The Music in My Heart
folder
-Multi-Age › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
75
Views:
7,279
Reviews:
108
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
-Multi-Age › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
75
Views:
7,279
Reviews:
108
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter 4 A Very Long Day
Title: The Music in My Heart, Chapter 4
Author: Sorsha
Fandom/Pairing: Elrond/OFC, Glorfindel/Haldir, Elladan/OFC, Elrohir/Legolas, others implied
Rating:.NC-17 for later chapters
Warning: AU --- Story set 770 years after ROTK; Some slash but, mostly 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.
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 4 --- A Very Long Day
“There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside of you.”
Maya Angelou
*****
Finishing his tea, Erestor looked across the table at his long time friend, Celeborn. In the years since Elrond’s departure to Aman, the two veterans of the Last Alliance had rediscovered a long neglected affinity, one based on shared interests and character traits --- logical, analytical minds that loved a good puzzle to solve, a secret enjoyment of the tactical aspects of diplomacy, a passion for chess, and a fondness for a fine wine. An enduring friendship had grown out of the professional respect they had shared for many millennia.
/I do not know what I would have done after Laurea’s disappearance without his steadying support. My Seere has greatly benefited from his influence and love. I thank the Valar that he is still here though, for his sake, I must wish it otherwise. I know he longs to sail and join Galadriel in the West. Soon, mellon nin, soon, but for now, we still need you here./
With a skill born of long practice, he caught Celeborn’s eye and glanced toward Seere. Celeborn’s subtle nod confirmed that the Lord of ‘Lorien had seen his daughter’s distress and shared his concern. With an ease of long practice, a plan of action formed.
“Elrohir, I would offer my services in the Healing House this morning. While I suspect Elladan may want to accompany us, I also suspect he may have other interests and someone focused to the task at hand may be needed. If you are finished with your meal, may I suggest we go now so that we finish there in time to greet the Greenwood delegation when they arrive later today.” Smothering a smile at that the faint blush his last comment produced, Celeborn rose from the table and ushered the twins out the hall.
Once alone with his daughter, Erestor turned to her and said, “Did the shipments of supplies arrive this morning, Seere? If so, I have time this morning to review the manifests with you and enter them into the accounts. Perhaps you could follow me to my study and we could talk.” /Why is she not meeting my eyes? A! Something is indeed amiss./
“Actually, Ada, the last shipment is delayed in its arrival. Lomelinde promised to call me as soon as it arrives so that I can review the manifest and approve the shipment. If your schedule permits, perhaps you might have time to talk to me later in the day,” she demurred.
“Of course I will have time for you. I always will, pen vuil.” Erestor began, “Seere, are you feeling well? You look so wan and your eyes are shadowed with dark emotions. I am worried about you, 'Iel nin.” (dear one) (my daughter)
“Aiya!, Ada. You read me too easily.” Seere sighed. “There is much on my mind and I do need your counsel, for powerful dreams and visions come to me of late, but I must first find the words to convey them. I had resolved to talk to you and Celeborn today… once I had my thoughts in some order. Please, a little time…”
Erestor was immediately alarmed by the raw emotions roughening his daughter’s soft voice. /She is trembling and looks close to tears! She is normally as calm and unflappable as I am. I have seldom seen her so on edge! I have not yet heard them and I already fear hearing these dreams./
Taking a steadying breath, he plastered what he hoped was a soothing smile on his face and said, “'Iel nin, whatever you have to tell me know I will listen and give you the best counsel I can. All will be well if we trust in the Valar and the love of Eru Iluvatar.”
Seere returned her father’s smile, all be it a sad one, and began, “Diola lle, Ada. I do trust your guidance as I always have. It is the telling that I dread for I fear…” She was cut off by the abrupt arrival of Lomelinde. (Thank you, Daddy.)
“Excuse the interruption, my Lord, my Lady, but two riders from the party bringing the shipment of goods from Gondor have arrived badly wounded. They have been taken to the Healing House to receive aid.” The servant was visibly shaken.
