Eternal

Disclaimer: I do not own anything but my own characters, everything belongs to Tolkien the genius.

Chapter Fifteen: Néca Estel

It was as if Elrilya had become invisible after she had rushed from Glorfindel’s arms that fateful morning. Glorfindel had remained, not running after his upset friend but had stared at the door mulling over his thoughts for several minutes afterward. After some time, he had put his clothing back on and returned to his room so that he could change. He avoided any chance at first to come across her path. He was not ready to speak with her over their mistake; fearful of what may be said making the matter worse.

The noonday and evening meals were separate and quiet as were they the next day while Glorfindel stayed alone in his rooms. At one point he had gone for a walk along the edge of the city and almost walked onto the archery grounds where he had found Elrilya practicing one morning. Luckily he did not find her present but the sheer anxiousness that seemed to shoot through his body unnerved Glorfindel.

He decided finally the situation had to be mended before their arrival in Nevrast. Glorfindel finally worked up some courage to wait outside Elrilya and Idril’s suite but was unable to catch them. The only chance he may have of finding her would be on the return journey, which would leave her no choice or way to avoid him despite it being rather hard to avoid the conspicuous glances of their fellow travelers. It was on the eve of their departure that Cirdan found Glorfindel on one of the many terraces of the main halls overlooking the shoreline.

“You have kept yourself busy and away, Glorfindel,” Cirdan said, approaching his friend and resting upon the rampart Glorfindel leaned against. “It was difficult finding a moment with you.”

“I apologize,” Glorfindel said softly, appearing somewhat lost in thought.

“What is the matter, nilmo?” Cirdan asked, looking concerned. “You have not been well since the festival. Was the night not as great as I had made you to believe?”

“It was as you said…” Glorfindel finally conceded after a few moments but clenched his fists as he pressed his face against his hands.

“Then what is it?” Cirdan pressed.

“I made a terrible mistake,” he answered quietly. “I knew this would hurt someone one day.”

“Who? Who has been hurt?” Cirdan asked alarmed. “Please, Glorfindel let me help you.”

“There is little you can do for me in this matter,” Glorfindel said. “I do not know what to do myself.”

“Then tell me, I cannot help you when you speak in riddles,” Cirdan said worriedly. “Though, I believe I may know.”

“How so?” Glorfindel said, turning to look at his friend curiously.

“The Lady Idril Celebrindal spoke with me this morn,” he informed him. “She is concerned for Lady Elrilya who has been acting peculiarly since the festival. She said she has learned little of what afflicts her friend but my suspicions are confirmed with what little you have said.”

“I did not intend to bed her,” Glorfindel said sadly. “I did not know and she had said she would not participate.”

“What is there to be upset about?” Cirdan asked. “You both have shared a glorious sharing of closeness. I have known many good friends who have had such carnal developments while remaining friends though having a more thorough understanding of the other than a usual friendship.”

“It was her first coupling,” Glorfindel sighed. “She should have shared it with someone unknown.”

“Yours was as such?” Cirdan asked though it appeared he knew the answer.

“Yes,” Glorfindel nodded though there was some apprehension behind his eyes.

“Yet you appear to have regretted that it had occurred that way,” Cirdan said.

“I was a restless youth on the evening of his majority, it was reckless and rather unmemorable,” Glorfindel acquiesced.

Glorfindel felt a hand on his shoulder and he looked into Cirdan’s ageless eyes.

“The Valar have many things set for us that we may not understand but perhaps it was best for both of you this way. That is all the advice I can think to give to you but little can I tell you as to remedy this. There are things I may help you on but others you must find on your own, mellon nin,” Cirdan said. “I fear this is the latter for there are times when thinking to one’s self can bring the answers one seeks.”

* * * * * * *

Eglarest was almost out of sight as the caravan crested a hill overlooking the coast. Glorfindel looked back one last time before urging his steed to continue on. The small group of journeying elves was no more than a count of two dozen but they would ride swiftly and nearly soundlessly up the coast to the palace of King Turgon. Glorfindel looked back as he waited for each member of the group to head up the narrow trail. Glorfindel headed up the travelers assembly because of his stature and rank but occasionally held back to see that all kept up well and no one delayed.

Idril and Elrilya had been riding closely for most of the short ride but were forced to go into single file as they traveled up the hill. Glorfindel watched them carefully; Idril gave a small smile as she passed him but Elrilya kept her gaze lowered and did not acknowledge him. He did not try to stop her but still wondered what he would say to her at all if they had the chance. As the last rider passed him, he followed them up and over.

After a quick pace out into the far reaches of Falas over a few days, they slowed their fast canter to a slower but steady trot. Their steeds were of the prized breeds from the Blessed Realm and were accustomed to the typical elvish traveling for a few days with little rest. On a few occasions Glorfindel would ride back and converse with a few of his companions. However, he stayed away from Idril and Elrilya since he hoped to catch her when alone but Idril was not allowing that to take place. Elrilya’s frame conveyed to him how much her demeanor changed from the young elleth he had seen in the gardens a couple weeks before. A jagged pain cut through him and guilt coursed through his mind, blaming himself for being the source of her uneasiness and hurting as he noticed her sagged posture and bent down head. Idril appeared to understand something was the matter due to her glances back toward Glorfindel when he rode behind them but she never broached the subject with Glorfindel.

It was the end of the third day when Glorfindel had sent out a scout rider to search for a place for them to camp that night. He had brought himself up to the front of the group for most of the late afternoon and evening waiting for him to return. Glancing back, Glorfindel saw Idril riding up to meet him near the front. He slowed his horse to give them some privacy away from the front leaders.

“We will be stopping shortly for the night,” he told her. “If that is what you seek to ask.”

