In the Garden

Title: In the Garden, Chapter 11 (Betaed)
Author: Sorsha
Fandom/Pairing: Elrond/OFC, others implied
Rating: R
Warning: AU (Story set several hundred years after ROTK in Aman); Het.
Feedback: Constructive feedback appreciated.
Archive: AFF.net; fanfiction.net
Acknowledgements: Thanks also to Lady Victoria for betaing this fic.
Disclaimer: Anything you recognize belongs to Prof. Tolkien. A quick check of my bank account should prove I’m not making anything off of writing my stories. Sigh!
Summary: Life in the Blessed Land has not been so blessed for Elrond. Can the happiness that has long eluded him be found in the words of a red-bound journal, the help of his scheming friends, and the granting of a wish that none thought possible?

Chapter 11 --- Romen Kard (Sunrise House)

Elrond found himself once again winding his way through the garden, headed for the sheltered bench where Galadriel and Meril had spoken earlier. The elves gathered in his sitting room had slowly drifted away as the hour grew late and he had finally had the room to himself once his sons left to escort their loves home for the night. Lindir and Taerad had retired early, perhaps sensing his need for solitude to work through the mass of tumbling emotions and the surprising insight he had gained from the conversation he had overheard.

The encounter in the park had been the first time he had seen Celebrian and Haldir in over a decade. Like Meril he had stopped walking in the public gardens nearest their homes and had begun to frequent the one he now thought of as ‘theirs’. From the elleth’s comments, he surmised that she too had been treated to the staged kisses Celebrian seemed to enjoy inflicting on those she had already wounded. He had noted Haldir’s tight grip on her arm that afternoon, an indication that the warrior was not willing to allow a repeat performance.

Settling on the bench, he mused, /the sight of her no longer has the power to hurt me. I was chiefly angry with her rude and hurtful statements about Meril. She is right; he did look guilty. No doubt Celebrian insisted on regular attacks on her unknowing rival to bolster her own conceit. Yes, Celebrian is a great beauty, but it is a cold, selfish beauty. Had I realized that sooner… No, I do not regret my choice for I had a duty to our people… and no price is too great for the blessing of my children./

Sighing, he pushed his regrets aside and focused on what he had learned. /Galadriel gave me a greater understanding than I have previously been able to achieve into their behavior. I had not realized Haldir’s family history. I remember Feredir from his service in the Army of the Last Alliance. He was rash and impulsive, prone to ignoring his superiors when it suited him. I can well understand Amroth’s decision./

Thinking back on a time he would prefer to forget entirely, Elrond remembered the lanky youth that had survived the trials of Mordor to become the arrogant March Warden of Lorien. /Haldir joined us in the later years of the siege, little more than an elfling. I wondered at the time why one so young had been called to service; his father had willingly placed him there. At that age, he would not have had the experience to judge Feredir’s failings… assuming any of us are ever able to fairly judge our parents. He must have thought his father a dashing and heroic figure, thus setting a model for his future conduct. Later, he have too close to the situation to question his father’s rantings when he was passed over in favor of Celeborn./

A frown overtook his face as he considered Galadriel’s attempts to explain her daughter’s behavior. /While I understand to some degree Haldir’s obsession with Celebrian, my dear wife is once again being excused for her conduct. It troubles me that my two dear friends are torturing themselves by taking on the responsibility for her willful conduct. Celebrian was not an elfling when we married; she was almost two thousand years old and she was very spoiled indeed! She was unwilling to commit to a marriage made out of duty to our people, not love. Rather than admit this, she knowingly took vows before the Valar with a false heart./

Elrond was surprised to realize that the anger this thought had once inspired had lessoned over the years. Even with thoughts of her duplicity fresh in his mind, he found he had at last gained the perspective to judge her with clear eyes. /I never loved her. How could I? She is vain and shallow… so unlike her parents. We have little in common beyond the children. We have not even lived together in… over a thousand years. Without a bond, there was little hope we could sustain the modest amount of passion we felt for each other… beauty only motivates one so far. My hand became a preferable alternative to sharing her bed./

This thought caused the image of another elleth to replace Celebrian’s. The delicate details of her small, heart-shaped face had gained the power to take his breath away, though when this had happened he was not sure. /Aye, she is fair and comely! Her eyes are the most beautiful I have ever seen, but it is the light of her spirit that makes her so special. I love to watch her face when she plays her flute. It is magical. And she shares my love of history and feels the call of the night as I do. I wonder if she would be willing to aid me in my writing… research, editing and the like?/

