The Song Of Sunset
Part 12 - The Balm of Friendships
Posted: September 26, 2008
*****
Elrond rode alongside the warriors of Green wood, talking with them companionably about various matters. Thranduil and Oropher were at the head of the party, engaged in an easy conversation.
“They always ride that way”, the warrior closest to Elrond remarked, “Do you find that strange?”
“I find much about their relationship strange but beautiful”, Elrond said smiling.
The warrior grinned, “Then Lord Herald, thus will you find Greenwood the Great. It is like its Prince, wild, untamed, feral yet alluring.”
Oropher called for a halt, they had made quick progress, their ride being swift and light. But now, it was night. Thranduil arranged the watches and supervised the settling down for the night.
Oropher approached Elrond, who had been staring at the sky pensively sitting cross-legged on the earth, his thoughts on Erestor.
“Elrond”, the king asked, “I hope you do not find the company of my men unpleasant? You have been riding with them all day.”
Elrond moved to make space for the king, who sat down gracefully. He replied, “Your men are quite tolerant towards a Noldor peredhel.”
Oropher smiled, “You are tolerant than the most towards the Sindar, I suppose that accounts for the disposition of my men.”
Elrond nodded saying, “That might be so, My Lord.”
Thranduil walked towards them balancing a tray having three bowls of soup and a plate of fried chunks of venison in his hands.
Elrond and Oropher accepted their bowls and the prince sat down next to his father remarking, “After a few days of laziness, riding all day makes me weary.”
Oropher remarked as he spooned soup from the bowl, “You practise riding almost every night, ion-nin, unlike me and Elrond. How weary will we be then?”
Elrond choked on his mouthful of venison as he watched Thranduil look at his father in a scandalized manner.
Oropher smiled saying, “Ion-nin, I am your Adar after all, few of your doings remain unknown to me!”
Thranduil tore a chunk of venison viciously saying, “You forget that we have a guest, Ada! You cannot be so indiscreet before him. What will he think of us?”
Elrond said helpfully, “I do not mind, anyway it is stale news.”
Thranduil snorted as Oropher laughed lightly, “You are both determined to embarrass me. Elrond, I cannot believe this of you! Siding with a Sindar King!”
“He has Sindar blood on his mother’s side, ion-nin, and that is more than you have in your veins. You are only a quarter Sindar, I may remind you”, Oropher said charmingly.
Thranduil muttered something indiscernible before saying aloud, “I go to seek my rest now.”
He walked off in a huff, which was very reminiscent of Haldir’s gait, making Elrond and Oropher laugh again.
Oropher finally said as if to himself, “He does not let a day pass without making me smile atleast once.”
They passed a large convoy of Lorien elves the next day morning, Thranduil whispered something to Oropher and followed the Lorien elves. He did not return until mid-day, then he had a smug, self-satisfied expression on his handsome face.
Celeborn told Amdir bluntly, “You should accept the proposal when you still can do so without losing face before all of elvendom.”
Amdir retorted, “Would you have given your daughter to an elf who has as loose morals as the prince? Would you choose him over Elrond Half-elven?”
“Any day”, Celeborn said bitterly, “I will not allow my daughter to marry Elrond if t is my hands, but I fear it is no longer so. It is not that I do not esteem Elrond, but it is that he cannot love her, he told me so frankly.”
“Thranduil says he loves my child”, Amdir said quietly, “Yet I do not feel it safe to let her go.”
“Amdir, mellon-nin, we parents never feel the time right to let our children leave our nests. But it is time, time to let them fly away and build their own nests. We can bless them to begin their new lives or oppose them. But, love will not be ceased by our mongering, we will be estranged from our children if we do not support their choices”, Celeborn said quietly, “Thranduil is not Oropher, he means to win his love by any means. You will lose your daughter to him if you do not agree to this. Oropher knows this which is why he is so unusually calm in his dealings regarding this. Even he may not be able to control the fire of Thranduil if the prince is truly determined.”
Amdir nodded, “That is true, mellon-nin, Thranduil is not an elf to be crossed lightly, I will do as you say, we shall begin the negotiations concerning the betrothal as soon as we reach Lorien.”
Celeborn said in a relieved voice, “That is wisdom, Amdir, for I had no wish to see you estranged from your daughter.”
“She would have chosen him over me?” Amdir asked stunned.
Celeborn said with a bittersweet smile on his handsome features, “Indeed, for there is no hold on a heart greater than that of love between two souls.”
Erestor watched with mild amusement as Glorfindel struggled to maintain his dignity with Aredhil hovering about like a mother-hen. They had been lovers for two weeks and Glorfindel found walking harder with each passing day.
“I am sure that I can pour tea into my cup, my friend!” Glorfindel said exasperatedly, “Do sit down, you are making me nervous.”
Aredhil complied unhappily.
Erestor asked Glorfindel innocently, “Would you join me for a game of chess in my study tonight?”
Aredhil looked over at Glorfindel fearfully. The Balrog Slayer gave Erestor a jaundiced look before saying blandly, “I have less boring things to do, my dear Erestor, than playing mundane chess with a half-wit.”
Aredhil was shocked by someone speaking thus to the sharp counsellor. But Erestor merely smiled saying, “Indeed, if you devote your time to these less mundane things, Glor, you may not be able to ride again in the foreseeable future”, he bowed gracefully before walking away.
Glorfindel had turned a deep shade of pink before murmuring, “The wretch!”
Aredhil asked him worriedly, “Maybe you know, we should not so often...”
“You are leaving soon”, Glorfindel interjected, “I would not wish these days together wasted.”
Aredhil sighed, “You are impatient as a one of my kind!”
“Lord Glorfindel”, a young woman, Aredhil remembered her as the hostess of the palace approached them, Lady Melorian, he wondered why Glorfindel was upset, until the lady spoke coldly, “I thought not that you would stoop to such low morals as seeking comfort in the arms of a Second born.”
Glorfindel said in a tight voice, “Melorian, you should not speak thus, pen-neth.”
“It is not for you to tell me that”, she reminded him, “My Lord, you have lost all your claim on me that night when you refused to heed my plea. I simply warn you that seeking substitutes does not become one of your stature.”
Aredhil stood shocked, on hearing the lady’s words. Even if Glorfindel had not accepted his love, atleast the elf had agreed to be with him until he left for Gondor. He watched painfully at the woman who had once loved Glorfindel and whom Glorfindel probably loved. He, Aredhil, had been a mere body substitute. Glorfindel had not even considered him worthy enough to reveal that fact.
Glorfindel sighed as Melorian walked away before turning to Aredhil. The human’s face was set in a calm emotionless mask, but the tell-tale cobalt blue eyes revealed the truth, the pain, betrayal, mortification and infinite sorrow that the young king felt.
