In the Garden

Title: In the Garden, Chapter 29
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 29 --- The Turning of the Tide

The Vala slowly emerged from the stand of trees, her body shifting into elven form from that of a towering oak. The lush green of the early spring leaves remained in the color of her robes as they fluttered around her legs in the soft breeze. Slowly, she glided across the glade to greet the two elves she has called to attend her. Her keen gaze studied the pair, pleased by the lovely rose bush they had brought for her.

Smiling at their awestruck pair, the Vala Yavanna spoke. “Mae govannen, pynneth. May you find peace and harmony in my gardens.” (Well met, young ones)

“You honor us, my lady,” Elrond whispered. “Your gardens are beautiful beyond compare.”

“Hannon le. I have spent most of my long life in their comfort and they nourish me as I do them.” Tilting her head to gauge his reaction, she added, “I sometimes visit the Gardens at Lorien to seek the rest and renewal dear Estë and Irmo offer. I greatly enjoyed hearing you and your companions play for us when we visited during your stay.” (Thank you.)

“Again, you honor us. It was our privilege to play for you and the other Valar. Your generous reception of our modest efforts was a great gift and helped our healing,” the peredhel offered, his head still bent.

“I do not count any gift as great as the one Eru gave to the three of you as modest, nor should you,” she gently chided.

Startled, Elrond lifted his head to meet her knowing gaze. “I meant no disrespect, my lady. I am honored that the One should allow us… me to play music that sooths the spirit and brings pleasure to those that listen.”

“Indeed, but we both know your gifts are greater than simply the ability to play pretty music. But, we can discuss this another time.” Gesturing to the massive rose growing in a large pot, she commented, “That is a lovely specimen. It is a lovely shade of yellow, but those pink highlights give it such depth. What is it called?”

“This variety is called Lady Glaurlas, my lady. I named it in honor of my dear friend on her coming of age begotting day. This specimen is one we brought with us as a rooting and it has grown strong in Aman. We brought it as a gift to your garden.” Glancing up, he added, “We have many more we would offer if you find them pleasing.”

“I am sure I will find them more than simply pleasing, pen vuil. I am looking forward to seeing all you brought with you.” Looking at the silent elf kneeling beside his lord and adopted brother, she greeted, “Welcome to my gardens, Erestor. I believe you share a love of growing things with your brother, Elrond, that surpasses even that common to most of the eldar… and yet you served your people as a counsellor. Why was that?” (dear one)

“I felt it was where I could do the most good to aid him, our people, Imladris… and, hopefully, Middle-earth. I felt it was the true calling our creator gave to me.” Hesitant brown eyes lifted to meet hers as he asked, “Was I wrong in this, my lady?”

Reaching out to place a comforting hand on his head, she smiled. “Nay, you were not. In fact, like our friend here, you chose to serve as Eru willed rather than follow your own desires… though your path did afford you the chance to express your love of growing things. As Imladris’s chief counsellor, you helped Elrond see that the rare and special plants I gave to Middle-earth were gathered and nurtured. You saw that all were fed with the bounty of its fields and orchards… in Imladris and beyond. And you helped see that the special plants of that land were brought to these shores. This was ever part of Eru’s plan and you did well, penneth.” (young one)

“You humble me with your words, my lady. Elrond’s grandmother, the Lady Melian, told us that this was part of His plan and we are honored He allowed us to serve Him thus,” Erestor offered.

“Indeed. Please rise and walk with me. I have many of my rarest and most unusual plants in this part of the garden.” Smiling, she added, “Not all appreciate the special qualities of these plants. It will be pleasure to share them with two who will.”

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Looking up from his study of a group of plants growing beside a small, still pond, Elrond observed, “This plant puts me in mind of athelas, but its scent is different. Does it have similar properties, my lady?”

“Similar, but not exact. While it too is effective in counteracting poisons, it is not as potent as its cousin, athelas. Middle-earth came to need the greater power athelas holds while this milder version is generally satisfactory for Aman. Poisonings are rare and are usually the result of a curious elfling nibbling on a plant adults know to avoid,” the Vala replied.

