Thawing the Ice

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Chapter 38--Torn

Elrond made his way out to the garden where he and Celebrian often came to spend time alone with each other. He couldn't believe she had done such a thing to Erestor. There was no excuse for what she had done. He finally reached a stone bench near a small pond and sat. He sat down to think, torn between love for Celebrian and his anger at what she had done.

An hour passed and slowly Celebrian stopped sobbing. She rose from the floor, wiping her eyes. Crossing the room to a small table, she washed her face with rose scented water. She went out to the balcony and sat down to wait for Elrond.

Elrond didn't return to his chamber that night. He stayed in his study until every last bit of paperwork was finished then dozed off on the couch in his study. He woke at dawn and reluctantly returned to his chamber to change.

Celebrian looked up when he entered, eyes sad and haunted. "I...was worried when you did not return last night. I missed you, but I was not surprised," she said.

"I needed to be alone to think for a while," Elrond said.

"I will accept whatever judgment you make. I love you, Elrond," Celebrian whispered. She stood and left the room before Elrond could answer.

Elrond sighed wearily and began to prepare himself for a day he was certain would be unpleasant and difficult.

Celebrian headed down the hall with her head down. She would go to the nursery and spend as much time with the twins as possible. She would feel better then. She wasn't really paying attention to where she was going and bumped into someone. The impact made her stagger, but strong hands caught her and steadied her. She looked up. "Oh, excuse me Glorfindel," she said.

"No harm done, are you alright?" Glorfindel asked.

"Yes, thank you, I was on my way to the nursery and I was not minding my steps," Celebrian said. She realized that she shouls ask Glorfindel for forgiveness as well. She dreaded it, knowing what his reaction might be, but it was better she heard it from her rather than someone else.

Glorfindel frowned. "Does something trouble you?" he asked.

"I could never hide my feelings from you. I do need to speak with you alone," Celebrian said.

"Of course, I know a place where we will not be interrupted," Glorfindel said.

Celebrian accepted his offered arm, knowing it would be likely he would never show her such respect again after what she had done.

Glorfindel escorted Celebrian to one of the spare rooms and they both sat down. "Now what did you wish to speak to me about?" Glorfindel asked.

Celebrian took a deep breath, gathered her courage and began. She forced herself to keep looking straight into Glorfindel’s eyes as she spoke. When she was finished their was a long, tense silence.

"How could you do such a thing? I thought you were trustworthy and deserving of my respect, this proves that you are not," Glorfindel said quietly. He was angry, so very angry, but he didn't dare let it overwhelm him for fear of what might happen. Whirling, he left the room slamming the door behind him.

Celebrian was left alone once again to grieve for all she had lost. After sitting there nearly an hour weeping silently she found the strength to stand and walk to the nursery.

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