The Music in My Heart

Title: The Music in My Heart, Chapter 32
Author: Sorsha
Fandom/Pairing: Elrond/OFC, Glorfindel/Haldir, Elladan/OFC, Elrohir/Legolas, others implied
Rating: PG-13, but rating will increase in future chapters
Warning: AU (Story set 770 years after ROTK); Slash and het.
Feedback: This is my first fanfic, so constructive feedback appreciated.
Archive:
Acknowledgements: Many thanks to Alex Cat for her help in betaing this fic. Thanks also to Lady Victoria for her comments and support.
Disclaimer: Any of the residents of Middle-earth and Aman that you recognize belong to Prof. Tolkien’s estate. The same is true about Middle-earth and Aman. I’m only visiting and admiring the “views”.
Summary: Sauron may be gone, but his legacy of evil still lingers. As Middle-earth faces the threat of another dark lord, a party of elves departs Aman on a mission for the Valar, a mission of mercy long delayed.

Chapter 32 --- No Little Plans

“Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir people's blood…”
Daniel Burnham

*****

Celeborn entered the dining hall to find only Glorfindel and Erestor eating breakfast at the family table. The room seemed almost empty now that the delegates for the Convocation and the Council meetings had gone home. After fixing his plate from the selection at the sideboard, he moved to join his old friends. A servant entered to bring him his morning tea. After taking a sip, he asked, “Where are the others? Where is Seere this fine morning?”

Erestor looked up from the papers he was reading and answered, “I have not yet seen her this morning. Knowing my daughter, she no doubt overslept again after staying up most of the night reading or working on a report.”

Celeborn smiled his agreement and began to eat. Pausing to take another sip of his tea, he noticed the thoughtful expression on Glorfindel’s face. “What troubles you, mellon nin? You appear deep in thought this morning.” (my friend)

“Are you suggesting my appearing to be deep in thought is so unusual a sight as to warrant special comment? No, please do me a favor and do not answer that. I can see the gleam in your eyes, Erestor; I beg you to remember my fragile spirit.”

After sharing a grin with Celeborn, he continued. “In truth, I was thinking about Seere. I have enjoyed getting to know her these many months since our return. She is an unusual maiden in many ways; she is a seer… a scholar with her interest in the study of so many subjects --- lore, languages, poetry, the use of herbs, military strategy. Talking with her, I have no doubt she has read most of Elrond’s old books.’ Seeing the smile traded by his friends, he added, “I take it she has?”

Receiving a nod from Erestor, he continued, “It is not that a daughter of Erestor should aspire to be a scholar that surprises me… if she did not, that would have been unexpected! But, that she is so skilled with weapons… that did.”

Quickly holding up his hand to halt the retort forming on his friend’s lips, he said, “Do not give me that look Celeborn! I know Erestor is a skilled warrior. I also have known many elleths that have been skilled with weapons, but it is rare find either ellon or elleth with the ability to be truly skilled in both areas, not merely competent. Consider… how many we can name? Certainly the two of you, Elrond, of course… Galadriel, Ereinion, though he enjoyed sparring more than reading, but only by a little. I recall but few others.”

“The time and commitment to acquire the proficiency she has must have been enormous! It must have been a great joy for you, Erestor, to finally have a protégée. Especially, one that did not have to be threatened daily to get them to study,” he said, sharing a rueful smile with his fellow tutor of the Imladris’ heirs.

“It was indeed. A joy in so many ways, for I have no idea how I would have survived her mother’s disappearance had I not had her to raise. In the years after Laurea went missing, there were many nights she was all that kept me sane. It was a common sight to see Seere dragging a heavy volume along behind her, sometimes ones that had to have weighed as much as she did, looking for someone to read to her --- always hungry for knowledge, eager to ask questions. Elbereth help us for all the questions!“ He and Celeborn shared a rueful smile.

“She preferred books to her toys or pretty dresses. But, for all her love of books, she also loved to disappear into the woods to climb trees or walk by the river for hours; exploring the caves was a favorite hobby as you might have guessed from her preference in hiding places.”

