The Probability Factor

Chapter Seventeen-Farewell Tour 3021

(dialogue in italics are meant to be speech in Sindarin)

The next few weeks were a flurry of activity. Galadriel, Celeborn and Elrond spent loads of time together, reminiscing I suppose. Haldir had explained that they had known each other for centuries, and as Elrond and Galadriel would be sailing in a while, they wanted to spend some quality time beneath the mallorn trees they loved.

I asked why Celeborn wasn’t going with them, and Haldir said that he would go to Imladris when the trees began to turn. A few elves would stay behind until Celeborn decided to finally sail. I knew Haldir would stay. He’d try to stay past Celeborn’s sailing, and I couldn’t allow that. I couldn’t live with myself if Haldir faded. We never fought about it, and hardly ever talked about the last sailing. It was like walking on eggshells. Both of us were afraid of what the other would say, and neither of us wanted to deal with the inevitable. Our love bound us tightly together, but at times I wondered if was an albatross, just waiting to watch us sink beneath the waves.

The time for what I was calling the ‘Farewell Tour 3021’ was upon us. I jokingly told Galadriel that they should get tour buses and loads of roadies to go out in style. No point in doing a farewell tour if you didn’t do it like a rock star. Celeborn had some of the artisans make up banners with ‘Farewell Tour 3021’ written in Tengwar, as a joke. I still had a hard time reading Tengwar, but Haldir told me what they said. Galadriel told the Celeborn that the banners would be used, just to wipe the grin off his face. I know Celeborn thought it was funny, but acquiesced to his wife’s fit of pique, and played along with being chastised.

Elrond didn’t really speak to me, but threw me the occasional odd look. I mostly ignored them, asking Mithrandir only once about it. He just looked mysterious, and changed the topic. Annoying man.

We left the trees of Lorien at the end of November. The air had turned much cooler, and Haldir had gotten some travelling clothes made up for me to fight off the weather, remembering that I was subject to temperature more than he was. Haldir had given me a lovely elven jewelled necklace for my birthday back in October, and I wore it under my warm dress and cloak. I had been taking riding lessons since I had arrived, but I still ached something terrible everytime I got off the poor animal after a few hours of lessons. As we rode out under the mallorn trees, I held a bit of trepidation in my heart, wondering if I could make the trip they had planned. We were going around all of Arda, saying goodbye.

It took a few weeks to get to Minas Tirith, and Haldir was quite nervous about the whole deal. I was told I couldn’t interact with the mortals, and Haldir had quite a few of his friends assigned on a type of security detail. I was to never be alone. I only knew what Haldir and his brother had told me about the race of Men, but I thought perhaps they had overstated their concerns. That was until we entered the city. It was a dull grey colour, and you could tell that rebuilding was going on. Some much for the vaunted ‘White City’. Our entourage was led up several levels to the top, where we were greeted by what I could only assume was Gondor’s Lord Chamberlain. He led us into the citadel, and took us into the throne room. Haldir had me stand in the middle of all the ellith and I watched intently as Elrond greeted the King and his Queen like they were family. Orophin quietly told me that Elrond was the father of the Queen and the foster father of the King. I thought that sounded kinda incestuous, but I didn’t have the whole story, so I decided I’d ask Haldir once we got settled.

Once the meet and greet was over, we were led off to our rooms. Haldir and I were placed close to Galadriel and Celeborn, just two doors down. As we entered our room, I noticed a huge fireplace dividing the sitting room from the bedroom. It was open on both sides to allow for the most efficient delivery of heat. The room smelled faintly of mothballs, and when I opened the wardrobe, I found out why. A few mothballs rolled out onto the floor and I sidestepped them, as I turned back to Haldir.

“It’s at times like these, I really miss Vancouver,” I announced.

Haldir laughed and walked over to me, “It is not that bad.”