Lost in his thoughts, he mused, /I can not help but realize Meril gave no indication she still has positive feelings for Haldir. She spoke of regrets and anger, but no love. Should I hope…? Nay, I have no right to be thinking of such things./

Trying to refocus on his original topic, he found his thoughts fixed. /She did speak highly of me… and seemed embarrassed by making those admissions. She looked so lovely with that blush staining her cheeks. Perhaps…/

Realizing he had been lost in his thoughts for several minutes, he impatiently shook his head. /Galadriel is right; Celebrian is near to a breaking point. That she is the cause of her own pain does not make the situation any less serious. I would not wish for her to fall into such a state and she is in no position to go to the Valar to ask for an end to our marriage. If I do not go, there will be no end to this suffering for any of us. If she fades, it will devastate my sons and my dear friends. In truth, I have no desire for such a thing to happen either. It is time for me to seek Galadriel and Celeborn’s counsel./

-----

“Ada? May we speak to you on a matter of some urgency?”

Lifting his head from writing an entry in his journal, Elrond found his sons standing at the doorway of his rooms. Worried by the tense set of their faces and shoulders, he rose quickly, urging them into the room before walking with them to the chairs flanking the fireplace. “If course, my sons. I am ever here for you.”

A genuine smile briefly lit their faces as they took their seats. Elladan spoke first. “We know this, Ada. You have always been there when any of the three of us was in need of your help or counsel. You have ever been the center that held our world together and our love for you ultimately drew us to Aman.”

Seeing their father’s silver eyes fill with tears at his brother’s comments, the younger twin decided to give him a moment to compose himself. Rising he walked over to a small table where his father kept a small decanter and set of crystal goblets. “Can I pour you a glass of miruvor, Ada?”

“This must be serious, for the two of you horde our stock of miruvor more closely than the dwarves their riches!” Elrond teased hoping to lighten the mood in the room. His comment was, however, not far off the mark for his sons did tend to ration their limited supply of the Imladrian liqueur with a very tight hand.

Trading a look, the twins slowly nodded their heads in agreement with his half-hearted jest. “It is serious, Ada,” Elladan confirmed, as he accepted his glass of the liqueur. “We are greatly worried. We love you dearly, as you know, and we can offer no defense for our mother’s conduct. She has hurt and betrayed so many.”

Seating himself, Elrohir continued. “We had not seen her in many years… near to a century at least. Until today, we had not realized how badly her mental health has eroded. Badly though she has acted, she is still our mother…”

“… and we love her. We fear she is fading from the grief of her isolation and public scorn. We believe Haldir knows this too from the way he was watching her,” Elladan offered, his concern evident. “Before, we have urged you to consider seeking an end to your marriage because we feel you have been wronged and deserve your freedom to make a new life for yourself.”

“We had planned to give you time, yet continue to support you in hopes you would go to the Valar when the time was right for you and seek their blessing,” Elrohir admitted.

Hesitating to raise an issue their father might not yet be ready to discuss, he glanced at his twin for confirmation before continuing. “We must admit that lately, we have begun to notice the way you look at Meril… and the way she looks at you. We have never seen either of you look so alive…”

“…or so happy. We would be pleased if the budding friendship between you two deepened into more, but there is plenty of time for you to explore those possibilities; there is no rush in that,” Elladan stated, hoping to assure his father that they would not oppose his interest in their friend. “You will both need time to heal old wounds and come to know each other better to decide if there is to be more. We support and encourage that.”

“But, you need to end your marriage now, Ada. It is best for you to remove this obstacle before it can hinder further exploration of this potential match. You also need to do this for your own peace of mind and spirit. Please go and put this matter to rest so that you and Meril can move forward with your lives, free of its weight and restrictions.” Sighing, Elrohir looked at his twin to see if he was ready to finish their arguments. Seeing his nod, he fell silent.

Taking a deep breath, Elladan concluded, “We would not press this matter so aggressively… at least not at this juncture, if we did not now feel we no longer have the time to allow you your leisure. Naneth will fade if we do not do something. Giving her the freedom to remake her life may be the only option we have if we are to save her. Three… nay, four lives need the release the end of your marriage would give.”