Glorfindel knew that nothing he said could erase that pain. He watched numbly as Aredhil walked away stiffly, carrying himself with the pride of the line of the Kings of Numenor. Glorfindel, Lord of the House of the Golden Flower had broken yet another heart that loved him.
Celebrian dismounted gracefully from her steed, and rushed into her beloved Adar’s arms.
“My beautiful daughter is with me again”, Celeborn whispered into her ears, “I missed you so.”
Celebrian laughed saying, “You left me in Lorien and left for Greenwood. And you and naneth have been carousing about like lovebirds at Greenwood and Lindon, I heard long, evil tales about your adventures!”
Celeborn said sternly, his features flushed with mortification, as he wondered about the long, evil tales that had reached his daughter’s ears, “You behave yourself, young elleth, and go up to greet you naneth.”
“Later”, she said lightly, “I bear an urgent message to Anoriel.”
“Isn’t it your naneth important than the message?” Celeborn chided her half-heartedly. Galadriel, his mind pointed out, could have come down to greet her daughter.
Celebrian gave him a cool stare before saying bluntly, “You may have forgotten the wrongs she did to you, Adar, but I have not. I will not forget it. Sometimes, Adar, your love for her blinds you to her faults.”
She walked inside the palace, leaving Celeborn alone.
“’Bria”, a soft hand pulled her into an alcove, “I saw you arrive, was your journey fine?” Anoriel looked about warily, “Adar has forbidden me to come out of my chambers. But I could not stay there when Lord Celeborn told me you were coming today.”
Celebrian hugged her friend and whispered back, “I have a message for you from your Golden Prince, take it, before I meet my mother.”
Anoriel’s face lit up with joy as she giddily took the scroll from her friend. Celebrian smiled, happy for her friend even as she wondered if she would ever taste that joy.
He walked slowly towards Erestor’s study, knowing that within sat a person who had never judged him this far. He knocked once before entering. For a moment, he paused thinking of his worries as pride rose in him. His student, his friend and his foster-son, Erestor had made him proud in all ways.
Now, he smiled involuntarily, Erestor had a dark smudge of ink on his pale left cheek, his hair was tousled about his shoulders, he bit an end of a quill, an elegant, thin, eyebrow raised as he pondered over an official parchment. He had not yet acknowledged his friend. Indeed, he had not even raised his eyes up from the scroll he was concentrating upon.
“You could be murdered if you are so inattentive”, Glorfindel remarked as he approached his friend’s desk.
“Glor”, Erestor drawled, “You should know that nobody will dare murder an elf who bears on his poor shoulders, the business of running a realm. The King assigns the best guards to my protection.”
Glorfindel murmured, “Ever the conceited one, are we not?”
Erestor chuckled, and waved him to a chair on the other side of the desk informing him, his eyes still boring the parchment he had before him, “There is a goodly hoard in the cupboard, help yourself. Goblets on the side table beside that map of Beleriand, goodness knows why we keep a map of a place long destroyed, there is a plate of biscuits on the sideboard. The aides seem to think that I am too thin and deliver food at times and between times to my study.”
Glorfindel went to the cupboard and selected a vintage from Green wood for Erestor, and hardy dwarves’ ale for himself. Erestor kept away from human and dwarven spirits, saying he could not stand their smell. So the only reason he kept a bottle of ale in his study cupboard was for warriors like Glorfindel and Galdor, another close friend.
Erestor accepted the proffered goblet with a nod of his head and leaned back in his much worn out chair and frowned, “Glor, you look terribly out of sorts.”
Glorfindel shrugged as he downed the entire goblet of ale he had poured himself. He discarded the goblet and took a heavy swig directly from the bottle. He was in a mood to get seriously drunk.
“Glor”, Erestor’s eyes had narrowed, “Is this your idea of an aphrodisiac? Trust me, you are likely to have a very sick night! Aredhil will not come within five miles of you.”
Glorfindel mumbled darkly as he downed more ale, “He is not likely to come within five miles of me anyway!”
Erestor asked sharply, “Glor, what happened?” He took in his friend’s dejected figure worriedly. The last he had seen Glorfindel and Aredhil, they had seemed the perfect couple of lovers. What had happened in such a small span of time?
Glorfindel did not meet Erestor’s eyes as he whispered sadly, “Melorian.”
Erestor got to his feet and went around his large, cluttered desk to Glorfindel’s side and knelt before him asking softly, “What about her?”
Glorfindel said hoarsely, trying hard to prevent his voice from breaking, to prevent that unnatural constricting of his throat, to prevent the prickly, burning sensation in his eyes. But he failed as he slumped onto Erestor’s shoulder, burying his face in the warm, velvet, ceremonial robes and sobbing softly, “She came to me while I was with him. Said that it was unworthy to seek substitutes for pleasure, she could not see that he loved me. It broke his heart so, ‘Restor, there was nothing I could do, for there was no right on my side. I used him as despicably as I once made her wait for me. She had it in her heart to move on and seek true love; for I wish what she has now is true. She did not curse me, or blame me. But he; the pain in his eyes as he accused me silently; it was unbearable. I could say nothing to soothe his pain. I watched helplessly as he walked away; defeat, the only aura about his noble figure.”
Erestor did not say anything as he let Glorfindel pour out his grief, his hands mechanically stroking soothingly the blonde’s hair. But inwardly, he was confused. While Melorian had every right to be angry regarding Glorfindel’s slow courting, she was not wise to get betrothed to Galdor so hastily. But the more he saw them together, the more he felt they were really in love. Glorfindel, he sighed, the Balrog Slayer had been always hesitant to express his emotions, preferring to hide under that mask of comfortable calm. Aredhil, Erestor was sure, loved Glorfindel. Which would make this a sticky situation, even if Aredhil was not the King of Gondor.
Finally, when Glorfindel’s sobbing had subsided, Erestor said comfortingly, “Come, let me take you to your chambers.”
They walked in silence to Glorfindel’s chambers. Erestor helped the blonde elf into bed and drew up the coverlet over him.
“Stay with me, saes”, Glorfindel whispered.
Erestor smiled, “Do you have to really ask, mellon-nin?”
Glorfindel smiled back weakly, his puffed, red eyes spoilt the pretence however. He asked quietly, “Would you sing for me? The song you used to sing whenever the waves crashed over the docks of Cirdan.”
Erestor sat by his friend’s side and asked him, “I thought you hated that song! Certainly you used to set me lines as punishment whenever I sang that within your hearing range.”
Glorfindel smiled, this time sincerely, as he said, “I hated nothing that you ever did, mellon-nin.”
