A Breath of Fate

A/N: I have to admit this story has taken me for a whirlwind. When I first began writing, I thought I had it all planned out, but I must say, the story has taken on a mind of its own. Hope you enjoy this chapter!

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Imladris was even more beautiful then Silnar had told her. Ingrel picked her way through the forest, neglecting the path for it was too tame. Here, amongst the trees and wild grass, Ingrel could feel nature growing. Like the rest of her family, Ingrel was sensitive when it came to nature. Placing a hand on the trunk of a tree, she smiled as it spoke of its growth, the wind in its leaves, and the rich soil that encased its thick roots.

Ingrel moved on until she heard the sound of trickling water. Pushing her way through the brush, Ingrel spied the stream that branched off from the river. She had come here many times before because the out of way location ensured her privacy. Stripping off her dress and shift, Ingrel waded slowly into the icy water, allowing her body to acclimate. When she was deep enough, Ingrel submerged fully. She rose for air and swam several strokes to and from the opposite banks, before she relaxed, letting the water buoy her body.

She had been at Imladris for several years now, and she loved the Last Homely House. Glorfindel and she had picked up their friendship, and she had even formed new relationships with many of the Eldar that lived here. Elrond had even begun to welcome her overtures of friendship. The Lord of Imladris was deeply affected by his wife’s departure and Ingrel hoped he would smile again soon.

Thinking of the Lord of Imladris was always followed by his sons, and Ingrel sighed softly, moving her hands in and out of the water. She was no closer to discovering which brother was intended for her. Part of the problem lay in the fact the neither stayed home long enough for her to find out. Enflamed by their mother’s imprisonment, both brothers rode often and long in the company of the Dúnedain, seeking retribution.

While they were gone, however, Ingrel had taken the opportunity to befriend Arwen, who was in desperate need of companionship. The two had begun tentatively at first, but as they became more comfortable with each other’s differences, a strong friendship had been formed. Ingrel was missing her friend, who had departed for Lórien this morning. Arwen had wanted to bring Ingrel, but the Vanya had gently refused. She knew her grieving friend needed the undivided attention of Galadriel. Arwen was still deeply troubled by her mother’s departure, and her Grandmother would know how to help her.

A cough startled Ingrel out of her thoughts and she found her feet to see her had found her secret place.

It was one of the twins, Ingrel could still not tell them apart. His face was crimson and his eyes downcast. Ingrel hid a smile, these Noldor were so unlike her own kin. For the sake of his proprieties, Ingrel sank beneath the water. “You may look now, whichever one you are.”

“It is Elrohir. Glodel del sent me for we are to entertain guests from Mirkwood. He thought you would like to have time to ready yourself.”

Ingrel nodded. Although she had only been here a few years, she knew the tensions that existed between the Eldar Kingdoms well and also how very important it was to make a good impression. Elrohir had raised his eyes, but was staring at some unseen point over her shoulder. Suddenly feeling devilish, Ingrel stood in all her glory, water dripping from every part of her body.

Elrohir visibly gulped and slammed his eyes shut. Ingrel chuckled seductively and brushed by him as she gathered her clothes. “I suppose you did not think to bring a drying cloth.”

The dark haired Noldo shook his head. Ingrel sighed. She hated to put clothes on a wet body, but she had no choice. Even she had some propriety and she had no wish to walk naked back to the House. Glad that she had chosen a loose fitting gown, Ingrel quickly dressed. “I am fully clothed, Elrohir.”

He opened one eye slowly, as if not trusting her and seeing her fully clothed sighed and opened the other. The two headed back side by side and Ingrel could not help but tease him as they went.

“Do you not like the sight of the feminine body, Elrohir?” Ingrel asked politely. She had heard of some Eldar who had…other preferences, but they were rare and not spoken of in polite society, especially the Vanyarin culture. Their Noldor counterparts were more intelligent and open minded in many areas, especially in carnal matters. Although the Noldor of this land seemed almost prudish when it came to such. The Vanyar were open with their bodies, not ashamed to look on others nakedness. However, they did limit their relations to one Elda at a time and of the opposite sex. When bound, they never strayed even after the death of their partner. Noldor held similar es, es, but even when bound, they did not look with scorn on exterior relationships.