“Uh, yes it is. Mothballs Haldir. Mothballs! Plus, the ever present smell of mould in the air. It’s like I’m stuck in some decrepit building near Chinatown in the East End.”

“Then you should feel right at home,” Haldir joked.

I swatted him. “Bloody hell Haldir. I miss elevators, take out and being able to order crap online,” I retorted.

He wrapped me in his arms, “I am sorry this has been hard on you.”

I sighed, “It hasn’t been hard really. Lorien is great, it just the rest of Arda that I’m not too thrilled about. Did you get a load of the looks those people shot me on the way in? Not exactly welcoming. I guess it comes down to Earth being so far ahead of these people. Your world is stuck in the Middle Ages, with no hope of technological advancement. An Agrarian society just isn’t how I pictured living out the rest of my life. Sorry Haldir, I don’t mean to rant like this, but the last few weeks have been a wee bit trying.” I ran my fingers through my hair and plopped my head against his chest.

Haldir hugged me tighter, “You are not ranting. I understand this isn’t what you like. I knew you were not well suited to life here. Perhaps we can find a way back. I liked life with you in Vancouver. I love your family and I have made some friends as well. You have been a good influence on me, and I would be happy to spend the rest of my days on Earth with you.”

I immediately thought of him fading after I died, and a sad look flitted over my face. I tamped it down before I let it go any further. Haldir and I had been doing so well and I didn’t want to jinx anything.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked softly.

“Nothing. Home. Earth,” I replied, burying my face in his chest.

A knock at the door interrupted our reverie, and two servant girls came in, carrying a large metal tub. The older girl spoke up, “We are bringing you your bath, so you may freshen up from your long travels.” She spoke in Sindarin, albeit in a terrible accent.

One thing I learned up front was the proper accent, as Haldir told me Sindarin not spoken correctly was akin to nails down a chalkboard. He got the chalkboard demo when a drunken guy fell down an outdoor menu sign on Davie one night. The guy was so hammered, he scratched the chalkboard all the way down and people were freaking out around him. Haldir was not impressed.

The bath was filled, as other servant girls came in and poured the water in the tub. All of them shot me curious looks and some of them looked a bit piqued. I had the feeling they did not approve of a human woman with one of the Eldar. Once they had gone, Haldir bolted the door and helped me get undressed as he undressed himself.

“The tub is not very big, but I believe if you lie against me, we shall both fit,” he led me to the steaming tub.

“I think I may have a hard time here, baby,” I commented as he helped me into the tub.

“Why?” he got in with me and we slid into the hot water.

“Those girls do not approve of me,” I took the wash cloth and began working on Haldir’s legs.

“They do not matter,” he informed me as he rubbed my neck.

“They are a barometer to how other people think. Regular people have an influence on how the general populace works, and if servants don’t like you, you can bet your bottom dollar that their muckity-mucks won’t either.”

Haldir took the cloth from me and began to wash my front, “We will protect you from that Susan.”

“For how long? You cannot be with me every moment of the day. No one can. So, that leaves me open to god only knows what. You’re the one who distrusts the race of Men. What is your exit plan if things get dicey?”

Haldir grunted as he moved from my front to my back, “Do not worry. I will think of something.”

I knew Haldir would take care of me, but I felt like it shouldn’t come to that. Education was the key to changing behaviour, but I didn’t know if I would be overstepping my bounds if I suggested it.

We finished our bath and Haldir looked through my trunk, choosing the gown I was to wear to the welcoming feast. I’ve got to admit, my husband has excellent taste. Even back on Earth, he always chose items that made me look my best. I used to kid with him, saying he should have his own show called ‘Elvish Eye for the Straight Guy’. He archly told me he could only choose my clothes, as he was my mate.

Dinner was being served at sevenish. My watch from Earth still worked, as I had one of those kinetic wristwatches. All you have to do is swing your wrist about to keep it working. It took a bit to figure out what time it was, as there was no regional time keeping standard, but I watched the sun and managed to figure it out. Haldir finds my need to know the time amusing, but I told him that when he was on Earth, he was time-conscious too.