Erestor stroked Glorfindel’s forehead as he began to sing in his low, rich, melodious voice,
Hearken to the waves, they pound against our lands,
Mayhap they bring us a message from golden sands,
Where we all came from, where we all shall go at the end,
Oh, there the wear, the toils and the sorrow shall end,
Until then, my love, I shall endure in these toils,
For then, my heart, I shall say what I could not ever,
That I love thee far more than any other.
So hearken to the waves and be heartened, my own.
He smiled and stopped singing. Glorfindel, the fierce, had fallen asleep like an innocent elfling. At moments like these, Erestor was sure that Glorfindel looked younger than him. He tucked in the covers more snugly about his sleeping friend and pressed a chaste kiss on Glorfindel’s forehead. Now he had to set things right. He walked out of the room determinedly.
*****
Elrond looked about the great, ancient trees of the forest. Sunlight filtered through the swishing leaves and dappled the ground. He sighed in wonder, never had he seen a forest so beautiful, even Lorien’s mallorn trees paled in comparison to these ancients.
“What think you of my father’s realm?” Thranduil asked him pride evident in his green eyes.
Elrond smiled as he said softly, “It is the most magnificent place I have ever seen.”
“Then your mother’s blood has done you some good”, Oropher muttered as he joined them, “The last time Gil-Galad was here, he complained of the falling leaves.”
They rode on more slowly through the hidden Great Forest Road that led from the High Pass of the Misty Mountains to Lake Town. Elrond greedily looked around at the fascinating plants and animals that he had never seen so far. More than once, Thranduil’s stallion snorted in impatience as Elrond halted Dance and stooped down to smell yet another flower.
“My father has his fortress in the centre of these forests. To that side”, Thranduil pointed, “lies the stronghold of our trading partners, the dwarves of the Lonely Mountain, and the Lake Men.”
“I wish to see the forests at night”, Elrond said wistfully, “’Twould be nice to sleep under the trees.”
Oropher remarked, “Then you shall find yourself in excellent agreement with my wild son. He roams these woods more than anyone else and knows all the secrets of these lands.”
Thranduil retorted smiling evilly, “Ada-nin, Celeborn told me of a certain princeling of Doriath who used to wander in the woods of Luthien. And apparently, Elu Thingol had to send a search party many times to bring back this princeling.”
Oropher said disbelievingly, “Celeborn told you that!”
“Along with many other tales,” Thranduil assured him, “Be prepared to hear them all with embellishments should you persist in calling me wild.”
Oropher wisely said, “Ion-nin, you are the sweetest, cutest, most adorable and obedient son any elf could hope for. Now, stop telling those tall tales.”
Elrond laughed as Thranduil sputtered in shock at his father’s adjectives and said hastily, “I much prefer ‘wild’ to all those, Ada.”
They approached the large stone fortress the next week. Oropher’s people came out to welcome their King and beloved Crown Prince. Oropher’s advisors kissed the hand of the King and led him inside. Thranduil followed more slowly, ushering Elrond in, at the same time, hugging many of his father’s subjects, who rushed to greet him with flowers. Elrond mused that never had Gil-Galad or Amdir been the subject of such affection in their respective realms.
Thranduil said quietly, as they followed the aides through the long, cool corridors of the fortress lit dimly by torches on the walls, “I missed home.”
Elrond replied, “You have been away for a few weeks, and you miss your land so. Think of Glorfindel who has been denied Valinor and sent back to Arda. Think of the Princes of Doriath, who have lost their homes in the Kinslayings. Think of the Noldor, banished from Aman, haunted by the doom of Finwe.”
Thranduil sighed, “That is true,” he brightened up suddenly saying, “THALION!” as a grey haired elf came to meet them. Thranduil hugged the elder elf murmuring, “Glad to see you have not seized power while we were away.”
The grey haired elf replied regretfully, “I had been planning to do that tomorrow, but your arrival has complicated matters”, he held Thranduil back at an arm’s length and inspected him sternly, “You are still weary, pen-neth. I will not allow you to water the plants with the draughts I made for you as you sneakily did thus far. I am going to personally make sure that you drink even the last drop of my draughts”, Thranduil’s guilty smile did nothing to halt his lecture however. He said less severely, “You are lacking in manners after the stay in that Noldor realm, now, put on your hostly manners and introduce your guest to the long suffering healer of your father’s brat.”
Elrond bowed low to Thalion, “Elrond Earendillion at your service, my Lord. I have heard much of your healing skills and wish to learn from you, if you might find the time to teach me the arts of healing.”
“Ah! Elwing’s son”, Thalion dispensed with formalities and lifted up Elrond’s chin, “Much of your features remind me of her. And of Dior, too.”
“You know my mother”, Elrond asked wonderingly.
Thranduil snorted saying helpfully, “He knows countless people who have not probably even known of his existence.”
Thalion shot him a reproving glance before telling Elrond, “Yes, Lord Elrond. For I was the Chief Healer of Elu Thingol himself and later the chief Healer to Dior. I have patched up your mother countless times once she took to riding. But”, Thalion smiled reminiscently, “that count, however high it may be, is nowhere near the number of times I have patched up Ernil Thranduil.”
Thranduil dragged Elrond away from a victoriously smirking Chief Healer muttering, “Whatever happened to a healer’s discretion?”
The prince led Elrond to a well-furnished, plush room in the royal wing itself.
“I can be comfortable enough in a guest suite, you know”, Elrond murmured as he took in the magnificence of the chambers he had been given.
“Mellon-nin”, Thranduil said seriously, “You are not only a noble guest to our realm but also my friend unfortunately. We cannot have you roaming about the corridors lost. Now”, Thranduil gestured to his right, “those are my chambers, the ones opposite to yours are Thalion’s and the ones next to mine are my Adar’s. You can come to me or Thalion should you need anything. I am afraid there are not many aides as there used to be at the royal service in Lindon. Adar insists that we help ourselves. And, do never even mistakenly knock on his door. He rests less than I would like him to anyway.”
Elrond nodded saying earnestly, “I would never do that, mellon-nin. Though the King has had nothing but friendly words for me thus far, I am still somewhat in awe of him.”
Thranduil chuckled, “That is the result of his Noldor scaring act! Come now, Elrond, refresh yourself and change your travel clothes and we shall go for dinner. Knock on my door if you are finished. I will retire and clean myself of the way grime.”
Elrond closed the door behind Thranduil and looked about the room. The large bed in the middle was supported by a magnificent cedar cot. Soft satin sheets invited him to sleep. He smiled to himself as he set to removing his travel stained wear, Coming to the Sindar kingdom had proved a good idea till now. He drew himself a warm bath in the marble tub and thoroughly washed himself. If he was to eat with Arda’s most alluring elves, he atleast had to show that he had made an effort! He chose a clean pair of ivory leggings and light brown tunic. Green and brown were the Greenwood colours and he did not wish to insult them the very first night of his arrival by wearing a Noldor colour. He left his hair loose, except for two braids that held it away from his face and humming softly, he walked to Thranduil’s room and knocked.