Ingrel could not imagine Elrohir, or any of his kin, engaging in such relations like their Noldor cousins. To think of it made her giggle. Elrohir glanced at her with an upraised eyebrow.

“Of course I enjoy the feminine form. And if they offer it, I have been known to sample such charms. However, you are a guest of my mentor and friend and I did not think it would be appropriate to stare at you.”

“I do appreciate such thoughtfulness, Elrohir. Life here is so different from Aman.”

“Glorfindel has said the same on many occasions, as well as my Grandmother. I think our differences were born of our need for protection from outside dangers. It is easy for one we love to fall victim to the horrors of this world, therefore we guard our hearts closely.”

His eyes grew sad, and Ingrel reached out to squeeze his hand. “You are like the Vanyar in that respect. We too guard our hearts in such a way, but we watch our partners in such a manner as well. I think, in many aspects, Vanyarin Society is much like yours.”

“Our people are not as staid as you think, Ingrel. It is not uncommon for us to have many partners before we bound and some after. We only treat you as we do because you are a guest.”

Ingrel was silent for a moment, and then asked, “You do not find it odd to share your partner with others, or to have others?”

Elrohir shook his head. “Another aspect of living in danger, while we guard our hearts, our bodies are a different manner.”

Swallowing, Ingrel said stiffly, “Should a Vanyar do such a thing, they would be scorned by our society. It is a grave transgression to dishonor your partner in such a way. It is not your fault, and I would not blame the dangers you face,” she paused and sent him a sad smile. “You are no different then the Noldors of Aman.”

Elrohir stopped and Ingrel halted as well. “Yoe die disappointed?”

She nodded, nibbling her lip. “I had thought you different, I suppose. What a fool I am. I should never have come to this land, it is filled with disappointments.”

“Why did you journey here, Ingrel? I can be trusted with your secrets.”

Schooling her face into a neutral expression, Ingrel thought hard about her next words.e die did not want to lie to Elrohir, but she did not want to tell him that he might be the Elda she was seeking. Ingrel wasn’t entirely sure how she would find him. In fact, since coming to Imladris, she hadn’t experienced her vision.

“I am…seeking someone.”

“Do you know who you are seeking?” Elrohir prodded.

Ingrel nodded, but said nothing more, and Elrohir knew that was all he would get from her. They mademade it back to the House and they parted ways to each prepare for the feast. When Ingrel entered her room, Ingewan was already waiting for her.

“You are just like Silnar, always waiting until the very last minute to prepare for anything. I have already picked out a gown, hurry and dress and then we shall fix your hair.”

Ingrel shed her damp clothes, ignoring Ingewan’s audible tsk and slipped into the silk indigo gown laid out on the bed. It was a beautiful dress, with silver trim. Ingewan handed her a silver belt that rest on her hips, the strap falling halfway to her knees. The neckline of the gown was scooped, showing a bit of décolletage. Ingrel took a seat at her vanity and allowed Ingewan to comb out her hair.

“Please, make it simple, Ingewan. A few braids will do.”

Ingewan complained, loudly, but did as Ingrel asked. She did braid in blue and silver ribbons, though, to complement the gown.

“I have no jewelry for you, Ingrel, but you must wear somethin

Ingrel pulled out her medallion that she usually wore underneath her gown. “My medallion will be enough. I suppose I should wear my station tonight so others may see.”

Ingewan clucked her tongue. “You can certainly try, Ingrel, but I can’t guarantee those Woodland Elves will even recognize Ingwë’s Symbol of House.”

“Ingewan,” Ingrel said laughing, “They are not heathens. I am sure they are quite learned in the Houses of the Eldar.”

“No matter,” Ingewan replied breezily. “With your coloring you do not require jewelry.”

“I thank you for the compliment, Ingewan. Shall I see you at the banquet?”

