In the Garden

Title: In the Garden, Chapter 4
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.net; fanfiction.net
Acknowledgements: Thanks also 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?

Hi MarzBar! I promise there is method to my madness! Thanks for reading!

Thanks Sarah! I'm glad you're enjoying the story. More on the way!

Chapter 4 --- Across a Crowded Room

Pleased that the rain had finally stopped after two days, she pushed open the door onto the small balcony adjacent to her rooms. Enjoying the damp smell of the woods and garden that surrounded the tree that housed her family’s talan, she began to rebuild her nest of pillows. Before she could nestle into their midst, a small rock bounced in the middle of the balcony floor. Grinning, she walked to the porch railing and leaned over to great her visitor.

To her amusement, she discovered her three oldest friends clustered at the bottom of the giant tree. “Good evening to you all. What brings you here at this hour?”

“Mischief of course,” replied the younger of the two ellyn in the group, a mischievous smirk lighting his fair face. (male elves)

“Well Rúmil, I knew that! When are you not up to mischief… but what mischief stirs you this evening?” she teased.

“Get dressed and come with us if you want to know so badly!” the grinning elleth retorted. “Come! You will enjoy it… I promise. Your uncle has invited us to an evening of music at his home. The great minstrel Lindir will be performing!”

Tempted, Meril wavered for a moment before shaking her head to decline Himiel’s invitation. “It is late and I have already changed for bed. Go and have a good time.”

The two silver-haired brothers exchanged a quick look before the elder one jumped up to catch the limb above his head so that he could climb up to her balcony. “Orophin? What do you think you are doing? I am not dressed to receive visitors!”

The young warrior swung onto the branch directly below her porch railing. “You have two choices… go and get ready without aid or go and get ready with my help. Now… which shall it be?”

Glaring down into the dancing sky-blue eyes, she fought the memory of similar eyes that had once tempted her to climb out of her parent’s talan to join him and his siblings in their exploits… exploits that had reached near legendary status in Lorien. Feeling tears begin to fill her own, she tore her gaze away from the suddenly worried look that had clouded those of her friend. “Not tonight, ‘Phin. I am tired.”

“Meril? Please. It has been far too long since you have joined us. We miss you… and we are worried about you. It has been over two hundred years! You need to move on with your life,” he whispered.

Sighing, Meril looked down at her friend. “So my parents tell me. I am not ready… I would not be much fun to have along. Go and enjoy yourself. I will be fine here.”

Frustrated, he tried again. “Meril, we love you… dearly. You do not have to worry about being the life of the party. We only want your company. You love music. Do not let his betrayal rob you of that.”

“I have lost my confidence, ‘Phin,” she confessed, her voice a rough whisper. “I no longer know how to be among a crowd. I know people still talk about… I cannot do this, mellon nin.” (my friend)

Grieved by her words, the elf glanced down at his worried siblings. “We failed you once, Lirimaer. We will not fail you again,” he promised. (lovely one)

Climbing up to sit on the edge of her railing, he took her hand. “The scandal over your broken betrothal is no longer talked about. Besides, we will be among friends at your uncle’s house… not the malicious gossips that were so cruel to you. Come with us… it will do you good to be among friends.”

The addition of two softly spoken, “We love you, Meril. Please come,” from her friends below was too much for her to ignore. Nodding her head reluctantly, she whispered, “Wait for me… I will change and join you out front. I am too old to climb out of my window like an elfling running wild.”

As she stepped quietly into the hallway a few minutes later, she did not notice the door to her parent’s room silently close. Nor did she see the relieved smile her mother shared with her father.

-----

Stifling a groan as Cirdan ended his conversation with Ereinion and began to make his way in his direction, Elrond reached over to take a glass of wine from a tray being circulated by a servant, eyeing the pale liquid as only someone that has suffered a recent hangover can. /Why did I let Lindir talk me into coming here tonight? I do not really want to make small talk. I wish the music would begin so I can take a seat and listen without the need to entertain my friends. I know they are worried about me… or I do now. But, if one more person asks me how I am managing…./

Clasping the elf lord by the shoulder, Cirdan began, “Elrond, tis good to see you! I was hoping you might attend tonight.” Narrowing his gaze, he noted the signs of suppressed tension in his old friend. “That bad?”

