In the Garden

Title: In the Garden, Chapter 27
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; FF
Acknowledgements: Thanks 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 27 --- The Music of the Night

Elrond stepped out onto the patio beyond his private chambers. On the distant horizon, he watched as his father’s star glided into the evening sky. A soft smile softened the solemn set of his features at the sight, the promise of their coming reunion filling a long empty void in his life.

Taking a deep breath, he let the peace of his gardens seep into his spirit. /For the first time, this house seems like home. After so many weeks spent at Lorien, it will be a pleasure to be able to sleep in my own bed, amongst my own things./

Sighing, he walked across the patio and into the garden itself. Despite being tired from the trip, a dense jumble of thoughts crowded his mind, making it impossible for him to completely relax. He instinctively sought the comfort of nature to still his unsettled heart. His final conversation with the Lady Estë and Lord Irmo had left him feeling cautiously optimistic, while at the same time leaving him feeling helpless about his own fate.

Following his final audience with the Valar, he and his party had set out for home. Meril, along with her aunt and uncle, had waited to travel with them rather than return earlier with her family. A feeling of unease had gripped his heart as they had parted ways at the crossroad that led to their respective dwellings. In the privacy of his own thoughts, he acknowledged he missed having her near. For weeks, he had enjoyed the pleasure her company brought to him from the time he rose in the morning until they parted for the night. Knowing he might not see her for some days caused his heart to clinch with longing.

“Do you wish to discuss what is bothering you, meldir, or do you need more time to order your thoughts?” (friend)

Looking over his shoulder, he smiled in greeting as Linder moved to join him. “I am not sure what to say, old friend.”

“I take it you are troubled by what the Valar said to you during your final meeting with them.” Placing a supportive hand on the elf lord’s shoulder, he asked, “Did they give you disheartening news?”

“Disheartening, no, but what they said has left me feeling… powerless. That is not a comfortable feeling.” Sighing, Elrond turned his gaze back to contemplate his father’s slow progress across the night sky. “They have urged me to bide my time for now and wait until they send word that the time is right for me to make a formal petition to the Valar. To the good, they plan to support my request. They have seen the clear lack of a bond between Celebrian and myself and feel it would be harmful to both of us to try to force us to continue in this sham of a marriage.”

A bright smile lit the minstrel’s face. “This is wonderful news, ion! Their support is invaluable. Why does this trouble you?” (son)

A rueful smile preceded, “I am not troubled and am greatly encouraged by this news. In truth, I had little hope of having any support to my petition, so it is a blessing to know I have two champions to my cause.”

Tilting his head to study his friend more closely, Lindir pressed, “Then what troubles you?”

“I had it all mapped out, meldir. I would return here and begin to make immediate overtures for an audience before the Valar. I had planned to seek an answer as soon as I could. The Lord and Lady did not give me any indication of how long I must wait. I find I am once again waiting for another’s time to come before I can make plans for my life, not my own,” he replied. (friend)

Chuckling, the Teleri commented, “You have ever been impatient, my dear Elrond. Even as an elfling, you wanted the world to order itself to meet your wishes and desires. I know this is frustrating, for you have long lived under the constraints duty and obligation placed on your life, but this time the wait is one that may well work to your favor. I would assume… and please correct me if I ere in this, that they wish you to wait so that they may have time to lay the groundwork for your petition… perhaps gain additional supporters.”

Nodding, Elrond glanced over at the white-haired elf. “Those are indeed the reasons they gave me. And, I do know I am being unreasonable in my feelings in this matter. This is a great boon they have given me. I will strive to be patient, but that is not my strongest trait… as well you know.”

“I had not noticed. The great Elrond Peredhel impatient?” he teased. “I am shocked!”

Laughing, he pulled the peredhel toward a grouping of chairs near the door into the main sitting room of the house. “Take a seat and I will find us a bottle of wine to share. A glass of the potent bounty of Imladris will help you sleep. We can discuss plans for the school or we can gather our instruments to play for a while… or perhaps, you will tell me what is really troubling you. In any case, smile, ion! We finally have reason to hope!” (son)

-----

Meril stood in the middle of her bedchambers, surveying the small collection of baskets and a large trunk holding her belongings. The sounds of angry voices raised in a heated argument in the sitting room of the talan had died away an hour earlier, but the tears that had begun to stream down her pale cheeks since her arrival had yet to end. Sighing, the elleth made one final circuit of the room looking for items she had overlooked in her haste.