“Why the need for poisonous plants at all, my lady? I mean no disrespect, but… why did you make them?” Erestor inquired.

“I did not originally, but the need for balance and harmony forced me to add them, penneth. Then too, you must remember that what is poisonous to an elf or man, may not be to all other living things. Some animals live on plants that you would label as dangerous.” Looking back across the ages, she added, “In the beginning, Eru had not shown us his children and I had no way of knowing the evil my creations could be put to. It hurt me greatly to see my plants twisted into weapons to maim and kill.” (young one)

“You speak of balance and harmony… but what does this mean?”

“You have an inquiring mind! I like that,” she praised. “The flora and fauna of this world must exist in balance, one to the others. If the population of… rabbits, for example, becomes too great, then the vegetation they depend upon will be eaten to the ground and many would starve. Without the plants to hold the soil, the rain will wash it into the streams, clogging their flow and killing the life that lives within its waters.”

“That is why there are plants that can kill and other animals that can prey upon the smaller, as do the children of Eru. The smaller reproduce in larger numbers than do the larger, so the balance of life is maintained. There is only so much of any place to share and harmony… balance is vital to the survival of the whole.” Gazing out across the rolling hills of her garden, she added, “This is the cycle of life. It may seem harsh, but it is sadly necessary.”

Settling back on his haunches, Elrond pondered, “So… from this perspective, the Firstborn are at odds with that cycle. We are immortal and, even if we die, we may yet again be reborn. Further, we add to our numbers with children. Why did Eru make the Firstborn to exist outside of the norms of the others life on Arda, my lady?”

Laughing, Yavanna asked, “Have you not already learned this, penneth? I am sure you know the answer as surely as I.” (young one)

Blushing, the peredhel replied, “I know that our lives are tied to the fate of Arda and that we will exist as we are until Eru’s song is completed… aging but slowly as does Arda, until the end of the world. Then, the world will be remade in peace. Our numbers have been small from the beginning and have grown only modestly over the millennia given the small numbers of children we are gifted. This differed from the mortals who often have large families, a dozen or so children. The Firstborn have but one or two with rare exceptions. All this I know, but… why did Eru give us a different fate than his other children?”

“Surely you know this too… that the Firstborn are the caretakers of Arda,” she prompted.

“Indeed, I know this, but if we are Arda’s caretakers, why were we called home leaving Middle-earth without our care? Why were we given immortal life, but the purpose for that life taken from us?” he pressed. "Without the elves, there will be none to nurture and restore the balance… to protect that which is so delicate. Vast expanses of forestland have been cut… are being cut to clear fields for crops to feed the burgeoning populations. In my dreams, I see that the water of many streams flows heavy with mud and silt as the land is laid open to the rain. The fish die, the water has become undrinkable, and the animals have been hunted to their end in some places. Your balance is being destroyed.”

Sad eyes lifted to meet hers. “How can we be caretakers if we are not there to protect and restore?”

Reaching down to cup his right cheek in the palm of her hand, the Vala confessed, “We have seen this too, penneth, and it tears at my heart that it is so. I have asked Manwë himself the reason for this and his answer offered me little comfort. He said that too is part of the plan.” (young one)

“As to change, you among all of the eldar in Aman should understand this, Elrond. You have bred and refined my plants to suit your needs, creating new varieties and adapting others. Many of the plants you have brought with you are of yours and Erestor’s design, changing what I gave you to meet your needs.” Sighing, she added, “Then too, you have lost many dear to you to morality, chiefly your twin and your daughter. Such is the way of the mortal world.”

A single tear slipped from his right eye, rolling slowly down to met the Vala’s hand. “So, Arda… Middle-earth must die for the song to be completed? Why then did we fight to save it if only to leave it to such a fate? My grandchildren… their children will face a future where the natural world dies around them and we are powerless to help them?”

