Resurrection 48

Resurrection

Part 48

Posted: March 2, 2007
Title: Resurrection
Author: Larien Elengasse

Summary: Time moves on, and Greenwood gets visitors.

*****

Thranduil granted his blessing and Gildor and Legolas became formally engaged. The celebration had been joyous; both couples were to be wed on the same day, and the shared ceremony was cause for great excitement in Greenwood. Years had passed and Thranduil’s people had healed; they still grieved the loss of Oropher, but Thranduil proved to be just as good a ruler.

Gildor walked the halls, amongst people who would soon be his subjects as well. His beloved was heir to the throne, though all, including Legolas, prayed that succession would never come. He had become a close advisor to Thranduil, and his skill as a scout and experience as a warrior were most helpful to the king.

His beloved was returning from patrol that day, and the celebration that heralded the coming of autumn and their marriages would follow close on the heels of the prince’s homecoming. Gildor had accompanied Legolas several times, coaching his lover and the soldiers who patrolled with him in the art of stealth. The Wood-elves of Thranduil were already skilled in blending in with their surroundings, but there was yet more they could learn from one of Gildor’s years and experience.

Occasional missives were exchanged between Thranduil’s realm and those of Lórien and Imladris. Peace reigned, though it was an uneasy one, for the One Ring was still missing, therefore, the Dark Lord was still a threat. One of those messages, signed and bearing the king’s signature had carried an invitation. Over the years, Thranduil had seen that Lindir longed for closure, and though his soon to be mate would never have admitted it, the minstrel needed to see both Glorfindel and Erestor again. Thranduil knew that Gildor needed the closure as well, so he had secretly invited the pair to attend their wedding. Of course, a formal invitation had been extended to Elrond and Celebrían as well, but as the lady was with child (or twins as the case would be), Elrond respectfully declined.

Gildor entered the courtyard in order to meet the messenger who had arrived from Imladris. He looked up as he noticed that the light, which filtered through the glass-paned skylight, was dimming. Each year it seemed that autumn came earlier and lasted longer, and each year it seemed as if the seasons became more difficult. Gildor worried about what this meant, and wondered if Elrond sensed it, despite the shelter that Vilya provided to the Hidden Valley.

As Gildor shifted his gaze from the dimming light to the herald from Imladris, his eyes widened in surprise. “Glorfindel?” He caught his breath as his old friend’s traveling companion was revealed as the hood of his cloak was flipped back. “Erestor?” He quickly descended the staircase to greet his friends.

“Gildor.” Glorfindel smiled as he embraced his old friend. “’Tis so good to see you.”

Erestor stepped forward. “Hello, Gildor,” he said quietly, a contented smile upon his lips.

Gildor tentatively embraced Erestor, but once in his arms he squeezed his friend tightly. “Hello, Erestor,” he said softly, “you are also a most welcome sight.” He recovered from the shock and stepped back. “What is it? It must be important news for Lord Elrond to send the two of you.”

Glorfindel smiled. “We are here by invitation. Your king invited us to witness your bonding with the prince and his bonding with Lindir. We also bring wonderful news. Our lord is about to become a father.”

“That is wonderful!” Gildor exclaimed. “When?”

“Come spring, we think,” Erestor answered. “Our lady is just beginning to truly show her state.”

“Come, let me take you to the king. He will be glad to see both of you.”

“Congratulations on your upcoming marriage,” Erestor said softly as Gildor led him and Glorfindel up the stairs. “We were so pleased to hear you had found someone you loved so dearly.”

“Thank you,” Gildor returned with a smile. “He has been a joy in my life.”

“And he is a beauty, I must say. It has been years since I looked on one with such light in his eyes.”

“You met him,” Gildor answered with a smile.

“Aye,” Glorfindel replied. “He greeted us at the western entrance to the wood. He is much like his father in bearing.”

“True, though I believe Thranduil would have it otherwise, particularly the part of him that is bold.”

Erestor laughed. “Well, perhaps your influence will temper his hot blood, yes?”

“Lindir has tempered Thranduil’s, this is sure.”

Glorfindel took a deep breath. “How is Lindir?”

“Very happy, Glorfindel. Thranduil is utterly devoted to him.”

Glorfindel nodded. “Good. It is what Lindir deserves. I have to admit, I am nervous about seeing him. It has been so long.”

“Many years have passed and much has transpired. I think you will find our minstrel to be a different elf, my friend.”

“As long as he is happy, that is all that we care about,” Erestor answered.

“He is, my friends, he most certainly is.”

They entered the throne room and Glorfindel immediately saw the smile that curved Thranduil’s lips as they approached the dais. The king rose and descended the steps that lead to the throne, and greeted the travelers warmly.

“Welcome to our home, Glorfindel and Erestor.”