“Only two? What of the rest?” exclaimed Erestor jumping to his feet. “Has Lord Elladan been notified so that a patrol can be dispatched to determine their fate?” Moving quickly toward the door, Seere at his heels, he paused only long enough to hear her affirmative response before heading toward the Healing House.
“They grow more aggressive each day it seems. Two attacks in less than a day!” worried Seere.
Seeing the anger and frustration marring his daughter’s gentle features, Erestor placed his hand to the small of her back in silent comfort. /We thought we would bring you into a world made safe by the sacrifices of those that fought to defeat Sauron. I am sorry, pen vuil; tis not the world your mother and I dreamed you would inherit./
*****
Arriving at the Healing House, they were met by a flurry of frantic activity centered around the two occupied tables in the treatment room. Azeriel and Elrohir were working to remove an arrow from its position at the juncture of the neck and shoulder of a young human male on the first bed. That it had barely missed the carotid artery was obvious to the new arrivals. It was also obvious he had lost a great deal of blood. Elladan was attempting to hold the man still so they could work.
At a second table, Celeborn and a second healer named Órecalo were working over the second wounded man. He appeared to be the older of the two by many years; he also appeared to be in danger of succumbing to the effects of a poisoned Orc arrow judging from the treatment he was receiving. The healers had, if the items scattered around them were any indication, tried several common antidotes with little success thus far. Seeing Seere enter the room, Órecalo called to her to begin mixing another, less common mixture to pack into the wound.
Seere and Erestor quickly moved to the apothecary located adjacent to the main treatment room and set to work. Sadly, frequent experience in the task made them both proficient in the assignment. Within minutes of setting to work on the mixture, Seere picked up the mortar and pestle containing rue, sweet basil, demon’s claw, bayberry, plantain leaves, ginger, and cinnamon to begin working the mixture into the necessary consistency. Carefully, Erestor added several drops of precious decoctions of lady’s mantle and willow bark to the pulverized herbs as his daughter stirred the mix.
After spreading the mixture over a piece of gauze her father had prepared, Seere immediately began to assemble a blood restorative potion anticipating the need of the first patient as Erestor took the poultice to the healers. /Red clover, burdock, cayenne, comfrey, Echinacea, and parsley… yarrow… a little slippery elm and raspberry leaves... honey…/
The second took her longer to prepare as it had to a heated in a porcelain-lined pot until just before it began to simmer. It was some minutes before she completed the potion and poured the draught into a fragile glass beaker. It was kept solely for that purpose as the potion would react to any metal.
Turning to return to the healing room, she was met by a rushing Elladan entering the apothecary. “Have a care E’dan! You almost make me spill this!”
Reaching out quickly to keep her on her feet, Elladan asked, “Seere, help me make a… Wonderful, you already have. Diola lle, pen vuil. Let me take that and ask you to brew a strengthening tea.” Without waiting for a response, he took the beaker and hurried back to his patient.
Shaking her head at his coltish behavior, she reached for the jar of the required herbs, mentally noting the need to replenish the jar, and set the tea to steep. /I need to gather more self-heal and lemon balm. In fact, I need to make a complete inventory of our supplies for I see several jars that are half empty. It would be helpful to go ahead and prepare blends for several of the poison remedies we have developed of late. It seems the Hordes are now favoring this more virulent poison, so having the antidote on hand would be a good idea. /
Knowing it would take several minutes for the herbs to properly infuse into the tea, she stepped back into the treatment room to see if other cures were required. Finding both sets of healers in the process of wrapping the now treated wounds, she bent to retrieve a cloak lying on the floor next to the first table.
Clutching the cloak in her hands, the sudden image of eight riders surrounding a supply wagon on the Old Forrest Road appeared before her. Her breath caught in her throat as Yrch ran from the cover of a thicket just ahead of the party. A brief, bloody fight played out before her shocked eyes ending as two riders, the only survivors of the attack broke free of the pack and raced off toward Rivendell.
With a gasp, she found herself kneeling in the floor of the treatment room, Celeborn gripping her shoulders to keep her upright. Looking up, she said simply, “Yrck. These two are the only survivors.” before sagging weakly into his arms.
*****
A/N These are my attempt at more elvish names.