Thranduil opened the door, his hands fastening a belt over his tunic as he complained, “I will need new tunics and leggings. For all of mine are too loose now.”
Elrond nodded saying, “Yes, you have indeed weakened much in body. It is as if you are not healed entirely.”
They walked to the small family dining hall quietly. Oropher was already seated at the head of the table, across him sat Thalion. Thranduil led Elrond to the seat on the King’s right before seating himself on the King’s left.
An aide emerged from the flickering shadows of the torchlight with a large food tray and laid out the bowls of food before disappearing silently. Oropher reached for an apple and started slicing it quietly. Elrond wondered how the king could manage with so less sustenance.
Thranduil reached for a pear, but Thalion and Oropher gave him equally sharp looks and he meekly cut a chunk of roast venison and started industriously eating it. Elrond selected a slice of lembas and cheese.
“Ion-nin”, Oropher remarked, “You seem fatigued. Was it the journey?”
Thranduil shrugged saying, “Maybe, Ada-nin, I seem to have lost my appetite.”
Thalion interjected, “You should have drunk my draughts instead of pouring it into the flowerbeds outside your room, pen-neth!”
Elrond muffled a smile as Thranduil muttered, “I think it is so because of my Adar’s aversion to medicine and food. Some traits are hereditary.”
Oropher leaned back in his chair and surveyed his son and healer lazily above his goblet of wine.
Predictably Thalion retorted, “If you had told me what exactly happened in that skirmish, I would have been able to prepare a more specific medicine.”
Thranduil smiled, but Elrond and Oropher noted sharply that this was not once of his usual smiles, there was a bitter quality to this and his voice was subdued as he replied lightly, “I prefer the Dorwinion to any of your draughts, you ancient healer”, he distastefully drank a glass of water all the while eyeing enviously the bottle of wine forbidden to him.
Erestor tiredly walked towards the training arena where Aredhil was venting his spleen on an elvish warrior in a mock duel. Erestor grimaced, he had a tough day of councils and negotiations. Now, this was going to be the climax of his gruelling day.
He nodded slightly to the elvish warrior who retired hurriedly. Nobody in Lindon was keen to be Erestor’s wrong side and with good reason. He had a Feanorian temper if truly provoked.
Aredhil acknowledged him with a deep bow saying, “Good Day, Lord Erestor.”
Erestor pasted an unwilling smile on his face as he responded pleasantly, “Indeed it has been a fair day”, smart lying had won him many a council meeting, “Would you walk with me?”
Aredhil looked at the Chief Counsellor closely. There were dark circles around those wise eyes underling the elf’s high work load and the toll it was taking on him. And obviously, Elrond’s and Glorfindel’s absence had added to the already overworked counsellor’s duties. And from what Aredhil had seen of Gil-Galad, the human was quite sure that the Noldor King was not an enthusiastic administrator.
“I wish to talk of Glorfindel”, Erestor began abruptly, he was worn out, and wished nothing more than to sink into a bed and not get up for a week, he really did not feel up to using his diplomacy skills in this discussion, “I know that I have no right to question your private relationships. Nor do I presume to do so.”
Aredhil said quietly, “I would never dream of presuming that what I had with him was more than a temporary arrangement. It was on my insistence that he did it. So I do not blame him for what happened. If anything, I regret that I caused unwitting trouble to your sister. I offer my apologies.”
Erestor said firmly, “My sister and Glorfindel have ended their relationship. There is nothing between them now, except the lingering past which will fade with time. Glorfindel is not accustomed to expressing his feelings openly. That is why he always seeks to stick to the known, safe paths.”
Aredhil said seriously, “I have never asked him to make any sort of commitment.
Lord Erestor, since we have talked this frankly, let me tell you that I love Glorfindel. But I would never hurt him. I would not mind being used by him even for a lifetime. But I wish that he had been frank with me.”
“Frankness is an alien concept to those of the First Age”, Erestor murmured, “They take everything slowly and cherish each moment. It is not that Glorfindel intentionally meant for you to be hurt thus. He regrets it deeply and came to me after that conversation with Melorian. I had a tough time coaxing him to find rest as he thought only of your grief at her words. Never had I in all our times together seen him thus broken, not even after the time he learnt that the Valar had denied him Aman.”
Aredhil twisted his hands worriedly as he flinched at the thought that he had hurt his beloved Glorfindel so deeply. He could not even move his dry lips to answer Erestor.
“It is not your fault, Aredhil”, Erestor said softly, “I have known him longer than anyone. And I know that he loves you, though I cannot say if that love equals yours. Maybe you should ask him that directly.”
Aredhil nodded before saying tremulously, “He is still in his chambers, I hope?”
Erestor nodded and watched with a mixture of amusement, happiness and weariness as the human bounded across the gardens to the palace.
An aide, who had been following them at a discreet distance, approached him and said, “The traders from the Havens have assembled in the hall. They await you, My Lord Erestor.”
Erestor reluctantly straightened his drooping shoulders and trudged back to the council hall. If only Gil-Galad had chaired the meetings that the King should chair, then Erestor could have had a respite.
The aide respectfully continued, “My Lord, after this you have to meet Prince Amroth with regard to the winter games to be held in Lothlorien, then you have to make an appearance at the ball that the King is holding in honour of Lady Celebrian’s arrival. Then you have a midnight appointment with the Chief Healer of the palace to make sure that the miruvor is of good quality. Then…”
Erestor growled, “All right, all right! I am working yet another night! I give up.”
Oropher asked Thalion fearfully, “He is not yet healed, is he?”
Thalion shook his head quietly. He could practically feel himself drowning in the strong emotional current of fear and sadness that emanated from the King.
“He has been to Mandos and back”, Thalion sighed, “I doubt that he can be healed by any on Arda. Only Valinor can repair the damage.”
“So they have begun, my son’s trials and I am helpless to protect him from the wickedness that abounds. Ingwe’s letter should have been obeyed, mayhap now too it is not too late”, Oropher said despairingly knowing well that it was late. His son would not suffer a parting.
“He is strong, mellon-nin”, Thalion said reassuringly, placing his hand on Oropher’s.
“Elbereth save him!” Oropher said in a trembling voice.
There was such a lost expression in his green eyes that Thalion, not for the first time, feared that the King had a gift of premonition. The healer shoved aside his thoughts and helped his friend to the royal chambers.
Thranduil mixed a sleeping draught in a glass of honey and downed it quickly. He was too weary to seek pleasure tonight, and all he wanted was a good night’s sleep. But the nightmares of his childhood would assail him again; he had resorted to a draught to prevent alerting his father, who was a very light sleeper. Oropher was already too much worried. And to make matters worse, there was Elrond, who was apparently searching for victims to try his foul sleeping draughts on, according to the tales Thranduil had heard at Lindon.