Adding a small bottle of rose water and a slim volume of verse written by her great-aunt Aerel in the nearest basket, she knelt at its side to begin securing the clasp of the trunk and the ties holding the baskets closed. While she knew she had to leave… seek a new beginning to her life, the reality of her decision to leave her parent’s talan and move to her uncle’s home had been harder to face than she had expected. The angry words exchanged outside her door had done nothing to lesson her building anxiety.

“Are you ready, Meril?”

Looking up she found her uncle hovering just beyond the door. Dashing the tears from her cheeks, she murmured, “Aye.”

Moving into the room, he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Holding her gaze, the elf lord gently asked, “Are you sure this is what you want to do, pen vuil? It is your choice.” (dear one)

Reaching up to grasp her uncle’s hand, she let him pull her back to her feet. “I know… and I must do this, Uncle Gildor. I need to make a new start and I cannot do that living here. My Nana will not allow it.”

Sighing, she added, “That does not mean leaving does not hurt.”

“Nay, I did not suppose that it would not.” Pulling her into a hug, he promised, “We will do our best to help support you as you work to rebuild your life. Silael and I want you to think of our home as your own and to come to us when you need our help… or merely a supportive ear to hear you concerns. Agreed?”

Warmed by his words, a tentative smile soothed the distress marring her features. “Hannon le. I will remember and ask for advice when I need it.” (Thank you)

“Very well… it is time then. My servants have brought a cart and will see to your things.” Frowning, he looked down at the cluster of baskets and the trunk. “Is this all you are taking, Meril? It would be better to take all of the items you want now rather than come back for them later.”

Puzzled, Meril followed his gaze. “This is everything, Uncle… my books, journals, and musical instruments for the most part. The bed is too big to bring and… it is too tied to my past as it was to be my wedding bed. There is nothing else for me to take.”

“But where are your clothes? Surely you have more clothes and personal items than this,” he insisted.

Shaking her head, she bent to check under her bed one last time. “I have packed all I own.”

“But what of the clothes your mother had made for you before… I know there were more than could possibly be stored in this single trunk and these few baskets.”

Understanding dawned in her eyes and she turned to walk over to the open doorway onto the balcony. “I… Nana thought it best I give most of them to Min when she married to make up for her disappointment in not having the big wedding she had wanted. She said I owed it to her as I had spoiled her big day. I kept only a few items from my bridal wardrobe. These are mostly the items I brought with me from Middle-earth.”

Feeling his anger flair to life yet again upon hearing of another incident of his twin’s favoritism towards her younger daughter… the guilt she had heaped upon Meril’s shoulders for decades, Gildor clamped his lips together and stepped back into the hallway. Motioning to the waiting elves, he stood to one side as the room was quickly cleared. “Take these ahead and my lady wife will show you where they need to go. Thank you for your prompt attendance.”

Bowing respectfully, his personal attendant responded, “Very good, my lord. We will see to it.”

Watching the elves depart, Gildor struggled to fix a reassuring smile to his features. He knew his niece had enough to deal with this night and did not need his anger adding to her worries. “Well… if that is all, are you ready to go, dear one?”

Taking a deep breath, Meril looked up into the evening sky. The star of Eärendil caught her attention. The star’s twinkle and glow lightened her heart and strengthened her resolve. It also reminded her of the love and support that radiated from the eyes of Eärendil’s son. /The future… it is time./

-----

As she stepped into the main living space of the talan, Meril was surprised to see her father was waiting for her alone. The sorrow and guilt that was eating at his spirit was clearly evident in his eyes. “So… you are ready to leave I see?”

Unable to leave him in that state, Meril moved to stand in front of him, taking his hands in hers. “I love you, Ada. Never doubt that. I need to accept Uncle Gildor and Aunt’s Silael’s offer so that I can start to rebuild my life. I know in my heart that the wounds that separate us now will yet be healed.”

Squeezing her hands, he studied her pale face. “Aye, I understand this. I too need time to… think and clear my head so that I can make good decisions for our future. I will join our uncle and aunt in traveling to the coast. They have a small cottage near their home in Alqualondë that I may use for a time.”

Guilt swept through her heart at his words. “Ai! Ada, what have I done…”

Pulling her into a tight hug, he whispered, “You have done nothing, sellath nîn. Your mother and I failed you, as did your siblings. I see the truth now and need time to sort out the mess we have made of our lives. I love you and your siblings… your naneth, but I must first come to terms with the mistakes I have made so that I can seek to make what amends are possible. Do not blame yourself for any of this! I wish only that you find happiness, dear one.” (my daughter)

“Yes, of course we must excuse Meril for yet another act that wounds our family! She has again brought shame and suffering to us all and yet you would absolve her of her responsibilities!”