Sighing a bit sadly, he continued, “Maybe it was being the only little one here at the time, but she always seemed older than her years. Or maybe it was the loss of her Naneth at such an early age. With only Celeborn, the twins, and me for regular company, she had little in the way of feminine influence in her development. Except for the times she visited Arwen and was made to wear dresses and such, she had only elves as her role models. She was well past her majority before she seemed to grow comfortable with being a maiden.” (mother)

“There was always someone to show her how to wield a sword or shoot an arrow under pressure… ride a horse like it was as natural a thing as walking. Gimli made it his mission to make sure she was skilled with an ax. Thanks to him she also has quite a colorful Dwarven vocabulary. I felt I should warn you!” he paused at Celeborn’s snort of amusement.

“She can track almost as well as you, Glorfindel. We were always amazed at how quickly she picked up a new skill; she sometimes seemed to already know skills she had yet to be taught,” observed Celeborn.

“I know what you mean. I have often watched her spar and was impressed with her skill. I matched her once and was amazed that she seemed fearless against a much stronger opponent. Not to sound boastful… please remember my fëa bruises so easily and contain your smirks!” the legendary warrior quipped.

Grinning, he went on, “She could not match my strength, but she made the most of her skill and speed. She was patient. I should have lost to her when she surprised me with a move I have not seen for almost two ages of Arda …the last time I sparred with Ereinion, it was.”

“Rather than carry through and take her victory, she dropped her sword and asked me to show her a move I had made earlier. She did it so quickly and without hesitation, that I suspect I was the only one to know she had spared me the indignity of having to yield. … Well, I have no doubt you saw it, Celeborn, as did Elrond and Haldir, for the three of you miss nothing. In any case, I was struck by the consideration she afforded me as much as her abilities,” Glorfindel mused.

Celeborn smiled at the memory. “Elrond and I saw the match. Now that you mention it, Haldir was there. I wonder that you noticed him as he was lurking by the trees as I recall. /How amusing this is! Both so obvious to the rest of us and so clueless themselves! I fear a not so gentle push in the very near future may be needed for both of them. Still, they are quite an amusing pair to watch!/

“To be honest, I was not sure until now if that was indeed what happened. If it makes you feel better, she has no such mercy for Elladan or Elrohir. She has bested them both enough times that few that know her take her skills lightly.” Casting an appraising glance at her father, Celeborn added, “Afterwards, I overheard several of the younger guardians joke that getting her to yield in a match is the only way an elf could hope to accomplish such a thing. A couple of them, I think, had hoped she would show them favor, but have finally given up hope.”

Catching Glorfindel’s eye as Erestor turned away to reach for the pot of tea, he sent a wink in the Balrog Slayer’s direction before adding, “Interesting you should comment that the move reminded you of sparring with the High King. Elrond said much the same thing, as he too recognized the move as one Ereinion favored.”

Tilting his head, Glorfindel studied his friend. /What is this? Knowing Celeborn as I do, he is up to something./

Having refreshed his tea, Erestor picked up the conversation. “I know all fathers think their daughter is the most beautiful maiden ever to live, but her appeal is so much more than a pretty face. But she is oblivious to it all and seems not to notice the attention that comes her way. I have begun to wonder if she will ever take a mate and I worry. She deserves a mate that will appreciate her.” Erestor paused and seemed uncertain of whether to proceed.

“Since I learned of Ermehtar’s attack, I have wondered if that is the reason she favors none with her interest. I worry that he scarred her heart, so that she will not be able to trust another elf to let him get close to her.” A deep, bitter sigh left his throat as he contemplated his failure in to protect his daughter from those that would harm her.

Looking up, he found two sets of sympathetic eyes watching him. “Yes, you are right to say she is unusual … unusual, but very special to us all. In answer to your original question, she was and is a pleasure to teach. She is my great joy.”