Elrond was silent for several minutes as he organized his thoughts and emotions. He was more than a little surprised to know they had seen his reaction to Meril and, if he was being honest with himself, he was comforted by the news they felt she shared his interest. Their support in this matter was something he had not let himself consider for several reasons. Aside from the fact he had not been ready until that moment to fully admit to himself he wanted to be free to court Meril, he had worried they would oppose his interest in someone so much younger then he… an old and cherished friend of all three of his children.

Relieved of this unacknowledged concern, he suddenly felt more energized that he had in many, many years. Knowing they deserved to know the decision he had made earlier, he began. “I saw what you saw, my sons. While our marriage was never what I had hoped… the end bitter and humiliating, I have no desire to see your mother fade. I would not wish such a fate upon any, but most especially not the mother of my children and the daughter of my dear friends.”

“After you and your ladies left, I spent some time walking in the gardens and have resolved to seek the counsel of your grandparents. I owe them this for I would never do anything to bring further pain or embarrassment to either of them. If I have their blessings, I will seek the will and mercy of the Valar. Your support in this would be greatly appreciated… indeed, I doubt I could do it without the support of my family and friends,” he admitted.

He did not miss the look of profound relief that passed over the faces of the twins. “You have that and our love, Ada,” Elrohir whispered, too overcome by his relief to say more.

“You will find our grandparents will be greatly relieved by this decision, as well. They have been worried about you for a long time. You will have their blessings,” Elladan added.

“That is reassuring to know but, I must confess I overheard your grandmother talking to Meril in the garden earlier and had begun to hope this was the case,” Elrond responded, his innate honesty demanding he admit this.

Tilting his head to study his sons, he offered, “I will need to speak to your mother so that she is informed of this before I make any petition. If your grandparents will support my petition, perhaps, I will request they arrange a meeting at their house. It will afford us some privacy and is neutral ground.”

Leaning back in his chair, he took a sip from his glass as he contemplated the days that lay ahead. “She will need your support too. I will, in no way, feel uncomfortable or slighted if you seek to rebuild your relationship with her. Knowing the two of you love her in spite of her failings is the greatest gift you could give her.”

“You are right, Ada. She needs our support and that of her parents. It will be a long time before her misdeeds are forgotten… forgiven and she can find a place for herself in Aman. We had not realized how isolated they have become.” Looking up to meet his father’s gaze, Elrohir was relieved to see only acceptance and understanding. “Himiel was greatly troubled by the distress in Haldir’s eyes. I believe she and her brothers will seek a way to bring him back into their lives. It is time for a new start for us all. Wrong and inexcusable thought their actions were, we still love them.”

Deciding they had accomplished more than they had expected, Elladan rose so that they could retire for the night and let their father so likewise. At the door, he pulled his father into a fierce embrace. Unable to resist teasing him, he asked, “By the way Ada, you made no comment, so I must ask… should Ro and I start practicing calling Meril, Nana?”

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Elrond stood on the balcony of his in-laws home, called Romen Kard for the spectacular view it afforded of the rising sun, staring east across the lower part of the city and the countryside that surrounded Valimar. While he had selected a house nestled in the interior portion of the city with a large garden surrounding it, Galadriel and Celeborn had settled in a home that was perched on the extreme outer edge of one of the upper terraces of the city. The view to the east and of the Pelóri was breathtaking. (Sunrise House)

“Regretting not taking a house with a view, Elrond?”

Laughing, he looked over his shoulder to see Celeborn walking toward him. “Why would I need to have a house with a view when you already have such a fine one? This way I can enjoy your view when I visit and still have my gardens.” the peredhel teased. “Besides, the prime view is in the morning and you well know I am not a morning elf!”

“If having this view insures you visit regardless of the hour, ion, then it is indeed a good arrangement for us both… besides, we enjoy visiting your gardens!” Laying a supportive hand on his son-in-laws shoulder, he asked in a more serious tone, “You know we will always think of you as our son, regardless of whether or not the Valar grant your petition, do you not? You will always be welcome in our home… whether you visit to see us or our fine view.” (ion)

Though he had never had any doubts of this, Elrond was deeply touched by the reminder. “I know this and that knowledge gives me the resolve to press forward in this matter. The two of you will ever have my love and respect.”

Feeling the press of his churning emotions, Elrond asked, “Do you think she will come today? This meeting is best held here. I do not want to be put into the position of going to her home to discuss this matter, nor do I want to be seen there at this juncture and cause premature gossip.”

“I believe she will come. Have patience, my friend. She will be here soon.” Joining Elrond at the balustrade, he cautioned, “Do not be discouraged if she reacts badly in the beginning or if she wishes to argue. Judging from her state of mind when we saw her, she is not acting rationally.”

