Finding Hope

Chapter 26

Deciding to get themselves ready before the elflings, Glorfindel and Erestor dressed in the robes that had been made for their wedding. The velvet robes sparkled with embroidered gold flowers and jewels. The only difference was Glorfindel’s was royal blue with sapphires, and Erestor’s was a deep red with rubies. They fixed each other’s hair as they had done on the day of their formal marriage, weaving jewels among the elaborate braids and finishing with their golden circlets.

When Erestor and Glorfindel walked into the children’s room to get them ready, they grinned as they saw the children stare at them wide-eyed.

“It is just your Adas, sweetlings,” Erestor said.

“Oh, Ada. You are…you are…beautiful!” Amdiriel squealed. “Oh…Ada Glor is so pretty, too.”

“Well, just wait until we are done with the three of you. We will be the most stunning of everyone at the party!” Glorfindel said.

Erestor dressed Amdiriel in her new green gown, and wove emeralds that flashed when she moved her head into her dark curls. Her beautiful emerald bracelet and pendant were next. “Come, see what you look like sweetheart.” Erestor stood her in front of the mirror. “See how beautiful you are?”

“Oh, Ada, is that me?”

Erestor chuckled. “Aye, that is my Amdiriel.”

Glorfindel finished with their oldest elfling, and Gailion joined his sister in front of the mirror. The only thing left was their gold circlets. Glorfindel wove them into their hair while Erestor dressed Faelion and coaxed the baby into letting him put his circlet in his hair.

Finished, they looked at themselves in the mirror. “Stunning, my dears. Simply stunning,” Glorfindel said.

Erestor laughed. “Let us go then, or we will be late.”

As they walked to the dining hall, Erestor reminded the children that his cousin, Mirfaineth, would be taking them back to their rooms, along with Calariel and Glawen, shortly after dinner. The children could come to the Hall of Fire after dinner for a few minutes to see everything, but it would be too late for little elflings to stay up longer. Mirfaineth’s husband was out on patrol, and she was expecting their first child. She was looking forward to watching the elflings for the practice. The children liked Mirfaineth, and Erestor trusted her, so it was a good solution.

At the doors to the dining hall, they paused. “Do you remember what to do, little ones?” Erestor asked. Two little heads nodded. Glorfindel held Faelion in his arms, and Erestor held Amdiriel. Gailion would walk between them. The two adas smiled at each other, extraordinarily proud of the sight they would make. Glorfindel opened the door and they stepped inside. Walking to their place at Elrond’s table, they could not help hearing gasps and other sounds of admiration.

If the elflings were awed by the crowd of elves in the room, they did not show it. Gailion and Amdiriel noticed Amarion and his family, and gave a tiny wave to their friends, hoping their adas would not mind. Elrond and Erynoron had not arrived yet, so they took their places at the table.

Erestor noticed that Calariel and Glawen were looking adorable in their new finery as they sat on their adas’ laps, and sported matching sapphires around their necks and wrists, as well as in their hair. He smiled at Caladir and gave Gurvelon a wink.

Glorfindel helped Erestor sit with Amdiriel in his lap, before seating himself with Faelion. The little girls were still too small to sit in the chairs in the dining hall and reach anything. Gailion was just big enough, so he sat between his adas. Besides, there were plenty of friends around if need be.

They greeted Lindir and Taurfaeron, seated across from them, and Erestor noticed a flash. “Lindir?” Erestor said, “Is that a mithril ring I see on your finger perchance, my friend?” He wished Taurfaeron would move his hand so he could if the Lothlorien captain wore one as well.

Lindir blushed prettily and nodded.

“Indeed it is, Erestor,” Taurfaeron said proudly. “My beautiful love has consented to marry this hardened old warrior.” He held up his hand to show off his matching ring.

“Oh, I am so very happy for you both,” Erestor said. “Glorfindel, is it not wonderful?”

“Indeed it is. My congratulations to both of you,” Glorfindel smiled.

Melpomean and Turidon were seated on the other side of Lindir and Taurfaeron, and joined in the congratulations. “Lindir,” Mel laughed, “do you remember telling me once that you wished you had a big, strong warrior to sit beside? I think you got your wish, my friend.”

“And more than I ever hoped for,” Lindir answered, looking adoring up at Taurfaeron. The minstrel looked so adorable that his big, strong warrior had no choice but to lean over and kiss him, to the delight of all of their friends.

Just then, Elrond finally arrived with Erynoron at his side. As usual, the Lord of Imladris looked elegant and regal in his dark blue and cream robes of state. With his mithril circlet and silver stars laced through his hair, he was as beautiful as always. But Erynoron was stunning. The tall elf was dressed in beautiful deep green robes that shimmered with golden embroidery and amethysts. Peeking out through slashes in the sleeves were wisps of pale, sheer lavender. Emeralds and amethysts woven into his carefully arranged hair flashed as he walked. Behind them walked Elladan and Elrohir.

