredhil.
“Come”, Glorfindel growled. He had thrown away all pretence of being a good host as he thought of how he should make Erestor repent for this.
Thranduil got to his feet and bowed, “My Lord Amroth.”
“Let there be no titles between us as there are obviously none between you and my sister, ernil-nin”, Amroth said stepping forward, “Have we not shared bodies once in Lindon years ago? Does not that merit informality, mellon-nin? Moreover I wish to be on first name terms with an elf for whom my sister left her chambers risking her father’s wrath.”
“Before you ask,” Thranduil said quietly, “I had not asked her to meet me nor had she asked me to.”
“I trust you”, Amroth said solemnly, “But there are those will not.”
“What they will not know shall not hurt anyone”, Thranduil said smoothly.
Amroth noticed that his eyes had lost all the warmth that they had held when the Prince had been talking with Anoriel. Now they were the cold eyes of a master diplomat, weighing his words carefully.
“They will not know”, Amroth conceded, “I will not bring disrepute upon my sister.”
“If having been seen with me is a matter of disrepute according to you”, Thranduil said silkily, “What will become of her reputation once we wed?”
“You are too confident about your alliance to her”, Amroth said dangerously, “Would you marry her against the wills of her guardians?”
“I would not wish her to be estranged from her family and her country no more than I would be parted from my King”, Thranduil said coolly, “But I know that we are in love and if your family would deny that, then you shall doom us to my parents’ fate.”
Amroth sighed, “Talk not thus tomorrow morning in council with my Adar and King. He would be displeased for he is already prejudiced against you. I wish you happiness for I want Anoriel happy and that she will find only with you. Whatever I can do to aid your cause in council, I shall.”
“Hannon-lle”, Thranduil placed his hand over his heart gratefully.
“But”, Amroth hesitated, “I would wish you to be more discreet in your meetings with her. There are those who wish you ill. Do not give them a chance to hurt you.”
“I have a champion in Adar”, Thranduil said confidently, “He will protect me as he always has.”
“I do not disagree”, Amroth said smiling, “Though I do wonder what he sees in this untamed, wild spirit that is more feline than elven! But I do repeat my words : Caution.”
Glorfindel watched Aredhil concernedly as they reached the chamber Erestor had assigned the human. Aredhil was drowsy and barely awake as he held onto Glorfindel’s hand like an elfling. So vulnerable and young, Glorfindel mused.
“’Re we there yet?” the young king murmured sleepily, “I am sleepy.”
“You are half-asleep”, Glorfindel said indulgently, as he opened the door and pushed his charge inside.
He was reminded of the countless number of times he had guided Erestor and Melorian to their nursery after they ended up half-asleep in his lap listening to his stories. Melorian, his face darkened, the elfling he had sung to sleep, taught fishing, riding, swimming and even stiching, the young elleth whom he had watched over proudly at her coming of age, the hopeful maiden who had with the boldness of youth admitted her love for him, and now finally, he reflected sadly, had turned into a bitter hearted woman who despised him. Love changes hearts, he thought darkly, Melorian, Elrond, Oropher, himself, they were all examples of how love could embitter elven hearts.
“Bed”, his charge pouted his eyes barely open.
Glorfindel smiled inspite of his dark thoughts and led the young king to bed and removed the human’s boots and tunic. He drew up the blankets over Aredhil and built a cosy fire in the hearth before settling himself in the armchair by the fire comfortably. There was a book on the small table beside the chair. Glorfindel idly picked it up, a note in Erestor’s hand fell into his hands from within the book.
“I know you will not return to your room, read this, until your human wakes.”
Glorfindel cursed Erestor, but started reading the book. It was one of his favourites, a story about Elu Thingol and Melian the Maia. He had to admit, Erestor knew him more than he wished.
Elrond made his way slowly through the throng of intoxicated elves. Erestor had left with his bonded mate when Gil-Galad started vomiting following a drinking competition with Celeborn. Galadriel and Amroth had taken away Celeborn to his chambers after he passed out unconscious. But that was after Sindar pride had been established because Celeborn had drunk fifty pints of ale to Gil-Galad’s forty-five. Elrond crinkled his nose disgustedly, the whole place stank of a pigsty or worse, he thought, a dwarven dining hall.
“Peredhil”, a slurred voice called him, he turned scowling, it was an intoxicated advisor of Amroth’s.
“Fetch us some wine”, the advisor ordered drunkenly.
Elrond was about to retort when Oropher’s clear voice cut in, “Pen-neth, there is no point in arguing with an intoxicated elf. Let him be.”
Elrond turned to face the Sindar King and bowed murmuring, “As you wish, My Lord.”
Oropher companionably said, “Would you mind escorting me till my chambers? I was afraid I would find none sensible to do so.”
Elrond laughed saying, “Come, Hir-nin, let us leave them to their merrymaking and seek our beds to rest. For tomorrow, we shall both need our wits to ensure Thranduil his bride.”
Oropher smiled, “That is true, pen-neth. But tell me, Elrond, would you think upon my invite seriously?”
Elrond asked him quizzically, “Your invitation?”
“Has Thranduil not mentioned anything to you?” Oropher frowned, “I expect the wine had finally muddled his brains, of course, I told him that you were always welcome in the Green Wood. He had told me you were desirous of spending time away from Lindon.”
Elrond cursed the Sindar Prince in excellent dwarvish mentally, all courtesy Glorfindel’s tutoring, before saying to Oropher, “I would be honoured to visit your realm, My Lord. But I am not sure that Gil-Galad would agree easily.”
Oropher said dismissively, “I will talk with him regarding that. After all, I am not asking you to be the Herald of Gil-Galad, but merely as my son’s friend. I don’t invite you from a king’s perspective, but from a father’s perspective. Come with us and let your mind find tranquillity for a few days.”
Elrond nodded. He wanted to escape from Lindon for a few days, it was more than he could bear with Erestor and Gil-Galad expressing their love openly before him daily. He liked Thranduil’s company. But the bad relations between Gil-Galad and Oropher would not help this plan.
*****
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