The banquet hall was huge. I didn’t realize this citadel was that large. Galadriel, Celeborn and Elrond entered first, and then Haldir, myself and another elf called Glorfindel followed behind them. I had only spoken to him once while we travelled, when I needed help with my saddle. He was a quiet type, very introspective. I hoped to talk to him further, as Haldir had told me about his life in Aman, subsequent death, and rebirth into Arda. I was fascinated and wanted to know if was akin to our reincarnation on Earth. As we passed under boughs of green leaves, I watched the guests at the lower tables stand and stare at us. I had no idea why, as they had an elven queen. I would’ve thought they would be used to an elven delegation by now. Apparently not. They stared holes through us. Haldir had me between him and Glorfindel, so the guests already at the tables couldn’t really see me. Haldir’s brothers took up the rear, to block me from the stares from behind. I felt like I was on display even with the protective measures, but I sucked it up, raised my head high and acted aloof.

Luckily, the seating had Glorfindel beside Elrond, who was to the right of the King. I sat beside him and Haldir was beside me. Celeborn sat to the left of the Queen, with Galadriel beside him and Orophin beside her. Elrond was the only one who ruined the boy-girl-boy-girl seating arrangement. As I watched everyone bow to the King and Queen as they entered, I heard a low laugh beside me.

Glorfindel whispered under his breath, “Lord Elrond does ruin the image you seek.”

I looked at him askance. How did he know that? I hadn’t said a word aloud. The fact that he may have a bit of telepathic ability made me nervous. I hoped he hadn’t heard my thoughts about his derriere when he got on his horse. I couldn’t help it. It was cute. Hey, I did not cheat on my husband, but I saw no harm in admiring beauty.

Another laugh, “Thank you.”

Oooh, now that ability could be dangerous. And really annoying.

Glorfindel gave me a serious look and whispered, “You have no idea.”

Haldir looked over at Glorfindel and smiled, “Charming my wife, my friend?”

“It is she who charms me,” he answered, grinning back at my husband.

“She does that often,” Haldir replied before he turned his attention to his wine goblet.

I bit my lip, biting back a laugh. I charmed people. As if. The truth was the elves put up with me, my terrible Sindarin and my lack of strength. Countless times I had to ask for help with things these people found easy, and I was sure they were good and tired of me by now.

Dinner progressed at a slow rate, but it gave me time to grill Glorfindel on his life. Haldir chatted amiably with one of the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting, letting me have my verbal way with Glorfindel. He knew I’d die of curiosity if I didn’t learn about Glorfindel’s life. Turns out, Glorfindel can be quite loquacious after liberal amounts of good wine. I learned all about his lives and how he spends his current life celibate to be able to clearly reflect on Eru’s purpose in Arda and Aman. I told him about the monastic lifestyle on Earth and gave him a rundown of some of the world’s major religions. He was fascinated with Daoism, which I understood. What’s not to entice you about the unknowable? It’s like some delicious mystery, waiting for you to unwrap it. Completely unknowable my ass. Lao Tzu was a riddler, but he had some strong points in logic.

After the food and drink we repaired to what could only be called the ballroom. A musical group was in one corner and as they struck up a tune, the King and Queen took to the dance floor. The evening was long, and just after 2am, by my watch, the King and Queen took their leave. Haldir and I snuck out just after them, while Glorfindel came along to see us to our room. He was in the room beside ours, and I apologized in advance. He gave me a knowing look and I got a bit embarrassed. Since Haldir took to making love with me so I would cry out loudly, I had gotten out of the habit of being silent. I hoped Glorfindel understood, and he just smiled and told me to have a lovely evening. We retired to our room, but as I was exhausted from the travel, Haldir told me he would wake me before midday meal to make love. We fell asleep in each others arms to the sounds of the party spilling out onto the parapet below us.