Turning, they found they had been joined by Elulos. “You are both leaving me as everyone else in my life ever has. It should not come as a shock that you are leaving me, interested only in your own happiness. That my twin should betray me and foster this selfish disobedience, wounds me deeply.”

Feeling the shudders of pain and grief rippling through his daughter’s too thin body, Cúron tightened his hug. “Enough Elulos! You will stop this childish behavior at once! Meril has suffered enough of your abuse and I will not allow you to harm her any further.”

“Meril has suffered? How amusing! She who…”

“Shut up! I have had enough of your whining and rantings. I have listened to them for millennia and they only illustrate how far from reality your mind has gone. Meril must leave here if she is to have a chance to rebuild her life and if she is to rebuild her spirit from the abuse we have heaped upon it.” Pressing a tender kiss to her forehead, he led her toward the door. “Go now, pen vuil. I will deal with your Nana. I will visit you before I go and make sure you are settled.” (dear one)

“Ada?”

“Go. We will be fine. As you have predicted, we will find our way back together and become the family we should have been from the start. I love you, my daughter. Never doubt that,” her father soothed.

Glancing over at the silent elf near the door, he added, “Please look after her as we should have, Gildor. I know I can count on you and Silael to give her a good home and care for her.”

“We will do all we can for her, Cúron. Meril is very dear to us both,” the Noldor solemnly replied. Taking Meril’s arm, he urged her toward the door. “Come… Silael will be waiting for us.”

A bitter snarl halted their exit. “If you leave here now, neither of you will ever be welcome back in my home. I renounce you as my daughter.”

The little color remaining in her features drained away. Hollow eyes turned to meet her mother’s cold blue gaze. “If that is your will… In any case, I will continue to love you, Nana. I love you Ada. I will look forward to your visit.”

Squaring her shoulders, the elleth stepped out of the talan… and into a new life.

-----

“So, do you wish to tell me what is troubling you… beyond what you have already admitted?”

Chuckling at his friend’s persistence, Elrond glanced over at the Teleri lounging in the chair across from him. “You know me too well. I can have no secrets around you!”

“Secrets? Humm… this sounds promising!”

“If that is what you are expecting… something ‘promising’, then I will keep my own counsel. My thoughts are hardly titillating. They are rather somber,” the peredhel noted.

Lindir reached over to pour a little more wine in each of their glasses before commenting. “I suspected they were. You have been silent since we left Meril to go to her uncle’s house. You have grown used to having her near. You miss her.”

“Aye, I do, but that is not the reason… or at least, the principle reason for my worry.” Lifting his glass to take a sip of the rich wine of their homeland, he settled back into the comfort of his chair. “I am concerned with her plans to go to her family’s talan tonight. It may be too much too soon. I worry she would be better off waiting for a few days to let herself grow acclimated in her new home before she faces her Naneth.”

“Perhaps, but I agree with her decision to go there straight away. She will not be able to relax with the specter of a confrontation with her mother looming. And, I heard Cúron talking with Cirdan and Aerel regarding his plans to travel to their home for a time. They will let him use the cottage you use when you visit. It is better for Meril that her Ada be present while she packs than to leave her alone with just Elulos.”

Nodding, Elrond tilted his head to study the night sky. “I had not heard this. If this is the case, you are right. Still… Meril’s emotions are so fragile and I am worried this will be too much for her coming so soon after the news of her twin’s betrayal.”

“Admittedly, there is reason for concern, for Meril has suffered greatly of late, but I think she is stronger than you realize. I think she will recover and be ready to face her future once this is behind her. The act of freeing herself may be the very thing that stiffens her resolve to move ahead,” he mused, the stem of his wine glass twirling in his fingers. “I am not suggesting she will not be hurt or that she will not need our support, but… I believe she has reached a point where she knows she must leave her home if she is to recover. She is ready for a new start.”

“I agree with you in all of this, but… I have a nagging feeling of disquiet that keeps me from being able to relax. I fear we are all underestimating the damage her mother could still inflict. I…” Elrond broke off as a servant hurried into the garden.

“My lord, I regret disturbing you, but Lord Gildor has sent a messenger to seek you. Can I bring him to you?”

Trading a worried look with Lindir, Elrond rose to greet the messenger. “Of course. Bring him at once.”