Caught off guard by the ancient Telleri’s comment, a short laugh escaped his throat. Shaking his head, Elrond offered in a wry voice, “At least you did not ask me how I am managing! I thank you for that… more than you know. As for you question… yes, but I keep reminding myself they mean well and they are doing it out of genuine concern. That cannot be said of many that ask that question.”

Laughter greeted his words. “There are far too many in Aman that have never had any meaningful vocation or interest. Gossip is their only activity. I do believe those that never sat foot in Middle-earth are the worst. Those of us that did… we have too many wounds to heal to wish to inflect more on one of our own.”

“I believe you are correct in this, mellon nin.” Elrond gestured toward a pair of chairs that had been placed along the wall of the main room in anticipation of the coming musical performances. “I do not see Aerel with you this evening, so please join me to hear the performance, and let us talk of more enjoyable topics. How is your family adapting to life in the Blessed Lands? Your youngest is… thirty years of age, if I remember correctly. That is a fine age.” (my friend)

Sighing with pleasure at the comfortable chair and the change in topic, Cirdan nodded in agreement. “He will be thirty-three this summer. He is helping me build a sailboat to use in the waters near our home. You must plan to visit us this summer and help me teach Dínenaer to sail in open waters… assuming you still remember. It has been many years since I taught you and your brother.”

“Indeed… thought Elros was a more natural sailor than I was. Those days are among the happiest I my life. I thank you for having made them thus. I owe much to you, Ereinion, and Lindir. You were our family when we had no other.” A small smile lit his face as he remembered those years, brief as they were.

“Ah, do not forget that the three of us had lost most of our immediate families too and were glad to have the care of the family we made together. You and your twin were well loved… then and now,” the shipwright asserted, his normally gruff voice gentled by affection.

“As for your sailing, you sell yourself short… you had a natural talent for sailing as strong as your twin’s. The difference was he was passionate about the sea, while you merely enjoyed sailing as a hobby. You are like your mother in that,” Cirdan observed. “She never truly understood your father’s need to be at sea, but she loved him despite that difference.”

A sad smile overtook the peredhel’s face. “I know. I still miss them, but one must accept what one cannot change.” (half-elf)

Tilting his head to study the younger elf beside him, Cirdan murmured, “You have had more than your share of such things to accept… bear, mellon nin. It should not come as a surprise that your friends worry about you. The Blessed Lands have hardly been blessed for you have they?” (my friend)

“I would not say that, for I have had the joy of being reunited with friends I have long missed… most especially Ereinion. My sons have sailed to join me, as have my dear friends Erestor, Glorfindel, and Melpomaen. I now have the leisure to finish my histories of Middle-earth and compile my records of healing lore. Perhaps soon, one or both of my sons will bless my life with daughters-in-law and grandchildren.” Noticing that the musicians were preparing to begin their performance, Elrond turned to face the small stage. “I never expected my life to be made perfect by sailing to Aman. Such is not reasonable.”

Shifting to the front, Cirdan settled himself more comfortably into his chair. “That does not mean you do not deserve better than you have found in these lands, mellon nin… better than has been your lot in life.” (my friend)

-----

“Meril! I am so glad that you have joined us, pen vuil. Our dear friend Lindir plans to introduce a new composition tonight. Such an event is not to be missed!” Gildor exclaimed, as he bent to press a kiss to his niece’s cheek. “I am glad to see that my plan of sending Himiel and her brothers to fetch you was the right choice. I was afraid asking my sister to urge you to attend might work against me.” (dear one)

Smiling at her uncle’s cheerful attitude, she nodded in agreement. “Aye, it might well have done. I had wondered though, as to why she had missed her nightly lecture about my needing to be more social and put my life in order.”

“That bad? Well, you are welcome to visit us at any time, so do not let it get the better of you, Meril… she means well after all,” Gildor reminded her.

“I know this and I do appreciate that she and Ada love me. But, enough of this. How have you been doing of late? I have not seen you in over a year,” she asked, eager for a change of topic. (father)

“Through no lack of effort on my part I should point out! Silael and I are doing quite well. Our youngest granddaughter is likely to soon announce her betrothal,” he replied, wincing slightly as he realized the topic was thoughtless.

Seeing his response, Meril reached over to pat his arm hoping to put him at ease. “Is she? Do I know the lucky elf?”