“Our daughter seems happy”, Galadriel observed as she looked up at her husband from the book she had been reading.
Celeborn stood before her, arrayed in a muted green tunic and leggings, his handsome features accentuated as his hair was neatly braided into a single plait. He had been about to go out with his daughter for a walk.
“I guess so”, he said carefully, “Mayhap she has found someone.”
Galadriel nodded sagely, “That may be so, hervenn-nin, but the King and Amdir have decided on an alliance and what more than a marriage between his house and that of Lorien to strengthen it forever?”
“It would not be a marriage even in the least meaning of that word, Galadriel!” Celeborn retorted angrily, “You know well what folly you commit even if Amdir and Gil-Galad are ignorant of the truth. Yet you have taken this decision. I will not interfere as long as ‘Bria does not suffer. But if she utters a single word of regret, then wife dear, I will not be accountable for my actions.”
He walked out of the room and slammed the door shut behind him leaving Galadriel with her thoughts and fears.
Elrond Peredhil, she knew well, dreamt only of one elf day and night. Her daughter would not find happiness in his arms. Thranduil of Greenwood, she surreptiously tried to touch the Prince’s mind, but some power stronger than hers blocked her. She sighed, the Prince could be her biggest adversary in the coming days.
*****
Aredhil closed the door behind him quietly, but it was still not quiet enough to not rouse the sleeping form in the large bed.
“Aredhil”, Glorfindel sat up disbelievingly.
“Glorfindel”, Aredhil approached the elf and knelt before him, “I am sorry for hurting you thus.”
“To know love is to be hurt, mellon-nin”, Glorfindel said sadly, “You have been hurt more than me.”
“Would you rather that we had never started this?” Aredhil asked him quietly, “Do you regret this?”
Glorfindel looked down at his brave lover, there was a weary acceptance in those cobalt blue eyes. It must have taken the human a lot of courage to be so frank with him. Courage that he did not find in his heart. He was a coward, had been one his entire life. He shook his head firmly, enough of his life had been wasted on waiting and regretting. Now it was time to live life the human way, without regrets.
He placed his hands on Aredhil’s shoulders and kissed him slowly. The human stiffened for an instant, but then seemed to lose himself to the moment as he greedily delved his tongue into the elf’s mouth. Glorfindel felt himself drowning in the kiss. He smiled; it was ironic that he, who had been so old fashioned in matters of courting, now actually loved being kissed to asphyxiation by a passionate human.
Aredhil rolled over him and straddled his hips before laying claim to his lips again. Glorfindel ran his fingers lightly over the human’s neck causing him to squirm like an elfling, before muttering, “It tickles, Glorfindel.”
Glorfindel laughed softly before doing it again.
“Tonight”, Aredhil said nervously, yet determination evident on his face, “I give myself to you. You have yielded to me all these days. I leave tomorrow. Before that I wish a souvenir of our time together.”
Glorfindel tilted his head as he considered the change in the usually brash, impatient young human, there was more to it than met the eye, “If you wish so”, he acquiesced finally, “But don’t complain if my pace puts you to sleep.”
Aredhil said adoringly running his hand through the elf’s golden locks, “I want this. And be assured that I will cherish every moment of this.”
Glorfindel said laughing, “Then, my handsome lover, you shall learn the virtue of patience.”
He bent over and slowly pulled apart Aredhil’s robe exposing the tanned skin inch by inch. He ran his nails over the already tensed nipples and felt them become taut under his fingers. Aredhil groaned and thrust forward impatiently. Glorfindel shook his head fighting laughter, if he did not get on with it, Aredhil was likely to lose his limited patience and claim him, for so near completion was the human.
Glorfindel dipped his fingers in his hair oil and applied it over his member. Though Aredhil seemed too excited and lust fogged to remember that it was his first time, Glorfindel had not forgotten. He gently claimed Aredhil’s mouth and duelled in a battle of tongues. Confirming that Aredhil was too involved with seizing control of their kiss to notice anything else, Glorfindel slid a finger into the human’s entrance. There was a reflexive tightening of muscles around his fingers as Aredhil gasped and broke away surprised by the sudden, new sensation. Glorfindel determinedly captured the human’s lips again and added one more finger. Aredhil bucked in pain. Glorfindel’s fingers brushed his prostate and he moaned in a mixture of pleasure and discomfort.
Glorfindel withdrew his fingers and asked him quietly, “Are you in pain? I promise it will go away.”
“Every moment with you is a pleasure, Glorfindel”, Aredhil said hoarsely, as he gripped the bed covers with his fingers tightly.
Glorfindel entered the human in one swift move, sheathing himself completely. Aredhil bit his lower lip until he bled as his body tried to accommodate to the sudden invasion. Glorfindel moved slowly, holding back his lust in order to pleasure Aredhil. But the human thrust frantically in his need and climaxed with an incoherent cry, “I love you, Glorfindel.”
Glorfindel reached his own climax and he said something he had never told an elf before, “And I love you, Aredhil, king of my heart.”
They exhaustedly wrapped their limbs about each other and fell asleep.
Thranduil pouted at his father. They were seated at the breakfast table. Elrond was talking to Thalion about some healing herb or the other. Thranduil had used the chance to beg his father to come out with them, for he planned to show Elrond a few of his favourite places in the forest today.
“Ion-nin”, Oropher said firmly, “As a King, I have higher priorities than prancing about in the woods!”
“ Ada!” Thranduil begged shamelessly, “It is your only son asking you. Can you not spend a day with him?”
“Ion-nin”, Oropher began.
Thalion muttered to Elrond, “The Ernil is the most spoilt elfling I helped raise.”
“ Ada, do you not love me enough to take a respite from your duties a single day?” Thranduil said predatorily, for he knew that his father could never resist that argument.
“That is low, ion-nin”, Oropher sighed, he looked over at the smirking Thalion and said defeatedly, “I will meet my advisors tomorrow, do inform the Lord Counsellor. Ion-nin, now that I am at your disposal, tell me where exactly in these woods are you going to drag us to? In case, we get lost, Thalion might have to send the search patrols out.”
Thranduil leant over the table and kissed Oropher on both cheeks saying delightedly, “I love you, Adar-nin.”
Elrond watched them wistfully. Oropher had given up his happiness, his wishes and his dreams for his son’s sake. But neither Earendil nor Elwing had done that. They had both chosen to value their dreams above the lives of their children. And so had Elros, Elrond thought bitterly, though his twin had less choice as Gil-Galad, Galadriel and Cirdan had virtually blackmailed him into becoming the King of Numenor. Elros had been torn between choosing mortality and remaining with Elrond. But Galadriel had ‘counselled’ him and he chose a mortal life leaving Elrond alone. Elrond reflected that none had loved him enough to give up their wishes for his sake. And maybe, none ever would.