Recognizing Gildor’s personal attendant, an elf that had served the elf lord since their days with the company of wanderers, Elrond felt his heart clinch. “Suilad. What urgent matter brings you out this late, Tologind?” (greetings) (loyal heart)

“I apologize for disturbing the peace of your evening, Lord Elrond, but my lord has bid me to ask that you come to his house with some haste. He is concerned about his niece. Lady Meril has moved into his house, but is greatly distressed,” the ancient Noldor reported.

Turning toward his chambers, Elrond replied, “Let me gather my medical kit and I will come with you now. Lindir, please tell the others where I have gone should I be needed.”

“I will tell Taerad as I will accompany you. Meril has become dear to us and I would see how she fairs for myself,” his friend called, disappearing into the house.

-----

“Gildor… we came a quickly as we could. Where is Meril?”

Looking back over his shoulder, the Noldor lord waved them over to join him by the door leading into his garden. “She is playing her flute under the stars. I called you for I am worried greatly. She has not stopped weeping since we arrived at her family’s talan. She is so frail and pale. This latest blow…”

Frowning as his friend fell silent, Elrond searched the garden for the source of the lovely music flowing from her flute. “Was the move so bad?”

“Aye… my twin was brutal. She has disowned Meril for leaving her… accused her of bringing new shame to her family by this action.” Sighing, the elf raked his hand through already tussled hair. “Silael and her father are sitting with her, but she gives little indication she is aware of this.”

“Cúron is with her? This is a hopeful sign that he left his wife to attend his daughter.” Looking over at his friend, he asked, “What can I do to help her?”

“I could think of no one that would be able to comfort her was quickly as you. Perhaps, you might offer her a tea or some such brew to steady her nerves, as well as, the comfort of your presence,” Gildor replied, noting the slight blush his answer inspired in the peredhel’s cheeks.

Stepping out into the garden, Elrond murmured, “I have my kit with me. Let me talk to her and then, perhaps, a tea would be helpful.”

Gliding silently across the patio, Elrond silently studied the elleth that had captured his heart. Torn by her obvious grief, he whispered, “Meril? Tis Elrond. Your uncle called me for he is worried about you. We all are worried about you. Will you talk with me so that I can see if you need my care?”

“Elrond? You came!” The hands holding her flute fell back into her lap. Wide eyes lifted to meet his, huge against the pale, drawn features of her face. “She disowned me for leaving. I have no naneth now.”

“Ai! Lirimaer, she did not mean that in her true heart. She is troubled and her spirit is confused. You have not lost her,” he offered, stopping to kneel in front of her. Gathering her trembling hands in his, he added, “Your Ada is here. Your family loves you, Meril. The Valar will yet help you all find healing.” (lovely one)

“Will she, Elrond? She sounded so… final.” Looking over at her father, she implored, “Ada… will she?”

“Aye, she will, penneth. Have faith in the love of our creator. Eru will help us find healing. It may take some time, but your naneth does love you,” he assured, relieved to see her eyes begin to regain focus as the effects of the small doses of healing energy the peredhel was giving her began to take effect. (young one)

“It has been a very long day for us all, so perhaps as soothing tea would serve us well. Silael, is there an attendant that can bring me a pot of boiling water and cups… some honey so that I can brew us each a cup?” he asked, never taking his eyes off the devastated elleth before him.

“Of course, mellon nin.” Rising to her feet, the lady of the house signaled to an attendant to bring the requested items. Moving to stand beside her husband, Silael rested her head against his shoulder as she wrapped her arm around his waist. She has secretly expected her sister-in-law to behave in this manner and felt guilty for not insisting on accompanying them to the talan. Looking around the small group, she noted the worry and guilt on the other faces. (my friend)

“Meril, perhaps you can play your flute for us. I have not heard you play the piece you were playing when I arrived before this night,” Lindir urged. “It may be that Eru is sending you comfort… and a reminder that you have much to do and be as part of his Song.”

Sending an approving nod in the direction of the Teleri, Elrond added, “Indeed he is. You must live your life as Eru calls you and trust he has a plan for your life. There will yet be a time of healing for you and your family. Until then, you have been gifted a great talent and must use it. Play for us, Lirimaer. Your new life begins this night.” (lovely one)

-----

A/N --- Thanks MarzBar! I enjoyed writing the scene of the elves swimming in the lake. I had a great mental image of those dignified elves free for once to play like elflings. More soon! The fun starts then!

A/N --- I'm so happy you like my story seansbeanie! I feel like I'm writing about old friends. Another update before Christmas (I hope)! Things for Elrond and Meril start building from there!