Kneeling at his side, she let her other hand join the first in cradling his face. “Elrond, we see life through the eyes of an immortal. For us, life is constant and does not change. We do not age or grow sick as do the Secondborn. The things you have noted are difficult for us to see for they bespeak the changes inherent in mortal life and Middle-earth is now a mortal realm. Where this will lead, I do not yet know.”

Bending to press a kiss to his forehead, she soothed, “As for the eldar… the role they will play in Arda’s future has not been revealed to me. You must have greater faith in those you left behind. Not only your descendents, but the knowledge you and your family left behind in the libraries of Imladris. It will yet see the Secondborn to a new path. Change will eventually come to their ways, for you and the other eldar left Middle-earth with a rich legacy that will guide them as they learn to be better caretakers of the land.”

“You have seen this, my lady?”

“My husband has seen it, penneth. The descendants of the House of Elrond will ever be the protectors of that land, even as they will be leaders of men.” (young one)

Startled, the elves turned to find they had been joined by another. It took both a moment to recognize the glorious being that had appeared in their midst, the blinding radiance of her form robbing them of sight. As their eyes adjusted, they struggled to comprehend the sight before them.

Her long, blue-black hair hung in flowing waves that brushed the ground as she walked. Most startling of all were her eyes, the color of which shifted from silver to gold and emitted a dazing light that sparkled with life and energy. The features of her face were as close to perfection as either elf could imagine and her beauty stole the breath from their lungs, leaving them gasping in wonder.

Struggling to regain control of his emotions, Elrond whispered, “My Lady Varda! I... forgive us. We did not hear your approach.”

Smiling, the Queen of the Stars moved to join them by the pond. “Worry not, for none but our own could hear us move about. My greetings Yavanna. Your gardens are lovely as always and it is a pleasure to again walk its paths.”

Tilting her head, she studied the two elves kneeling before her. “I am pleased to finally meet you both... or more correctly, have a chance to talk with you. Your father is in my care, dear Elrond, and he is very dear to me. I made him a promise long ago to keep watch over his sons in his stead, letting my light help lead you as Eru intended. Often did I visit you in hopes of brighten your path as you went about your duties in Lindon or walked in your gardens in Imladris. I feel I know you quite well, for I spent much time in your company.”

“I… wondered if this was so, my lady. Your radiance gave me hope when all seemed dark,” the peredhel whispered. “I remember a time in Mordor… all was black and dark. The very air was thick and hard to breath. I was tending to a wounded man following one of the endless skirmishes we endured, but his wounds were too great for me to save him. In despair, I looked to the heavens, yet knew the smoke of Mordor would block all sight of your works. To my amazement, a shaft of light broke through and I saw my father’s star. It gave me the courage; it gave me new hope we would survive the dark.”

Her smile turned sad as she remembered, “Life has often seemed dark to you, has it not, pen vuil? You carried many burdens and lost more than most could comprehend.” (dear one)

A soft smile brightened his face. Reaching to his side, he clasped Erestor’s shoulder as he proclaimed, “And I was blessed with many that shared my burdens and gave my life comfort… love. Thanks to the Lady Estë and Lord Irmo that knowledge is now foremost in my heart, my lady.”

“But your wife has not been the mate your heart and spirit needed. Without her comfort, you have faced the grief of those losses without the support a spouse should provide,” she pressed, her serene countenance giving no clue of her thinking.

Looking up in surprise, he murmured, “I am striving to put behind that failure behind me.”

A small frown marred the perfection of her face. “Can a marriage bond between living spouses be put behind one like a bad dream?”

Amazed by the apparent opportunity she was giving him to defend his coming petition away from the public scrutiny of the Ring of Doom, he took a moment to be sure of his words. “If a marriage bond exists, nay, I do not think such a thing is possible. Where no bond exists and the relationship is breached beyond repair, I think that it must be left behind if either spirit is to recover.”

Intrigued by his answer, Yavanna inserted, “Must the marriage itself be ended for the couple to accomplish this?”