Thranduil led them to a small lake a few miles away from the fortress. The tall trees shielded the lake from the hot sun and kept the water cool. Elrond dipped his feet in it tentatively after removing his boots, the water was too cold for his preferences. Oropher sat down cross-legged, leaning against the trunk of a mighty tree. Thranduil removed his tunic and leggings and dove into the water splashing Elrond and Oropher.
“Join me”, he said as he surfaced after well over a minute. The sunlight made the water droplets on his golden skin glitter like jewels, Elrond noted abstractedly.
Oropher said, “Nay, ion-nin, I am too comfortable here to move my weary bones into the water. Elrond, pen-neth, you join him. But do not complain to me if he acts like an elfling.”
Elrond removed his tunic and leggings and slid into the cold water. He felt the goose bumps rising on his sensitive flesh immediately. The warmth of the sunlight and the cold water made him pleasantly drowsy and relaxed.
“This is as divine as the Dorwinion”, he murmured to Thranduil, who laughed saying, “Then I shall have to spoil it, mellon-nin, what say you to a water fight?”
Without any further warning, Thranduil dove and pulled Elrond’s legs ducking him completely in the water. Elrond retaliated furiously for he hated anyone sneaking up on him. He held down Thranduil’s head in the water for a few moments before letting go. His fingers curiously developed a will of their own as they slithered through the golden mass of wet hair in their grasp. Elrond frowned, but had no time to think of it as Thranduil toppled him and in one swift, feline move, straddled his legs. Elrond scowled and tried to regain his balance, but the prince was too watchful an opponent.
Thranduil cocked his head smugly saying, “You have lost, Elrond, say so and I will let you up.”
Elrond scowled again as he retorted, “You ask for an admission of defeat from me for a water fight that you began without a warning?”
Thranduil leant over him so that their faces were scant inches apart and said softly, “Would you ask for a warning from the orcs, Elrond? Is every game not serious for us warriors?”
Elrond did not reply as he stared into those deep, green eyes that penetrated his own. He unconsciously reached to finger a strand of golden hair plastered to Thranduil’s cheek. Thranduil bent closer so that their noses touched. His eyes held surprise and doubt as they regarded Elrond’s flushed features. Elrond half-parted his lips his nostrils invaded by Thranduil’s scent.
“OUCH!”, Thranduil lost his balance and fell disgracefully into the water. Elrond straightened and made for the shore hastily, his cheeks flushed crimson with embarrassment. He had done this before Oropher!
“ ADA!”, Thranduil complained indignantly rubbing his bruised side as he swam to the shore, “That hurt! Why are you practising your stone throwing skills on me?”
Oropher said laughing, as he held out a towel to a still blushing Elrond, “I had no wish to see my only son charm a Noldor half-elf before my very eyes, ion-nin!”
Elrond mumbled, “My Lord, it was not his fault, indeed it was me to blame. I..”
Oropher placed a hand on Elrond’s shoulder and said conspiratorially, “Yes, indeed, my son is not to be blamed, for it was your beauty that has enchanted him so, Lord Elrond. If I had not been so jaded, mayhap, I too perhaps would have tried to charm you!” he laughed at the stunned expression in Elrond’s eyes before murmuring, “Ion-nin, you deal with this; for now, I need to go back to my mundane life!”
He walked away quietly, the traces of a vanishing smile still on his lips. Oropher was troubled, there was more than mere friendship and sexual attraction between his son and Elrond, they seemed to have a deeper bond. It was almost as if, he shook his head firmly, no, Thranduil loved Anoriel and Elrond loved Erestor. But yet, he could not help feel that there was something he had missed.
Elrond hissed angrily, “You should not have done that before your father!”
“So, would you not have cared if it had not been before my father?” Thranduil asked him quietly, as he paused donning his tunic. He had been quite stunned by their sudden attraction himself. While he found Elrond quite handsome even before their friendship started, he had never had an intention of charming him. For one, he had an oath to his father regarding virgins. And then, after their friendship strengthened, Thranduil had found more pleasure in that, which, he was quite determined not to spoil by fickle lust.
Elrond turned away from those green eyes and took a deep breath, Thranduil’s scent once more invaded his senses.
“I did not mean my words to insult you”, Thranduil said sincerely, “We shall leave this behind us and go on.”
“I love Erestor, yet I find myself attracted to you”, Elrond breathed softly, “I suppose it must your famous irresistible charm that makes me feel thus. I am sorry, but I cannot lie that I don’t wish to be …”
Thranduil sighed, “Let us not talk of this now, Elrond, for I am too confused about my feelings that way. I think Adar knows of this and does not worry, for he left us alone. Come, let me lead you to a garden where we will find the tastiest blackberries.”
They spent a few more hours in the forest, trying to keep the conversation flowing. But it was a tough effort as Thranduil was worried about the situation. He could not help stealing a glance at Elrond each time he remembered the handsome flushed face with lust-dilated eyes and parted lips. This is not worth risking your friendship, he told himself firmly, You know very well how self-judgemental he is. As a friend, you are supposed to sooth his emotional turmoil, not add to it. Thranduil sighed; he had not taken a partner in pleasure since before the battle. It had been a long time. Maybe he should seek an ellon tonight. That might curb any desire he had for Elrond.
Elrond darted nervous glances at the Sindar Prince as they walked to the fortress slowly. In no situation before had thus an uncomfortable silence fallen between them. Perhaps he should apologize, he thought uncertainly, though he was not sure if the Prince was truly angry with him or merely confused.
Thalion watched the silent duo approach the fortress. Oropher had told him of what had happened in the woods. The healers’s eyes lingered on Elrond. Thalion had lied earlier to the young elf, for Elrond Peredhel did not resemble Elwing or Dior or any of his Sindar ancestors. He was a living echo of the ill-fated White Lady of the Noldor, Aredhel, daughter of Fingolfin, sister to Turgon the Wise and Fingon the Valiant. Thalion felt a foreboding rise, something warned him that Elrond Peredhel would suffer more than she did.
Erestor wearily sealed the last scroll of the day. It was near midnight. He wanted nothing more than to soak his tired bones in a warm bath. He got to his feet and snuffed out the candles. Exiting his study, he locked the door and walked through the long, deserted corridors. Even though Glorfindel had taken charge of Elrond’s military duties, Erestor still had to contend with the administration, the policy making, the endless councils and the day to day affairs of the realm. He trudged slowly; it had been two lonely months. He missed Elrond’s company, their easy conversations. He missed Thranduil too.