Azeriel --- sunlight maiden
Laurea --- golden
Lomelinde --- nightingale
Órecalo --- mind light
Author: Sorsha
Fandom/Pairing: Elrond/OFC, Glorfindel/Haldir, Elladan/OFC, Elrohir/Legolas, others implied
Rating:.NC-17 for later chapters
Warning: AU --- Story set 770 years after ROTK; Some slash but, mostly 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.
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 4 --- A Very Long Day
“There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside of you.”
Maya Angelou
*****
Finishing his tea, Erestor looked across the table at his long time friend, Celeborn. In the years since Elrond’s departure to Aman, the two veterans of the Last Alliance had rediscovered a long neglected affinity, one based on shared interests and character traits --- logical, analytical minds that loved a good puzzle to solve, a secret enjoyment of the tactical aspects of diplomacy, a passion for chess, and a fondness for a fine wine. An enduring friendship had grown out of the professional respect they had shared for many millennia.
/I do not know what I would have done after Laurea’s disappearance without his steadying support. My Seere has greatly benefited from his influence and love. I thank the Valar that he is still here though, for his sake, I must wish it otherwise. I know he longs to sail and join Galadriel in the West. Soon, mellon nin, soon, but for now, we still need you here./
With a skill born of long practice, he caught Celeborn’s eye and glanced toward Seere. Celeborn’s subtle nod confirmed that the Lord of ‘Lorien had seen his daughter’s distress and shared his concern. With an ease of long practice, a plan of action formed.
“Elrohir, I would offer my services in the Healing House this morning. While I suspect Elladan may want to accompany us, I also suspect he may have other interests and someone focused to the task at hand may be needed. If you are finished with your meal, may I suggest we go now so that we finish there in time to greet the Greenwood delegation when they arrive later today.” Smothering a smile at that the faint blush his last comment produced, Celeborn rose from the table and ushered the twins out the hall.
Once alone with his daughter, Erestor turned to her and said, “Did the shipments of supplies arrive this morning, Seere? If so, I have time this morning to review the manifests with you and enter them into the accounts. Perhaps you could follow me to my study and we could talk.” /Why is she not meeting my eyes? A! Something is indeed amiss./
“Actually, Ada, the last shipment is delayed in its arrival. Lomelinde promised to call me as soon as it arrives so that I can review the manifest and approve the shipment. If your schedule permits, perhaps you might have time to talk to me later in the day,” she demurred.
“Of course I will have time for you. I always will, pen vuil.” Erestor began, “Seere, are you feeling well? You look so wan and your eyes are shadowed with dark emotions. I am worried about you, 'Iel nin.” (dear one) (my daughter)
“Aiya!, Ada. You read me too easily.” Seere sighed. “There is much on my mind and I do need your counsel, for powerful dreams and visions come to me of late, but I must first find the words to convey them. I had resolved to talk to you and Celeborn today… once I had my thoughts in some order. Please, a little time…”
Erestor was immediately alarmed by the raw emotions roughening his daughter’s soft voice. /She is trembling and looks close to tears! She is normally as calm and unflappable as I am. I have seldom seen her so on edge! I have not yet heard them and I already fear hearing these dreams./
Taking a steadying breath, he plastered what he hoped was a soothing smile on his face and said, “'Iel nin, whatever you have to tell me know I will listen and give you the best counsel I can. All will be well if we trust in the Valar and the love of Eru Iluvatar.”
Seere returned her father’s smile, all be it a sad one, and began, “Diola lle, Ada. I do trust your guidance as I always have. It is the telling that I dread for I fear…” She was cut off by the abrupt arrival of Lomelinde. (Thank you, Daddy.)
“Excuse the interruption, my Lord, my Lady, but two riders from the party bringing the shipment of goods from Gondor have arrived badly wounded. They have been taken to the Healing House to receive aid.” The servant was visibly shaken.
“Only two? What of the rest?” exclaimed Erestor jumping to his feet. “Has Lord Elladan been notified so that a patrol can be dispatched to determine their fate?” Moving quickly toward the door, Seere at his heels, he paused only long enough to hear her affirmative response before heading toward the Healing House.