Erestor spoke for the first time since the Lady Varda’s arrival. Determined to support his friend, he offered, “If I may…. to suggest that the couple live apart, yet remain bound by vows that did not result in a bond would be to condemn the pair to an eternity alone. There would be no comfort for either that comes to us from a marital bond… no love, no succor. To leave them thus is to leave them wounded and bereft of our Creator’s greatest gift, love.”

“Well you know that the vows of marriage are an eternal pledge. How can such a commitment be set aside when both still live and walk amongst us? How can these vows once taken, not result in a bond of marriage once the union is consummated?” Varda asserted.

Turning his attention to the Vala of the Light, Erestor answered. “If a person does not take these vows with a true and reverent heart, no bond can form for falsehoods do not bind the heart in a positive way. The value of any vow is only as good as the intent and sincerity of the person making it.”

“Why would a person seek to make a vow they do not intend to keep?” Varda asked, her gaze fixed on the raven-haired Noldor.

Sighing, he glanced over at his lord. Seeing gratitude for his unswerving support and love, Erestor continued. “I can speak only from my experiences… much of it as advisor to Lord Elrond, but I have seen promises… vows made for many reasons, some of which were self-serving and shallow.”

“Unless the one with whom you are dealing gives some obvious sign of deceit or is someone with whom you have had prior experience, the Children of the One must accept their word on good faith. Even those with the gift of foresight seldom have another option,” he asserted. “Only the Valar and Eru Ilúvatar can fully discern the true motives of another’s heart sufficiently to judge the honor with which they take such vows. That is the reason our traditions require that at least one Vala witness an elven wedding. We are taught the Valar will prevent a marriage from being consummated in such a case.”

Nodding, the Queen of the Valar gazed into his eyes, studying the play of emotions he struggled to hide. “What you say is true. Therefore, cannot one assume, if that Vala let the marriage be consummated, we found the vows to be genuinely taken?”

Inclining his head in respect, Erestor took a deep breath before confronting the issue that was at the heart of Elrond’s failed marriage. “Indeed, that would be a reasonable conclusion… unless the Valar deemed that the marriage itself was more important than the vows or the bond that should have resulted. Middle-earth was in turmoil. Our peoples needed unity and a marriage that united realms would have been the best means for achieving this. Perhaps, the children of such a union were necessary to the future. There are valid, if tragic reasons such a time may have been allowed even if the decision was not fraught with regrets.”

“From my own experience, I have seen the practical, yet painful need to make decisions that may defy tradition or convention because no other way was possible. The greater good must be protected even though a few may pay a high price for that decision. Frodo’s suffering from carrying the Ring to its destruction is a good example of this,” he concluded. “In his and the other two hobbits cases, their suffering was rewarded with passage to these shores in defiance of the tradition that no mortal may come here. Then too, they were freed of their pain through the gift of mortality. They did not have to bear it for eternity as would one counted among the Firstborn.”

The Valar fell silent as they studied the two elves. The tension gripping the hearts of the two elves simmered just below the surface of their conversation, seeming to cause the air around them to vibrate with its energy. Though veiled, they had no doubts of which marriage they were debating. The support of these two was vital to any hopes they might have of the eventual success of Elrond’s petition.

“I can see why Elrond places such trust in you, Erestor. You defend his interests with great skill and passion,” Yavanna commented, her gentle voice breaking the fraught silence.

Gathering his mental reserves in preparation for more questions, he inclined his head. “Hannon le, my lady. It has ever been my honor and privilege to serve him.” (Thank you…)

“We will talk of this more at a later time, but for now, we wish to see the treasures of Middle-earth. While I know you have sent our sister Estë plantings of all of the healing plants you possess, but I wish for my own to add to these gardens. I also understand you have numerous other plants to offer, chiefly you miruvor vines and countless roses.” Seeing the sudden change in the direction of their conversation had caught them off guard, she smiled to reassure them. “Let us adjourn to your greenhouses to see your bounty, pynneth.” (young ones)

The landscape around them seemed to bend, then shift... and the gardens faded from their view.