“I shall be there, I suppose. I would not wish to embarrass Lord Elrond by being the only Elda absent.”

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Ingrel paused outside of the dining room, taking a deep breath. She did not know why she was so nervous. In all her years of living in her Father’s house, she had attended many festivals and banquets, even hosting some herself. There was no reason why she would not be able to survive this one. A clearing of the throat garnered her attention and drew her from her thoughts.

One of the twins stood behind her dressed all in black. He wore braids on either side of his temples, but that was it.

“Elladan?” Ingrel asked, and the Elda smiled softly.

“You are learning,” he complimented her. She shook her head. “Lucky guess and I have never seen Elrohir in black.”

“He abhors the color, but in this hour it suits my mood.”

“You do not enjoy banquets?”

Elladan shook his head. “I prefer the training yard, battle, a thousand Orcs.”

Ingrel laughed merrily, surprising Elladan who had been expecting a reprimand.

“Forgive my laughter, but you sound as my brother, Ingwion did, before he attended any festival or banquet. As the single son of Ingwë, he was sought by all the maidens.”

Elladan shot Ingrel a lopsided grin. “Then you do understand my plight.”

“Escort me in, my lord, and I will try to protect you from ellon hungry maidens.”

He laughed and offered Ingrel his arm. “I thank you, your highness. I believe you will have a difficult time of it, wearing your medallion as you do.”

She shot him an impish grin and said, “I try to intimidate the Elves from Mirkwood. Perhaps they will understand your father means business.”

Elladan opened the doors to the dining room and as they entered, Ingrel could have sworn she heard hissing from the groups of maidens who awaited the eligible sons of Elr

“I think I have made a great deal of enemies tonight, my lord Elladan.”

The Elda chuckled and whispered into her ear, “I am sorry, but I cannot help but enjoy their distress. They have plagued me for so long.”

“Then you are not ready for a relationship?”

“Not a serious one,” Elladan returned, his breath warming her ear and making her shiver.
ElroElrond watched his son and Ingrel as they made their way to the head table with mixed emotions. He was glad to see his eldest son smiling, but he worried for him. Ingrel’s intentions were not clear and he had no idea how long she was prepared to stay in Imladris. All too well did he understand the pain an elleth could cause, even if it was unintentional.

But she could also create joy. Elrond bowed his head as he thought of all the wonderful memories Celebrían had given him. Thinking of these memories always led him to the cause, Silnar. He did miss her, for the joy she had brought Glorfindel, and the friendshiey hey had developed. Elrond looked again at Glorfindel who was laughing at something Ingewan had said.

At the time of Silnar’s disappearance, Elrond had not understood the depth of Glorfindel’s grief or why he had left to wreak vengeance. Now, however, he understood all to well, and if he did not have respresponsibility of Imladris, Elrond knew he probably would have gone insane. It was nice to have Glorfindel with him, for his friend had spent hours letting Elrond rage, fight, and scream his agony. Now Celebrían’s departure was an ache in his heart that he knew would not go away, but would lessen as the years went by.

Elrond stood as his son came forward with Ingrel. Elladan’s usual seat was taken by Thranduil of the Woodland Realm who also stood. Elladan bowed while Ingrel dropped a curtsy.

“Thuil,uil, my son, Elladan and the elleth on his arm is Ingrel, High Princess of the Vanyar. She has come to visit her friend, Glorfindel at the bidding of her father, Ingwë, High King of the Eldar.”

If Thranduil was awed by the titles, he did not show it, merely bowing deeply to Ingrel. “It is pleasure to meet one as beautiful as yourself, your Highness.”

Ingrel gave a merry laugh and pressed a kiss to Thranduil’s cheek. “Please, your Majesty, I am not one to stand on ceremony. I never answer to ‘your Highness’ so you might as well just name me Ingrel.”

Thranduil raised an eyebrow, but nodded. The Elves resumed their seats and Elrond gestured for the food to be served. Elrohir, Glorfindel, and Ingewan were seated across and Ingrel felt herself grow comfortable. Ingewan turned out to be an amazing conversationalist, which explained why Elrond had her there.