The assembled elves rose, and as the party passed, bowed respectfully to their Lord. Erestor could see a faint blush on Erynoron’s cheeks. He doubted if his friend had ever been so elegantly attired before – Elrond had certainly done his best to make sure his new love shined for all to see.

“Ada, Noron is pretty,” Amdiriel whispered.

“He is indeed, sweetheart,” Erestor whispered back. “Now do not forget to bow your head when Elrond comes to the table, all right?”

When Elrond, Erynoron and the twins reached the table, Amdiriel, still held in her Ada’s arms, inclined her head as Erestor had taught her to do, and the other elves bowed. Elrond introduced Erynoron and explained to the assembled elves that Celeborn’s Chief Advisor would serve as their Chief Councilor, along with Erestor, and relieve Erestor of most of his regular duties to allow him time with his new family.

Erestor was touched that Elrond had said Erynoron would serve along with him, and gracefully acknowledged the complement with a bow of his head. He longed for the time off from his duties, but it felt good to still be needed and recognized.

“We have another cause to celebrate this evening, my friends,” Elrond continued. “Our dear Lindir and our new friend Taurfaeron of Lothlorien, are betrothed.” The assembled elves cheered and applauded, and a blushing Lindir held onto Taurfaeron’s hand tightly. “Taurfaeron, Lord Celeborn bids me tell you that your request to leave his service has been graciously agreed to. We welcome you to your new home, Taurfaeron of Imladris.” At this announcement, Taurfaeron grabbed Lindir and kissed his soundly, to the cheers and applause of all. “After dinner there will be entertainment and dancing in the Hall of Fire,” Elrond continued. “Please, be seated, and enjoy the meal and the rest of the evening.”

When they were seated, Elrohir, who was seated on the other side of Erestor, spoke to Amdiriel. “Hello, little princess. Do I get a hello hug?” Amdiriel giggled, and held out her arms. Elrohir took her from Erestor and set her on his lap. “My, you look beautiful tonight, princess. Who put all those emeralds in your hair?”

“My Ada did.” Amdiriel giggled again.

“Are you going to save me a dance later tonight, princess?”

“Ada says we have to go back to our room with Mirfaineth after dinner.”

“Ah, he does, does he? Erestor, may I have one dance with your little princess before she has to go with Mirfaineth?” He looked at Erestor with puppy dog eyes. “Please? Just one small one?”

Erestor laughed. “Would you like to dance with Elrohir, sweetheart?”

“I would, Ada. May I?” The little green eyes sparkled up at Erestor, and she smiled.

Erestor knew he could not deny her. “Just one then. And then you must go to bed, all right?”

Amdiriel grinned and nodded. “Thank you, Ada.”

“Thank you, Ada,” Elrohir echoed and grinned, earning him a little slap on his shoulder from “Ada”.

Dinner was an elaborate affair with all the best Imladris had to offer. Erynoron secretly peeked at Elrond whenever he could, and Elrond was peeking back when he could. Lindir and Taurfaeron had eyes only for each other. Mel and Turidon happily chatted with everyone. Caladir and Gurvelon were having a wonderful time with their pretty little elflings.

Servants helped the four new adas prepare plates for the elflings, cut up the children’s food for them, and even brought mashed fruit for the baby. Faelion happily chewed on Glorfindel’s hair after his Ada had fed him and was finally eating his own dinner.

Elrond and Erynoron fawned over all the elflings and told their adas what wonderful, beautiful children they were. Erestor whipped the baby’s bunny out from under his robes and handed it to Gailion to give to his brother to chew on instead of his Ada’s hair.

“Always prepared, my friend,” Erynoron laughed.

“I am learning, my friend. I am learning,” Erestor chuckled.

When dinner was over, all of the elves moved into the Hall of Fire. Musicians played in a corner, and soft music filled the hall. Elrohir claimed his dance, whisking Amdiriel off to the dance floor. He swirled around with her in his arms, as she laughed merrily. Caladir and Gurvelon danced together, each with an elfling still in his arms, and Erestor found his heavily pregnant cousin for one not-too-lively dance before she took the elflings away. Glorfindel simply picked Gailion up in his other arm and twirled around the floor with them, laughing joyfully.

After their one dance, Erestor and Gurvelon accompanied Mirfaineth to Erestor and Glorfindel’s rooms to help get the children ready for bed. Before they left, Calariel and Glawen were curled up together in the unused bed in the children’s room, Faelion was peacefully asleep in his cradle, and Amdiriel and Gailion were just falling asleep in Gailion’s bed. At Erestor’s insistence, Mirfaineth was stretched out on Amdiriel’s bed, resting.

“If you are sleeping when we return, we will not wake you, love. Just stay here for the night. You need to be careful in your condition, you know,” Erestor said. He was very protective of his cousin, especially when her husband was off on patrol.

“Aye, Nana,” Mirfaineth answered with a grin.

Erestor just chuckled and kissed her chastely on the cheek.

When they returned to the Hall of Fire, Erestor sought out his husband. “Dance with me, Glorfindel my love?”

Glorfindel smiled down at his beautiful mate. “Always, sweetheart.” Sweeping Erestor into his arms, he twirled him out onto the dance floor.