They covered their hearts and bowed their heads. “’Tis an honor, my lord,” Glorfindel answered.

“I am pleased that the two of you accepted my invitation.”

“We were honored to receive it, my lord. Your home is most impressive,” Erestor replied.

“My thanks, Erestor. Gildor was instrumental in helping to shape it. It is no Menegroth or Nargothrond, but it serves us well.” Motioning toward a door near the dais, Thranduil invited his visitors inside. “Come, let us retire to my study where the two of you can inform me of all that is going on outside of our great wood.”

They bowed their heads and followed the king. Erestor cast a smile over his shoulder toward Gildor.

Gildor smiled in return, then turned to find one of the palace guard standing behind him.

“Was that . . . Glorfindel o’ Imladris and Gondolin?”

Gildor grinned. There was always some young soldier that would find him or herself struck dumb by the sight of the legendary warrior. “Aye, it was, and that was his mate with him, who is not one to be trifled with. Now, are you going to stand there and stare in his wake, or do you have some duty to perform?”

The young soldier blinked. “Forgive me, my lord. The prince has arrived.”

“Thank you. Now, come along, you do not want to be reprimanded for neglecting your duty now, do you?” Gildor chuckled to himself as the young soldier hurried back to his post.

Stepping outside he found the prince dismounting. He watched as Legolas gave his mare an affectionate rub, then slung his pack over his shoulder and made for the steps. A broad smile curved Gildor’s lips as their eyes met, and he saw his smile returned tenfold.

“Welcome home, my love,” he said as Legolas sat his pack down and embraced him.

“Mmm… ‘tis good to be home. You smell good.”

Gildor cupped Legolas’ jaw and drew him into a kiss. Releasing his mouth, he murmured, “As do you…”

Legolas laughed. “Oh, I doubt that. I have not had a bath for over a week.”

“No matter,” Gildor murmured, moving his lips from the prince’s mouth to his ear. “I can remedy that for you.” He frowned. “You are cold to the touch.”

“The seasons turn so soon now,” Legolas replied as he picked up his pack and walked inside with his lover. “The wind blew fiercely through the vale, and the snow line is dropping lower down the sides of the mountains.”

“Well, ‘tis nothing we cannot remedy with a warm bath.”

“Oh, yes. That sounds wonderful.” Picking up Gildor’s hand, he said, “I met Glorfindel . . . and Erestor.”

“Erestor said as much. He was quite complementary of you.”

Legolas chuckled. “I could be complementary of him as well, of both of them, really.”

Gildor grinned. “Mind yourself, they are mated and neither is an elf you wish to test.”

Legolas laughed. “I believe you on that count.” After a pause, he continued, “Does Lindir know Glorfindel is here?”

Gildor shook his head. “Not yet. I cannot tell if I should warn him, or let Glorfindel find him.”

“Perhaps we should not involve ourselves. I know he is your friend, they all are, but this is a potentially awkward situation.”

“Wisely said, my love. Do you find it awkward?” he asked, searching Legolas’ eyes for some sign of worry or jealousy.

Legolas smiled. “I will admit, it was a bit strange to meet him after all these years and all I know about him; but I know you, Gildor, and I know you never would have come back to me if you were not ready to put your past with Erestor behind you.”

“That is but one of the things I love about you, Legolas, your unwavering confidence in me.” He took his beloved’s hand. “If I see Lindir before Glorfindel does, and I do not mention that he and Erestor are here, well, there will be an unpleasant price to pay.”

“Good point. Then I shall keep you cloistered away until the two of them have met on their own.”

“And what shall we do?” Gildor teased.

“Oh, I can think of one or two things,” Legolas murmured, quickening his pace and leading his lover by the hand.

* * * *

Lindir drew the bow over the strings of his instrument, drawing out the final note before opening his eyes and smiling in satisfaction. The sound of applause interrupted his thoughts, and he turned expecting to find his king, instead finding the last elf he ever expected to see.

“Hello Lindir.”

He turned and faced the wall quickly and gathered his composure, then slowly stood and leaned the large instrument against the wall. He took a deep breath and turned back to face Glorfindel.

“Hello,” he said softly, his voice sounding as if it would crack. Stepping forward, he awkwardly thrust out his hand.

Glorfindel looked down at it and accepted the gesture, covering Lindir’s hand with both of his own. He wanted to embrace the minstrel, but he could sense Lindir’s apprehension. “Forgive me for surprising you this way, but I was anxious to see you.”

“What…” Lindir cleared his throat. “What brings you to Greenwood?”

“I am here on state business, but I also wanted to see you, and Gildor. Erestor is with me as well.”

“What business? Or am I allowed to ask?”

“Of course you are. We were invited to your wedding.”

Lindir’s eyes widened. Thranduil had pulled this off without him so much as suspecting. “My king is most crafty.”