The dinner passed by uneventfully and the Elves of Imladris retired to the Hall for entertainment. Elladan escorted Ingrel to the Hall, gaining her promise for the first dance. Ingrel watched the musicians set up their instruments and felt eager for the dancing. It seemed so long and she loved to dance.

The music began and Elladan stole her for a fast reel and as they whirled around the room, Ingrel knew she had the most handsome partner in the Hall. When the fast paced dance ended, Ingrel was whisked away by Glorfindel and then several more partners after. It was an hour before Ingrel was able to escape for a drink of wine. Feeling breathless and overheated, Il esl escaped the Hall for the quiet gardens.

Spying a pair in the direction she was headed, Ingrel took a lesser used path that was slightly overgrown. Taking a deep breath, Ingrel sighed as the heavy scents of the flowers relaxed her. Ingrel had been walking for several minutes when she realized she was in part of the garden she didn’t recognize.

Around the bend, a gazebo suddenly materialized. It was small, but well built with white marble. Ingrel entered the gazebo and took a seat. The top of the gazebo had a hole in the middle so the stars shined through, and Ingrel looked for Eärendil, but he was not yet there.

“May I join you?” A voice called.

Ingrel stood and saw Elladan in the darkness. “Of course, I am sorry if I am not supposed to be here.”

Elladan entered and the stars reflected in his dark eyes, giving him a somewhat dangerous air. Ingrel suddenly lost her breath. “Anyone is allowed here. Few people journey this far to reach it. Unless they are looking for privacy.”

Ingrel backed away slowly while Elladan advanced, her heart beating rapidly. Her palms began to sweat and she hid them in the folds of her gown. She moved until the back of the gazebo halted her progress. Elladan moved into her, so close, but making sure not to touch her.

“I watched you all evening,” he whispered, his eyes locking with hers. “You and my brother are very comfortable together.”

“W-we are friends, that is all.”

“Good,” Elladan murmured. “For I do not like to share.”

His mouth enveloped hers in a harsh, demanding kiss. He pressed her against the wall, one arm pulling her into his body, the other braced against wall. Ingrel sighed, allowing him access and his velvety tongue plundered her mouth, running along her teeth and twining with her own tongue. Ingrel felt she was flying, she felt so wonderful. Desire pooled in her belly and she wrapped her arms around Elladan, her hands thrusting into the silken strands of his hair.

Elladan groaned and released her mouth with a harsh breath, looking into her half open eyes. Her mouth was swollen from his force and her pulse beat rapidly in her throat. Leaning his head, Elladan pressed a soft kiss to her neck, biting lightly. Ingrel shivered and pressed herself against him, feeling his arousal.

“Mano mardenna?” Elladan whispered breathlessly.

“Baw,” Ingrel said in a rush, pushEllaElladan away. “What kind of an elleth do you think I am?”

Elladan glared at Ingrel in the darkness. “I think now that you are a tease.”

Shaking with suppressed anger, Ingrel resisted the urge to slap him. “I did not ask you to join me, my lord.”

“Then why did you kiss me so?” Elladan fairly roared. “That is the kiss of an elleth who knows what will be expected.”

Ingrel shook her head, backing out of the gazebo. “I never meant for it to go that far. I was caught up in the moment.”

“A likely excuse,” Elladan growled, his lip curled in a sneer. “You are like all the others. You are all the same, fickle, cruel, and weak!”

Ingrel gasped in horror and fled the garden, taking a roundabout way to her room to escape any other Elves. Locking her doors, Ingrel ripped off her gown and flung herself onto her bed, her heart aching. She wished with all her heart she had never come to this forsaken land.

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Elleth means ‘feminine elf,’ so those who use ‘she-elf’ have no excuse if you read this fic. ‘She-elf’ is an insult delivered by Orcs.

Mano mardenna means ‘Your place or mine,’ in Quenya. I didn’t know how to say it in Sindarin and I was too lazy to figure it out.

Baw means ‘No!’