Glorfindel had settled back in his chair as Erestor spoke. Senses long attuned to the duties of guardian noted faint, yet distinctive sounds coming from just beyond the doorway. It took him but a moment to determine that someone /is that Elrond? Humm?!/ was hovering just outside the doorway into the hall, listening to their conversation.

Curious as to why, he considered the facts available to him. /We are talking about Seere… Elrond and Seere have been spending a lot of time together these last few months, and let us not forget what happened the afternoon we arrived! I would as readily believe he was just surprised at having seen her in a vision as I would believe Celeborn is actually a hobbit in disguise! He has had countless visions in the long years I have known him and never was rendered speechless by someone before./

/Then there is the matter of his visions of his soul mate… humm? I wonder if she is THE elleth he has seen in visions? Now that I think of it, she does fit the description he gave of her. This would explain much./

A broad grin settled on his lips as a new thought came to him. /Is my dear friend Elrond falling for our pretty young elleth? This could prove to be entertaining --- Elrond in love after all these years… and with Erestor’s daughter no less. I need to keep an eye on them and see if I am right. Maybe I can cast a baited hook…/

As Erestor lifted his teacup to take a sip, Glorfindel forced a bland expression to his face and asked, “I know you say you worry she has not chosen a husband, but is there an elf you could bear to give her to? Or are you hoping for several grandchildren so you can have more elflings to teach?”

“‘Give her to!!' You need to pay closer attention to my daughter if you think I will be the one to decide her mate, should she decide to take one!” Erestor grinned. “But you are right in that the standard must be very high. Who ever she chooses needs to be special indeed. Not every elf is suited to having a mate that is anyone’s intellectual equal… truthfully the superior of most … and is a threat with most weapons,” he smirked.

“I could never live with seeing her bound to someone that could not accept her as she is and felt the need to dominate her as Ermehtar would have done. I would hate to see the passion of her spirit broken,” he mused. “As for grandchildren, I confess I miss the presence of young ones about the house. I would not have her marry for that purpose only, but grandchildren would be a blessing I would welcome.”

Struggling to keep his grin from showing as his friend gave him the opening he was seeking, Glorfindel cast his loaded hook. “You make a good point that not many elves could truly appreciate an elleth such as Seere. It sounds to me as if an elf of her age might not be a good match. Could you live with her bound to an older partner, one with the wisdom of years to cherish her as she is?”

“And no, I do not lust after your daughter and I plan no pursuit,” he inserted seeing Erestor’s eyes narrow. Smirking, he continued, “I am just asking as it seems a logical question given all you have said. Would you accept an older suitor for her hand?”

/Is Elrond really leaning a little closer to the door or am I just imagining it? How funny! Keeping a straight face around these two may prove a challenge./

“If that elf is not YOU and he is a worthy match, I could accept it. You make a good point; one I have never considered. She is old beyond her years. Sometimes I feel like I am talking to a contemporary rather than my daughter. No, his age would not be a hindrance if they loved and respected each other. I will repeat that you would be the one exception to this!” Erestor said with emphasis (and a smirk).

Glorfindel looked over at Celeborn and was surprised by the amused look he was receiving. Wondering at its cause, a subtle shift of the elda’s eyes toward the doorway gave him his answer.

/It seems we both have spotted our ease-dropping elf and have connected the pieces of the puzzle. From his smile, I would imagine I might have an ally in a bit of matchmaking… with a dash of Erestor baiting. Our winter amusement has been set! Time to start reeling in my catch!/

“Good morning Elrond. You slept in for a change. Come join us.”

/Yes, a definite guilty look on the Lord of Imladris’s face… and Celeborn? Yes, a pronounced smirk! Excellent! And poor Erestor has missed our joke completely; a good thing, I think, for now. Come along, little fish, and let our game begin!/

*****

Elrond started upright realizing Glorindel had spotted him listening at the door. /I must be losing my touch to have been seen. Both Celeborn and Glorindel seem to have found something amusing judging from the smirks on their faces. That look is no less worrisome on their faces, than the same look on the faces of my sons. I need to keep an eye on them both./

“Good morning, mellon nin. I fear I stayed up too late last night with my reading and overslept this morning. Is there hot tea?” /What did I say to made those two laugh like that? Erestor seems to have missed the joke as well. Odd./ His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of fresh pot of tea. (my friend)

“Ah, thank you for your service.” After taking several bracing sips of the warm beverage, Elrond rose to prepare his plate, missing the looks passing behind his back.