“And most wise,” Glorfindel answered. “’Tis been too long since we have seen you. Despite all that has passed we do wish to remain friends, if you wish the same.”

“Of course,” Lindir replied, feeling suddenly very uncomfortable.

Sensing Lindir’s discomfort, Glorfindel changed the subject. “Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrían are with child.”

Lindir’s eyes widened and a smile began to warm his uncomfortable expression. “Truly? That is wonderful news!”

Glorfindel smiled warmly. “Aye, it is. ‘Tis so good to see you, sparrow.” Noting how the endearment made Lindir uncomfortable, he apologized, “Forgive me, I did not mean…”

Lindir shook his head, realizing that Glorfindel still held his hand. Patting the warrior’s hands, he gently drew his own back. “No worries. It is just that no one has called me that since…”

“Say no more, Lindir. I understand; it was thoughtless of me. I suppose it is just habit.”

“Aye, habit, no more.” Taking a step back, Lindir quickly changed the topic. “When will the lady give birth? How far along is she?”

“I do not know, how does one tell?”

Lindir laughed, it was a brief burst before he covered his mouth. “By the size of her belly, of course.”

Glorfindel laughed, it was a big, hardy sound. “Of course. Well, she is just starting to show her state; she believes it will be a spring birth. I have little experience in these matters; it sounds like you have more than I.”

“I learned these things when my family worked in Lady Galadriel’s house when the Lady Celebrían was born. Is she craving strange foods or becoming . . . moody?”

“Aye, she is. For some reason she has taken a liking to pickled herring and sticky buns at very odd times of the day and night. And she frequently complains of being weary.”

Lindir nodded, motioning toward the door. “It will only get worse as time goes on. How is Erestor taking it?”

Glorfindel chuckled. “How do you think? He is a nervous wreck. If he did not have substantial duties, he would be following her around day and night.”

Lindir grinned. “I assume he has replaced me.”

“Not replaced, Lindir, but he has trained another to take over your duties. He was convinced you would return, until we received word of your upcoming marriage. Congratulations, my friend. We are both glad you are so happy.”

Lindir smiled wider. “Aye, I am. Thranduil has given me all that I ever wanted.”

Taking a risk, Glorfindel placed his hand on Lindir’s back. “I am so glad, Lindir. You, above all others, deserve to be happy.”

Lindir looked at the floor. “Thank you, Glorfindel.” Taking a deep breath and changing the subject, he asked, “Where is Erestor?”

“Settling in to our quarters. You know Erestor, he must organize and nest.” He winked.

Lindir chuckled. “Of course, some things never change. Come, I will accompany you there; I wish to greet him as well.”

Glorfindel smiled and led his former-lover down the hall. “I notice that you no longer limp.”

Lindir smiled. “Aye. It has been a long time since I have done such.”

They walked in a strangely amicable silence until they arrived at the guest chamber.

“Well, here we are,” Glorfindel said, opening the door and revealing a busy Erestor inside. “Look who I found, my love.”

Lindir had to admit that hearing the endearment come from Glorfindel’s lips stung a little, but that sensation was quickly replaced by the look of utter joy and excitement in Erestor’s eyes.

“Lindir! Come here, my friend.” Erestor crossed the room and gathered the minstrel in his arms. “Oh, I have missed you so.”

Lindir found himself leaning into Erestor’s embrace. He missed his old mentor more than he realized. “I have missed you too, Erestor,” he said, his voice partially muffled by Erestor’s shoulder.

“You are going to suffocate him, Erestor,” Glorfindel said, humor clearly tingeing his voice.

“We must catch up. There is so much to talk about. I want to hear all about your life here and what you are doing… Oh! Did Glorfindel tell you about our lady? She is with child!”

“He did tell me. That is most wonderful,” Lindir said as he allowed Erestor to lead him by the hand to the sitting area.

“I will leave the two of you to talk. I have some other business to discuss with his majesty,” Glorfindel said, smiling as he placed his hand upon the door latch.”

“I am sure Thranduil is planning a grand feast to welcome you both this eve. I will tell Erestor where the baths are so that the two of you can prepare. You will find robes hanging inside and you can deposit your clothing in the basket, the laundry maids will return them to you once they have been laundered,” Lindir said as he looked over his shoulder at Glorfindel.

“Lindir?”

Lindir looked back at Glorfindel. “Yes?”

“That bargain was the best one I ever made; I have not regretted it once in all these years.” He smiled at both his mate and his old friend as he said it.

Lindir smiled in return. “It is a debt I will never be able to repay.”

“You have paid it, my friend, many times over.”

Lindir nodded, then watched Glorfindel smile and close the door behind him.

“Come, tell me what is happening in your life,” Erestor began with a gentle smile, not releasing Lindir’s hand until they reached the chairs.

*****

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