A soft sobbing halted his self-sympathetic thoughts. He listened sharply. The sound came from one of the ladies’ knitting rooms. Erestor curiously walked to the door. Don’t, you fool, his mind warned him, do you wish yet another sleep-deprived night? Erestor paused, maybe he should just retire to bed, solving the mysteries of nocturnal sobbing-souls was clearly not his domain. But, he thought uneasily, what if it was his sister? He had been worried for her since she had begun courting Galdor. He opened the door softly. A figure, slumped in a knitting chair, held its face in its hands and cried inconsolably.
Erestor could distinguish only the bright blonde tresses of the woman in the dark unlit room. Thoughtlessly, he uttered the name of the only blonde-haired woman he was on good terms with, “Anoriel?”
The figure looked up with a startled gasp. On seeing him, she got to her feet quickly and bowed, “I apologize, My Lord. I will leave immediately.”
Erestor could now distinguish the beautiful features of Celeborn’s daughter, he murmured apologetically, “Lady Celebrian”, he retreated slowly towards the partly open door, “I am sorry for trespassing. I was on my way to retire to my chambers when I heard the sobbing”, he bit his tongue cursing himself, where was his tact when he needed it?
Celebrian lit a candle and rubbed away the tears from her face whispering, “No, I am glad you found me. I must go to my chambers or Adar will be worried in the morning.”
Erestor mentally wondered why the Sindar were so over-protective of their offspring. But he bowed politely and extended his hand to Celebrian saying, “May I escort you thither?”
She nodded and took his hand. Erestor wanted to ask why she had been crying. But he did not trust his mouth tonight. It seemed to have foregone all diplomatic skills.
“Will the Lord Elrond come the next month?” she asked fearfully.
Erestor asked surprised, “Why do you ask? Nay, he will come only after the Solstice.”
Celebrian said tonelessly, “My mother and the King have decided our betrothal on the first day of the Autumn.”
Erestor paused walking for an instant. He had not even known about this! Why had Gil-Galad not told him even the slightest gist of his secret meetings with Galadriel? He needed to tell Elrond of their plans. Maybe he should tell Thranduil first. The prince might be able to break the news to Elrond less abruptly. Erestor walked back to his study. He had to send a messenger to Thranduil before dawn.
*****
Elrond was roused from his sleep by a muffled scream. He sat up suddenly, his fingers gripping the dagger underneath his pillow. He took in his surroundings; he was alone in his room in the royal wing of the fortress of Greenwood. Had he been dreaming?
The scream sounded again, this time less loud; he had not been dreaming, it was from Thranduil’s room. He got to his feet and walked to his door and opened it. The torches that lit the corridor flickered dimly. He knocked on Thranduil’s door and then cursed himself, what if the Prince had company? What if the sounds he had heard were the sounds of pleasure? He retreated quietly, and had reached his own door when Thranduil’s door opened.
“Elrond?” The prince enquired.
Elrond turned to look at him. The prince’s normally cleanly brushed hair was tousled. The handsome features shone with sweat. Elrond had almost started to apologize for the intrusion when he noticed the red rimmed eyes of the prince.
“What happened?” he asked as he approached Thranduil again.
“Nothing”, Thranduil said uncomfortably, trying to offer a weak smile.
Elrond raised his eyebrow archly and Thranduil mumbled like an elfling, “Bad dreams. Sorry if I woke you up.”
There was something about Thranduil that made Elrond scrutinize him closely. He detected an emotion that he had never before associated with the prince; fear. There was hidden fear in those green eyes.
Elrond asked softly, “If you wish, I will prepare a sleeping draught for you, or wake your Adar.”
Thranduil shook his head, “Nay mellon-nin, draughts never work for my nightmares. I have had them all my life. And do not wake my Adar, he will be worried. I am once again sorry for disturbing your rest”, he began to move towards his own door, “Elrond”, he paused, “Would you, I mean, if you do not mind, could you stay with me tonight?”
Elrond smiled at Thranduil’s sudden insecurity and took the prince’s hand in both of his own and said, “What are friends for, mellon-nin?”
They entered the Prince’s bedchamber and Elrond moved to the large couch saying wryly, “I was mortified that I had interrupted your night of pleasure! Thank The Valar, I would never have lived it down.”
Thranduil settled himself on the bed and leant against a post murmuring, “I gave up pleasure before the war, Elrond. Though”, his face brightened, “’twould have been worth it to see your face had it been that!”
Elrond smiled saying, “Indeed, though I would not be surprised. After all the Sindar are not known for celibacy.”
Thranduil patted the bed saying, “It will hold the two of us without complaint.”
Elrond raised his eyebrows remarking, “It might be better to keep a distance betwixt us, for I would not wish my celibacy endangered!”
Thranduil said bluntly, “Then you speak not your mind, however, I am too tired to endanger your virtue. Do feel free to shift to the comfort of my bed, Elrond, if you wish.”
Elrond smiled at the characteristic bluntness of speech. Thranduil was right, he was still pondering over their moment of revelation in the pond. Did he really desire Thranduil? Elrond Peredhel had never desired anyone other than Erestor in his long life. So what did this mean?
Thranduil had drifted to sleep, and was now tossing about restlessly on the bed, entangled in the bed covers. Elrond fastened his sleeping robe more securely and joined him on the bed. As he lay down next to Thranduil, arms enveloped him automatically, and Thranduil’s restlessness ceased. The protective embrace of the Prince reminded Elrond of the nights Elros used to embrace him while they were at the house of Maedhros. A long lost peace descended on Elrond as Thranduil snuggled closer. They drifted into reverie together.
Anoriel sat with Celebrian and patted her arm consolingly.
“I cannot believe Adar agreed to this”, Celebrian said furiously, “I thought that he atleast would support me!”
Anoriel said soothingly, “I am sure that he will. Maybe he has not been given the news yet.”
Celebrian said bitterly, “No, Anoriel, they have set the date”, she dissolved into pitiful sobs. Anoriel held her until exhaustion lulled her to sleep. Then she settled the covers on Celebrian and left the room.
Erestor had locked the study door for the second time that night when he heard footsteps in the corridor. Cursing in dwarvish, he turned to face the intruder.
“Lord Erestor”, the lady said sweetly, “May I talk with you?”
Erestor sighed, “As you wish, my Lady”, he opened the study door again, “Come in, let us make ourselves comfortable.”
He lit the fire again and bade her sit in a comfortable chair across his desk. He remained standing for he was afraid that he would fall asleep if he sat down.
Anoriel said hesitantly, “I am sorry to have sought your advice at this late hour. But I have no other to ask. Does Elrond Half-Elven love my friend, Lady Celebrian?”
Erestor sighed again, before pouring himself a goblet of wine, he looked at Anoriel questioningly, she nodded, so he poured her a goblet and said diplomatically, “I am not privy to Lord Elrond’s heart, my Lady.”