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“They actually took you with them as they… traveled? You were in the gardens, then suddenly in our greenhouses? What was that like?”

Nodding in response to his elder son’s amazed question, Elrond settled back into his chair and let Erestor answer. Taking a sip of the lemonade Taerad had pressed into his hands, he took a moment to enjoy the reactions they were garnering from their accounts of their meeting with the two highest Queens of the Valar. In truth, their visit had been more than a little overwhelming and he was content to leave Erestor to handle their questions, while he tried to sort through his impressions to form a clearer understanding of the encounter.

It had not taken him long to understand that the Lady Estë and Lord Irmo had begun their efforts to win support for his petition. Though the language had been couched in hypothetical terms, it had been clear what parts of the petition gave them pause… vows had been taken freely, witnessed by at least one Vala, and the marriage consummated. /My three children are ample proof of that! But then, I have never denied we consummated the marriage./

Replaying the conversation word by word, he noted to himself, /Despite this fact, the lack of the bond seems to have been accepted; again my champions doing I have no doubt… though, if Lady Varda was there that day, she already knew this. Her comments about her frequent visits to Imladris seem to hint that she was our witness./

Shifting through the details of the conversation, he noted, /They made no attempt to push Erestor to defend his assertion that the witness would have known Celebrian did not take the vows in truth. Can I assume this as fact? Aye, I think I can. Her subsequent conduct only underscores her lack of commitment to our marriage. Had she been sincere and our marriage sealed by a bond, she would not have been unfaithful to me as she was./

/Further, they did not dispute the fact that our marriage was vital to our people… our children to the future,/ he mused. /I have long suspected this to be the case, but it is a little… unsettling to have near confirmation of this fact. Still, I do not regret my decision for it was the only one I could have made under the circumstances and I do not blame the Valar for allowing it to happen. They had no other option either. If it served no other purpose, my children are worth any price, even to be tied for eternity in a broken, loveless marriage./

Turning his gaze to his dear friend, he felt a smile tug at his lips. /That was a master stroke, mellon nin, to have linked the sacrifices of the hobbits to this matter. So despondent have I been over the death of Arwen and Estel… the humiliation caused by Celebrian’s conduct, I had not thought to equate the special boon they gave Frodo, Bilbo, and Sam to my request to be freed of the burden of a marriage I made for the good of Middle-earth. His brilliance has ever been a blessing to my life!/ (my friend)

“Ada? Ada, are you well?”

Startled, Elrond looked up to see Elrohir kneeling before him. Reaching out to take his hand in a reassuring grip, he smiled. “I am fine, ion. Why do you ask?” (son)

Laughing, the younger peredhel traded a long-suffering look with his twin. “Only because we have been trying for several minutes to gain your attention! What troubles you, Ada that you disappear into your own thoughts on such a memorable day as this?”

“Troubles me? Nothing that I can name, my son. I was merely recalling the details of our meeting with the Valar in hopes of divining their intent.” Meeting Erestor’s gaze, he winked at the smiling elf. “Then too, I was thinking what a great blessing it has been to have Erestor as my friend and councilor for so long. He… was brilliant and I am humbled by his support.”

Looking back and forth between the pair, Lindir pressed. “And what has my brilliant son done now? I suspect there is more than you have yet shared beyond your talk of plants and a place to grow our vines. Come… tell us so that we may know what earns him such praise.”

Chuckling at his ancient friend’s impatience, he offered, “Your brilliant son may have laid the means for the Valar to grant my coming petition at their feet this day. While I have no doubt the thought had occurred to them, they now know it has occurred to us and that there is a logical precedent for the boon I will seek. Aye, my dear Elrohir, this is indeed a memorable day!”

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A/N --- Thanks Seansbeanie! I’m glad you liked my Christmas present… returning things is such a pain! More soon.

A/N --- Happy New Years, MarzBar! The new year is here and I expect great things for both Elrond and Meril! Thanks for reading!