“It is good to know but I wish to speak to you of another matter,” she said seriously.

“Of course,” Glorfindel nodded slowly.

“Something is the matter with Elrilya and I do not know why for she will not speak about it with me,” Idril said. “She has been acting strangely since the day after the festival.”

“Perhaps it is a private matter she wishes to keep to herself,” Glorfindel offered, he did not know how Idril might react as to he being the reason for Elrilya’s emotional turmoil.

“I believe she had a bad situation that night with her first coupling,” Idril said, then continued as she espied Glorfindel’s reaction though she mistaken it for confusion rather than the surprise he had for her knowing of Elrilya’s decision. “Yes, she did later decide to tryst with someone that night and I fear it was not the best. I had come looking for you to help cheer her mood with me but it was difficult to find you at all…”

She trailed off a moment then appeared to be in deep thought. Glorfindel did not know what was on her mind but it was clear as she turned her eyes onto him.

“It was you, was it not?” she said in shock. “That is why you have been scarce and she has avoided contact with you!”

Glorfindel looked upon her with weary eyes. The secret was out now and he still had not been able to cure the problem between them before others discovered their issues. It seemed to him though that if Idril had figured it out then the distance he and Elrilya were keeping was noticeable.

“It is of my doing, I admit,” Glorfindel said but hesitated. “Though, I did not mean to bring her hurt.”

“You must speak with her,” Idril said, her eyes narrowed. “Do not tell me of what was done, it is not for me to hear if she does not wish to speak of it to me.”

“I will go to her but I have yet had the chance to be alone,” he replied. “Once we set camp it may be easier.”

“I shall see what I can do to persuade her to meet,” Idril said as she rode back to her companion.

Moments later, one of the leading riders spotted the scout returning. Upon his rejoining the ranks, he informed them of a nearby dale they could stay at that would protect the fire from the onshore breezes. They led their riding party on their way and dusk was falling by the time they arrived. Glorfindel was tending to the horses, making sure they were all secured properly. Elvish horses were not known to wander off but he did not want any strange surprises to occur.

He remembered espying a small stream meandering nearby behind a gathering of trees. Since the horses were in need of more water, he led them with him to the stream. He would come back on the next trip with the water skin pouches to fill for his fellow travelers. As he came through the shadows of the trees, he saw that he was not alone at the stream. Elrilya was already present and appeared to be filling her pouch. Hearing the approach of the hooves she turned to see Glorfindel leading the horses to the water’s edge. Glorfindel glanced her way; locking eyes with her for the first time since the morning she had run from him.

They spoke no words between each other but let the other go about the business they had come to do at the creek. Silence reigned for some time other than the soft sounds of the birds at sunset and the gentle splashing of the water against the rocks.

“I would wish that it is not spoken of at all,” she suddenly said in a short explanation. “I do not want any to know of what happened.”

“I would not dishonor you by telling strangers of our tryst,” Glorfindel said quietly.

“And the others? What of your other conquests that all the lands of the Blessed Realm and here in the east know?” she asked.

“That was of their choice to let it be known,” he explained with an exasperated sigh. “Elrilya, you know me better than the way you speak of me. I would not dishonor you in that way.”

“I am only another who has warmed your bed, why would I be of any importance to you?” she said crossly.

She found him striding toward her quickly, his green eyes flashing startlingly.

“Do not throw away my word when I have given it to you meaningfully,” he said harshly but then his eyes softened as he looked upon her apprehensive reaction. “You are more to me than a mere bedmate, we are friends and you should not speak of yourself so lowly.”

“I apologize,” she said, lowering her head but then she looked him in the eye once more. “I appreciate your kind words.”

Glorfindel smiled warmly to assuage the tenseness that still reverberated in the air and squeezed her hand reassuringly, “Come now, it is time we get back since it is getting dark.”

* * * * *
Several days later as night was settling, the travelers from Eglarest trekked through the last pass of the Ered Wethrin and the twinkling lights of Vinyamar became visible. The sea lay beyond, reflecting the glow of the Noldori city. Glorfindel spurred his horse on, the others following in suit as the thrill of nearly being home ran through them. Shouts and trumpets could be heard along the walls of Vinyamar as they approached and the gates were opened.

The horses were seen to by the guards and stable hands, leaving the riders to dismount and enter the inner squares of the city. Glorfindel espied Idril and Elrilya quickly hurrying up the steps to the palace, cloaks billowing behind them. He chuckled to himself as he followed them though not nearly as fast. The laughter and voices carrying through the corridors helped him discern where to find his kin.

Entering a room from under the archway, Glorfindel found Aredhel hugging Idril ecstatically as Turgon had Elrilya in a fatherly embrace. He waited for them to pass pleasantries before making his presence known.

“We have missed you two here,” Turgon said taking the two ellyths’ hands. “It is wonderful to have you back again.

“You will be pleased to see who else has traveled back with us,” Idril said as she turned to see Glorfindel at the entrance of the room.

Turgon’s eyes twinkled with happiness at seeing his friend again without a shred of doubt showing that he thought Glorfindel would never return. He approached and they clasped hands then patted each other on the back.

“I had not expected you to come with them but it is a great surprise that I welcome,” Turgon exclaimed. “Has your thirst for adventure been sated?”

“Yes, it was time for me to come back to stand by your side,” Glorfindel said warmly.

“Come, you must tell me of all the places you visited and what you have seen in these eastern lands,” Turgon said, leading Glorfindel to a nearby sitting room, Aredhel and the two others in tow.

Quenya Translations
Néca Estel: faint hope

Sindarin Translations
nilmo: (male) friend
mellon nin: (male) my friend