Erestor looked up at Glorfindel with love shining from his eyes and smiled. There were few things he liked better than dancing in Glorfindel’s arms, and they had not been able to do much of it lately. After two or three lively dances, many of their friends had left the dance floor to catch their breaths. The music slowed and grew soft, and still they danced slowly in each other’s arms.

“I love you, my Erestor,” Glorfindel said softly. Erestor fit so perfectly in his arms, the dark head cradled under his chin. “I cannot remember life without you, without your love. I love you so very much.”

“I love you, my Glorfindel, and I thank the Valar daily for your love. You are my heart, my soul, my light.” Erestor lifted his head and moaned so softly that only his husband could hear as Glorfindel kissed him sweetly.

Elrond, Erynoron, and several others stood watching the couple. “They are so beautiful. So much in love,” Erynoron said.

“Aye, it shines from them,” Elrond answered.

Golden lights began to sparkle here and there around the dancing couple as they kissed. “What is that?” Erynoron asked.

“I…I do not know, at least for certain. I have heard of such things, but have never seen it before,” Elrond replied.

The golden lights grew stronger and more numerous. Other couples dancing began to notice, and stopped to watch, amazement on their faces.

“Turidon, have you seen it before? Do you know?” Elrond asked. Turidon was one of the first elves, and if anyone would know, it was he.

“Aye, my Lord. I have seen it. Long ago when the Valar walked among us and in the Undying Lands. I know what it is. But never have I seen it among elves. It was only known among the Valar.” There was wonder in Turidon’s voice.

“What is it, my love?” Melpomaen asked. “Tell us?”

“Love. We are seeing love. Their love. See how it passes from one to the other and then overflows into the room? They have been greatly blessed, and we have been greatly blessed to witness this. It is their love. Come, my little Mel. Come and dance with me,” Turidon said softly.

“Turidon, perhaps it would be better if...” Elrond began. Erestor and Glorfindel were gazing into each other’s eyes before they kissed again. The golden lights again grew more numerous.

“Nay, my Lord. You do not understand. It is to be shared. That is why we can see it – to share in it. Did you not see their eyes turning to gold? Come, all of you. Come and dance.” Turidon led Melpomaen out onto the floor and the other couples followed. Elrond and Erynoron, Caladir and Gurvelon, and Lindir and Taurfaeron, moved onto the floor and danced, and soon all of the other couples joined them.

And all around them, and on them, golden lights fell.

“Can you feel it, my love?” Turidon whispered to Mel.

“Aye,” Mel whispered. “It is warm and sweet, and…and…lovely,” he said, pulling Turidon down for a kiss.

Elladan and Elrohir stood side by side, watching the dancing elves. The golden lights grew more numerous and spread throughout the room, even falling on the twins. They watched their father in amazement as he looked into Erynoron’s eyes, and the realization hit them at once. “Ada loves him,” Elladan whispered.

“Erynoron loves Ada,” Elrohir responded. “Just look at them. How beautiful they are together. Oh, I am happy for Ada.”

“As am I, my brother, as am I. Too long has he been alone. Oh…look at Caladir and Velon.” Caladir and Gurvelon, bonded for centuries with a love so strong that Erestor had once wished that he and Glorfindel’s love would be the same, were softly glowing. They always glowed when they made love, but never before at any other time. They saw the glow, and were smiling adoring at each other.

“Can you feel it, Dan?” Elrohir asked. “They feel warm.” He held out a hand and watched as golden lights drifted through it.

“Aye. They seem to make everything warm and…I do not know how else to describe it.”

Elrohir nodded. “Oh, look at Ada and Erynoron!” Elrond had stopped dancing and was drawing Erynoron closer. The twins watched as their father’s mouth captured Erynoron’s in a deep kiss and the Advisor wound his fingers through dark hair.

Elladan grinned at Elrohir, who smirked back at his brother. “I do not want to be anywhere near Ada’s rooms tonight, brother,” Elladan said.

“No indeed.” Elrohir chuckled. “Erynoron is truly beautiful, is he not, brother?”

“Aye. Ada has good taste. And he is Erestor’s friend. Erestor says he is a good and kind elf, which means we do not have to rip him apart to make sure he is good enough for Ada,” Elladan said.

“Indeed. It is good that Erestor knows him so well,” Elrohir laughed. “It saved him from Ada’s protectors.”

The twins laughed and decided it was time for them to look for something else to do. Like sparring for instance. Anything to get them out of this room and away from all this romance! They went to Elrond’s office and wrote a quick note telling their Ada that they approved of his choice, and to please be gentle with Erynoron because they rather liked him. They took the note to Elrond’s bedroom and left it on his pillow, then went off to change for their sparring.

In the Hall of Fire, Glorfindel saw Caladir and Gurvelon leave. He gave them a few minutes to pick up their girls and return to their own rooms, then picked up his beloved husband in his arms.

Erestor wrapped his arms around Glorfindel’s neck and rested his head on his strong shoulder, and was lovingly carried back to their rooms.

Tbc…