“I am anticipating that possibility and I will appreciate having a friendly face nearby for moral support… thought I do not wish to pull either your or Galadriel into any argument we might have.” Grimacing, he added, “That is why I asked the twins to remain at home today. She will not need to feel she is being ambushed by us all nor will it help to create new memories of more angry words between any of you. Let me bare her anger for I cannot help her beyond trying to obtain our release. You will need to be her support in days ahead.”

“We will, ion, but never doubt we will be there to support you in this and all things.” Turning, the two elves watched a Galadriel moved gracefully toward them. (son)

“Do not pretend that the coming days will not be difficult on you as well. You must seek an audience with the Valar, asking for a thing that has only happened once in our history… something we have all been taught is no longer possible. I feel they will hear you fairly, but tis not a thing to be taken lightly,” she mused. “If you succeed, you will once again be the center of scandal and public speculation. If they deny you, you will have that as well, but you will also have your disappointment. In any case, you are taking steps to end a marriage… this is not something that will not affect you. Know we will be here to comfort and advise you.”

Taking a deep breath to steady his racing heart, he nodded his head. “Aye, you are right. I have considered much of what you have said, but I have not let myself think too much about them for now. I have resolved to take each step, one at a time, and face each day one at a time for now. Otherwise, I fear the enormity of it all will swamp my spirit. The thought of going to the Valar… Your support will be most gratefully received.”

Smiling, she took his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “You are wise to approach this in such a manner, ion. Have faith. My mirror has shown me we have reason to hope for a brighter future for us all.” (son)

-----

The trained healer did not miss the signs of growing instability in his wife’s eyes. Taking a deep breath, he greeted her. “Mae govannen, Celebrian. I appreciate your coming here today to meet with me.” (well met)

“I cannot say I am surprised that you asked my parents to arrange this meeting… after all, it has been only a few days since you last saw me. I have always assumed this day would come and I suspected seeing me again would trigger your visit.” In a seductive manner, let her fingers drift down her arms as she added, “I cannot now say if I will be willing to do this. There is Haldir to consider, after all.”

“Celebrian, Haldir is not part of this discussion. The resolution of our marriage involves only the two of us. While I am sure you will wish to inform him of what is to happen, his opinion is of no concern to me,” Elrond asserted, irritated that she would suggest such a thing.

Laughing, she walked over to stand directly in front of him and slid her hand up his chest to rest on his shoulder. “Impatient and domineering… but then you always have been. Well, my dear husband, you are no longer the lord of the valley and I am not obliged to do your bidding. But, I must say I find your possessive attitude… arousing.”

Uncomfortable with her playful, provocative manner and by the invasion of his personal space, he stepped away from her and moved to stand by the balcony railing. Celebrian stood watching his retreat with a pleased, self-satisfied smirk dominating her features. “Not so confident now are you! I am no longer willing to be told where to go and what I must do.”

Feeling his anger rise in response to her taunts, he stated, “You seem to be under a false impression that you are in the position to dictate to me. Be assured you are not. I came here today as a courtesy, but was not bound to do so. I can take this action on my own if need be.”

Stunned, the silver-haired elleth demanded, “What do you think you can do if I refuse you… drag me back to your house and lock me in your chambers until I submit to you? I promise you, this is not the way to win back my favor!” With a haughty flip of her long hair, she turned her back on the surprised peredhel, missing the look of outrage and shock that spread across his face.

In a voice dripping with scorn, he asked, “Am I to assume from your words and actions… you thought I asked you here to seek a reconciliation?”

An irritated, “Well, of course. What else is there for us to talk about? If you think you will win me back with this arrogant show, you are wrong. I expect to be wooed and then I may consider your petition. I will also give Haldir a chance to keep me… it is only fair.”

Speechless, Elrond stared at Celebrian’s back, torn by the conflicting desire to laugh and to rage. “If you came here expecting any of that, then you will leave disappointed.”

Sending a flirtatious glance over her shoulder, she asked, “So, you do not like having the terms set down for you as I had them set down for me when we wed? That is a pity, my dear Elrond, but I am not taking you back on any terms other than my own.”

Clamping down on his anger, he countered in a voice devoid of emotion, “And you are sadly mistaken if you think I came here today to seek to bring you back into my life. I have no desire to have you visit my home, much less return to live there.”