Celeborn, trying hard to contain a grin, asked, “Glorfindel, my grey mare has been favoring her right fetlock. Would you walk with me to the stable to give me your opinion of an appropriate treatment? Maybe Haldir can join us? What say you, ion nin?” he inquired, turning to greet the elf hovering in the doorway to the main gardens. (my son)

/Another enjoyable winter diversion --- stirring the pot! Two pots in this case. I cannot wait to ‘speak’ to Galadriel. She will be so amused! She will be quite smug to be proven right about Elrond./

Haldir inclined his head in greeting to the group, his eyes darted toward Glorfindel, then skittering away again quickly. “Of course, Ada. Whenever you are ready.”

“I too am at your service, mellon nin.” /Though I suspect the prospects for a little matchmaking may be our actual topic of conversation. Interesting that he included Haldir in our trip to the stables. I do not mind, as the beautiful Lorien is always easy on the eyes! But, he may hinder our ability to plot this effort freely. Still…./ (my friend)

Haldir took an apple from the buffet and nodded to Celeborn, “I only planned to have a piece of fruit, Ada, so we can leave whenever the two of you are finished,” he said before taking a big bite out of the apple.

Startled to realize he was watching the path of a bit of apple juice traced from the corner of Haldir’s lip to his chin with complete fascination, Glorfindel jumped to his feet and announced he was ready if they were. Celeborn, hiding a knowing smile behind his napkin, nodded his readiness and rose to join the two blonde warriors in exiting the dining hall.

Erestor waved the three off and turned back to study Elrond. Recognizing by long association the peredhel’s introverted mood, he knew further conversation would be limited. Taking comfort in the established pattern of an old friendship, he decided to keep his friend company and he settled back to enjoy his tea in silence. (half-elf)

*****

His old friend, however, was oblivious to it all. /I wonder if their conversation gives me an opening to prove myself acceptable as a suitor or would I join Glorfindel on the ineligible list? Old friend or not, I must make it clear my intentions are honorable for I have no doubt Erestor would not accept me taking her as my lover and offering her nothing more. Besides she deserves no less than an honorable offer of marriage./

Sighing, he mulled over the most effective strategy for proceeding. /Erestor is correct; his approval means little if she is not agreeable to my suit. I need to confirm that she is as interested in me as I in her before I approach her father. Yes… with her full support and blessings would be best for all concerned./

/What if Erestor is right and Ermehtar’s attack has left her unwilling to take a mate? I have seen that happen in more than a few cases in my years as a healer. I will need to consider how best to approach such a problem. I do not wish to push too fast and end any hope I might have because of that. How best…/ Elrond absently reached over to refill his cup of tea as he pondered his options.

/There is still much we must discuss, beginning with these dreams of hers. I can not shake the feeling I have known her before and I begin to wonder if…? Is it possible for it defies all precedent and tradition in such matters? It is an answer of a sort to my prayers, but is it just wishful thinking? If I am right, will I be able to adjust to such a fact? Will she? I hope she does not give me too much of a fight in discussing this. We both need these answers I suspect. /

Another deep sigh slipped from his lips. /I think we both need each other, as well. We are indeed well suited and she stirs my blood like no one else ever has! She felt so good in my arms last night… I could grow used to that pleasure with no effort!/

/Ai!, Calm down! Erestor is starting to look at me funny with all my sighing. I am acting like an elfling in love for the first time! LOVE!! Ai! Am I in love?! I never expected this! A new mate, maybe. A new lover, definitely, but love?! Could she love me or do I hope for too much? STOP sighing!!!......./

****

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