Anoriel said softly, “I know only a few people outside my father’s realm and I trust fewer among them. I have always trusted your words, My Lord. I trust you and Elrond. Now that he is not here, I thought that I might receive counsel from your lips.”
Erestor observed acidly, “Even when Elrond is here, it is wiser to receive counsel from me, Anoriel, for he is the herald and I am the advisor.”
“I alter my question, Erestor, can the Lord Elrond love Celebrian?” Anoriel asked quietly.
“No”, Erestor said bluntly, and continued hastily seeing the fear in the other’s eyes, “I mean that Elrond has lost a lot in his life, So he is naturally slow to form relationships. Introverted, not unlike me, I guess. You asked for frankness, Anoriel, and this is what I can say frankly. But I do not know if he may love her. He is noble and compassionate. I hope for their sakes that they love each other.”
Anoriel nodded saying, “Yes, Erestor, I too wish that, but I know it to be in vain, for Celebrian does not have any love for Elrond. Indeed she hates his half-human heritage. She would rather fade than bode with him.”
Erestor walked into Gil-Galad’s study trying to hold in his temper. Celebrian’s issue had unsettled him more than he cared to reveal. And he had lost yet another night’s sleep. He was definitely not in a good humour.
“Ah! Erestor, you are early”, Gil-Galad greeted him cheerily. He was seated at his desk. Galadriel sat at the window seat of the chamber. She nodded to Erestor before gazing out of the window again.
“I wish to speak with you regarding certain urgent matters, Gil”, Erestor murmured.
Gil-Galad waited expectantly.
Erestor grit his teeth, Gil-Galad was not about to send away his beloved aunt. He had to use some diplomacy here.
“My Lady Galadriel”, he said emotionlessly, “I have led your daughter to the Healing Halls after I found her sick yesternite.”
Galadriel stared out of the window saying nothing, but a cold tendril of her thoughts permeated Erestor’s mind saying, “You expect me to leave you on such an errand?”
Erestor held onto whatever control he had over his temper and shut Galadriel out of his mind firmly. Cirdan had taught him something else than diplomacy. The slightly puzzled look on her face as she found herself blocked from his thoughts gave him a grim satisfaction. He turned to face the King.
“I wish to talk with you on private matters that concern us”, he said dangerously.
Gil-Galad said imperturbably, “And do tell me, melme, I am all ears. I am sure Galadriel would not mind us discussing anything.”
Galadriel smirked lightly.
Erestor asked coldly, “Then am I to assume that she is not averse to being present while we engage in acts of pleasure?”
Gil-Gald gaped, and there was shock mirrored even on Galadriel’s features, she bowed to the King, nodded to Erestor and left the room hastily. The Chief Counsellor had won this around.
“What was that about?” the King asked curiously, “I have never seen you thus, melme!”
“Elrond. What is this I heard from the Lady Celebrian about you arranging his marriage with her?” Erestor asked angrily, “He is not even here!”
“My wish is his will, melme!” Gil-Galad said reassuringly, “He does not have any objections.”
“Have you asked him directly?” Erestor queried coldly.
“No”, Gil-Galad admitted, “But he has not yet taken a lover. His affections are not occupied, nobody holds his heart. I must do the best by him as Oropher has done for his son, for Elrond is as dear to me as a son.”
Erestor fell silent as he swiftly reviewed the whole situation in his mind. Celebrian did not love Elrond. Galadriel hated Elrond. And Celeborn did not wish for his line to mix with half-elven heritage. More importantly, Celeborn had no pleasure in an alliance that would give his daughter no happiness. Elrond, Erestor was sure, was in love with someone. Was it anyone so depraved in his eyes that he refused to divulge the name?
“I still think you should get Elrond’s consent before you finalize this”, Erestor said firmly.
Gil-Galad said breezily, “’Restor, Galadriel, Amdir and I have finalized all these, all we need from Elrond and the lady is to be present for the ceremony”, he chuckled at his own words, “Now”, he sobered, “I have a long list of complaints from Sigthor, Glorfindel’s second, who is managing the affairs of that refugee valley. I think we should send them to the Havens. Cirdan may not be pleased, but the refugees might acquire sea lust and leave for the west.”
“Many are young”, Erestor pointed out, “And may not wish to leave for Valinor. And many are bound by the doom of Noldor.”
“We cannot afford to bear the brunt of Celebrimbor’s folly. I am hard put to maintain Lindon. Amdir cannot take in any more elves. Oropher will definitely not take in Noldor smiths”, Gil-Galad said, “They are a burden to our realms.”
“They are excellent craftsmen and sword smiths”, Erestor said seriously, “If we take the responsibility, then I am sure they will learn other skills in time. We cannot call them a burden.”
“You are my Chief-Counsellor”, Gil-Galad said, “And I trust your council, but the council of Lindon will not spare our resources to aid the Eregion smiths.”
Erestor leant forward across the table, the fire of Feanor himself lit in those black eyes as he said quietly, “I will go to the valley and strive to make you proud of the refugees sheltered there.”
He pressed a kiss to the stunned King’s lips and walked out of the room.
Glorfindel tried to reason with his friend, “’Res, you cannot leave Lindon to Gil’s mercy! He does not know the basics of administration. Why are you so taken up with that refugee camp? Gil is right, you know. We cannot afford taking them in. We are a prosperous realm, I agree, but we do not boast of endless resources!”
Erestor turned from his packing to look at his friend and said wearily, “Glor, I wish I did not have to go. But I cannot in good conscience betray the two thousand refugees deprived of a home and a lord because we were not able to defend their city. Women, children and mere craftsmen, I cannot abandon them to their fate. We failed them once in Eregion, their lord failed them. Do we not have a duty to them now?”
Glorfindel said gently, “Pen-neth, I understand, but what do you hope to do alone in a wild valley under the Hithalegir?”
Erestor leant his head against Glorfindel’s warm chest and sighed, “I do not know, Glor, I do not know. But”, he straightened up, “I will do whatever I can. Cirdan and you taught me to take ever the path my mind dictates. And I will not forego your teachings ever. Mayhap this is destiny.”
Glorfindel and Gil-Galad watched as the Chief Counsellor of the Noldor High King rode away to his mission on his powerful black stallion. Gil-Galad had been able to spare only two guards as escort. So it was with fears that they bade him farewell. Both Glorfindel and Gil-Galad would not know rest until the first letter from the valley arrived apprising them of Erestor’s safety.
Glorfindel watched Ebony gallop ahead of the other horses. Against the full moon, the horse and the rider were sketched in profile.
“This is indeed his destiny”, Glorfindel murmured before breathing a prayer to Elbereth.
*****
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