“They grow more aggressive each day it seems. Two attacks in less than a day!” worried Seere.
Seeing the anger and frustration marring his daughter’s gentle features, Erestor placed his hand to the small of her back in silent comfort. /We thought we would bring you into a world made safe by the sacrifices of those that fought to defeat Sauron. I am sorry, pen vuil; tis not the world your mother and I dreamed you would inherit./
*****
Arriving at the Healing House, they were met by a flurry of frantic activity centered around the two occupied tables in the treatment room. Azeriel and Elrohir were working to remove an arrow from its position at the juncture of the neck and shoulder of a young human male on the first bed. That it had barely missed the carotid artery was obvious to the new arrivals. It was also obvious he had lost a great deal of blood. Elladan was attempting to hold the man still so they could work.
At a second table, Celeborn and a second healer named Órecalo were working over the second wounded man. He appeared to be the older of the two by many years; he also appeared to be in danger of succumbing to the effects of a poisoned Orc arrow judging from the treatment he was receiving. The healers had, if the items scattered around them were any indication, tried several common antidotes with little success thus far. Seeing Seere enter the room, Órecalo called to her to begin mixing another, less common mixture to pack into the wound.
Seere and Erestor quickly moved to the apothecary located adjacent to the main treatment room and set to work. Sadly, frequent experience in the task made them both proficient in the assignment. Within minutes of setting to work on the mixture, Seere picked up the mortar and pestle containing rue, sweet basil, demon’s claw, bayberry, plantain leaves, ginger, and cinnamon to begin working the mixture into the necessary consistency. Carefully, Erestor added several drops of precious decoctions of lady’s mantle and willow bark to the pulverized herbs as his daughter stirred the mix.
After spreading the mixture over a piece of gauze her father had prepared, Seere immediately began to assemble a blood restorative potion anticipating the need of the first patient as Erestor took the poultice to the healers. /Red clover, burdock, cayenne, comfrey, Echinacea, and parsley… yarrow… a little slippery elm and raspberry leaves... honey…/
The second took her longer to prepare as it had to a heated in a porcelain-lined pot until just before it began to simmer. It was some minutes before she completed the potion and poured the draught into a fragile glass beaker. It was kept solely for that purpose as the potion would react to any metal.
Turning to return to the healing room, she was met by a rushing Elladan entering the apothecary. “Have a care E’dan! You almost make me spill this!”
Reaching out quickly to keep her on her feet, Elladan asked, “Seere, help me make a… Wonderful, you already have. Diola lle, pen vuil. Let me take that and ask you to brew a strengthening tea.” Without waiting for a response, he took the beaker and hurried back to his patient.
Shaking her head at his coltish behavior, she reached for the jar of the required herbs, mentally noting the need to replenish the jar, and set the tea to steep. /I need to gather more self-heal and lemon balm. In fact, I need to make a complete inventory of our supplies for I see several jars that are half empty. It would be helpful to go ahead and prepare blends for several of the poison remedies we have developed of late. It seems the Hordes are now favoring this more virulent poison, so having the antidote on hand would be a good idea. /
Knowing it would take several minutes for the herbs to properly infuse into the tea, she stepped back into the treatment room to see if other cures were required. Finding both sets of healers in the process of wrapping the now treated wounds, she bent to retrieve a cloak lying on the floor next to the first table.
Clutching the cloak in her hands, the sudden image of eight riders surrounding a supply wagon on the Old Forrest Road appeared before her. Her breath caught in her throat as Yrch ran from the cover of a thicket just ahead of the party. A brief, bloody fight played out before her shocked eyes ending as two riders, the only survivors of the attack broke free of the pack and raced off toward Rivendell.
With a gasp, she found herself kneeling in the floor of the treatment room, Celeborn gripping her shoulders to keep her upright. Looking up, she said simply, “Yrck. These two are the only survivors.” before sagging weakly into his arms.
*****
A/N These are my attempt at more elvish names.
Azeriel --- sunlight maiden
Laurea --- golden
Lomelinde --- nightingale
Órecalo --- mind light