Celebrian turned to face him, anger beginning to burn in her eyes. “If you do not wish this, then why would you seek to speak with me?”

In a calm, steady tone that belied his seething anger, he stated, “I plan to petition the Valar to end our marriage. No bond exists between us. We share no love or passion for each other. You have openly lived with another ellon for the last two centuries and have repeatedly been unfaithful to me throughout the course of our marriage.”

Pausing for a moment to reinforce his self-control, he added, “I plan to seek to free us from the yoke of a marriage made for the good of Middle-earth. Our duty and obligation to that land is over. I see no reason to continue to be bound by vows thus made… vows you never meant to honor.”

Celebrian froze, staring at him with a look of utter horror twisting her features. “You seek… to cast me aside? I am the daughter of Galadriel and Celeborn… your wife!”

“My wife? You have never honored the vows that made you thus, so why does the title suddenly have any meaning to you?” Giving into the long-suppressed rage in his heart, Elrond growled, “You have been the mistress of another elf for millennia, so your claim to be my wife carries little weight. I want to be free of you and the shame you have brought to my house! I wish to be free to seek a mate that loves and desires me… one that I love and desire in return!”

Enraged, she flew at him, her hands upraised in attack. “Nay, you cannot do this to me. I will be the laughingstock of Aman! I will not permit this outrage!”

Catching her flailing hands, Elrond pulled her over to a nearby chair and forced her to sit. “Calm yourself. Becoming hysterical serves no purpose. I have made up my mind to do this and I will not be dissuaded.”

Unwilling to submit to his attempts to control her, Celebrian continued to struggle. “You will not do this to me. I am your wife and demand to be treated with the respect I deserve! You will not bring this scandal upon us!”

Crouching down in front of her, Elrond studied the wild, unfocused look in her eyes. “Celebrian, please calm yourself and listen to me.”

Getting no response to his request other than angry, disjointed raving, he considered his options. Sighing, he rose and lifted her thrashing body into his arms. Walking toward the door into the house, he was not surprised to find Galadriel and Celeborn waiting just inside.

“She is hysterical. Do you have any healing herbs for a calming tea? I fear she is in a worse state than we had assumed,” Elrond whispered, as he settled his charge onto a couch near the back wall.

Celeborn nodded his head and walked to a door to summon a servant. After instructing the elleth, he hesitated near the door before walking back to join his wife and son-in-law. The pair had taken seats on either side of Celebrian and was attempting to calm her agitated rambling. “I asked that they add a mild sedative in the tea. She is completely incoherent at this point and is unable to comprehend what is happening.”

“Aye, she is. I did not realize how badly she would take this,” Elrond sighed, guilt coloring his voice. “She apparently came here expecting me to ask her to return to me and became hysterical when I told her my real intent.”

Hearing a discreet noise behind them, they turned to find that the attendant had returned, bringing the tea. Taking it, Galadriel spoke for the first time to her daughter. “Celebrian… you must drink this. It will sooth you and will help you feel better. Now calm yourself and drink this.”

Wild eyes focused on those of her mother. “Nana? Where have you been? I have been looking for you all day and could not find you.”

Trembling in shock at the sudden change, Galadriel reached over to caress her daughter’s hair, pushing it out of her face. “I have been waiting for you to come home, my child. I have missed you. Now drink your tea and we will go to our rooms so that you can nap on my chaise as you always like to do. All right, pen melui?” she suggested, her voice soft and comforting. (sweet one)

“Will you comb my hair and tell me a story, Nana? I like a story before my nap.” The voice of the elleth had taken on a disturbingly childlike quality.

Tears streaming down her face, Galadriel promised, “Of course I will. But first you must drink your tea.”

“All right, Nana. I am tired.” Accepting the cup, Celebrian began to sip its warm contents.

“There… that is good, my love. We will look after you until you are rested,” she whispered.

“Will Ada carry me to my bed once I am asleep? I like it when he tucks me in for the night. He sings to me.”

Kneeling in front of his child, Celeborn took her free hand. “I will sing to you now, if you would like, my precious daughter.”

“The song about the redbirds that fly from Taniquetil in the Blessed Lands? I like that one, Ada.”

“If you like. Lean against your Nana and I will sing you to sleep, penneth.” The ancient Sindar took the empty cup from her hands and softly began to sing. (young one)

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Thanks MarzBar! GRIN! I have to confess if was fun writing the 'telling Celebrian off' scene!

Hola Zelha! I'm so glad you're enjoying Garden! Thanks for reading!