Shuffling uncomfortably, he answered, “You may; tis Erestor’s youngest son, Nimdoron. Ah, here comes our aunt. My lady… a vision as ever.”

“Gildor… a lovely gathering. Thank you for inviting us.” After returning the affectionate hug offered by her nephew, Galadriel took Meril’s hands and gave them a slight squeeze, “Meril… tis good to see you, my dear. Come and sit with us, for it appears the musicians will be starting momentarily. Your uncle is saving us seats near the balcony doors to make sure we benefit from the breeze.”

Noting that Gildor had hastily moved on to other guests, Galadriel shook her head as she led her niece to their seats. In a low voice, she asked, “I take it our host put his foot in his mouth yet again. I wonder some days why he bothers to take it out for the amount of time he keeps it there.”

Giggling, Meril whispered, “Truly, he will consider himself to be in your debt, my lady. He mentioned the coming betrothal of Dulos. Nana had told me she and her suitor were becoming serious. It should be a good match for both.”

“Aye, it is. Both families are all very pleased with the match. Now, if only my grandsons would settle down. We expect Elladan and Maidhlos will soon announce. I keep hoping Elrohir will soon admit his devotion to your friend, Himiel… but that is complicated, is it not?” A sad look dimmed the radiance of the Lady’s face as a private pain clinched at her heart.

Squeezing the hand that still held hers, she offered, “Complicated, but not impossible. Time has passed. It is not fair that they should be kept apart by something not of their doing.”

“But sadly that is often the case in many things, pen vuil. Is it fair what was done to you… or to my son-in-law? I pray daily that joy will return to both of your lives,” she confessed. (dear one)

“Thank you for your care. While I agree your son-in-law was badly betrayed and abused, I have reached the point where I realize it could have been worse for me than it was. Haldir and I could have been married when he decided to leave me. At least we had not taken vows or… confirmed them. A broken betrothal is not the same,” Meril offered, knowing the truth of her words.

“A wise attitude, Meril. You take after your father in so many ways. Have I ever told you how much he has always reminded me of his uncle? He and Cirdan are both wise and patient elves,” Galadriel praised.

Arriving at Celeborn’s side, she announced, “My love, I have found Meril and she has agreed to join us. It looks as thought Lindir will begin momentarily.”

“Mae govannen, Meril. You have not been to visit us lately and we have missed you. Come… I have saved us seats with a good view of the stage.” The Lord of the Galadrium bent to press a kiss to her forehead. In a whisper, he added, “It is good for you to be among your family and friends. You did nothing wrong and should not deny us the pleasure of your company, pen vuil.” (Well met, Meril.) (dear one)

“I will try to remember that Uncle. Thank you for inviting me to join you.”

“No thanks are necessary, for you and your family are quite dear to us. Ah, Lindir must be ready for Gildor is signaling for quiet,” Celeborn replied.

Motioning to a servant, the elf lord took two glasses of wine from his tray and gave them to his two companions. After taking one for himself, he seated himself next to his wife. A subtle nudge confirmed she had seen all was in place. Smiling, he settled back to watch the performance… and to keep an eye out to make sure the first stage of their collective plan was successful. To his amusement, he noted a number of similar glances from around the room.

-----

Across the room, Elrond settled back to enjoy the performance. Wishing he had thought to sit near the balcony doors so as to benefit from the breeze from the gardens, he glanced that way to see if seats were still available. Seeing none, he noted Galadriel and Celeborn were in attendance and made a mental note to speak to them before he left.

/They have been good friends over the years and I cherish… who is that seated next to Galadriel? It is my elleth! How do they know her? From her coloring, I should have assumed she was from Lorien. Well, that eliminates the possibility she does not know of my shame./

Before he could shift his gaze back to the stage, a pair of cornflower-blue eyes turned in his direction. Obviously surprised to see him in attendance, a blush swept up her throat to stain her cheeks with a soft pink even as a smile touched her lips. A secret thrill coursed through his veins as her reaction to his presence. Smiling, he nodded his head in greeting, his momentary dismay forgotten.

Pleased she was not embarrassed to have him acknowledge her, he forced his eyes back to the stage. The music began, but the peredhel knew he would be hard pressed if later asked to discuss the selections. His attention was divided between reminding himself not to look in her direction and… sneaking looks in her direction. He did not, however, fail to notice the number of times their eyes met across the crowded room. /I am glad I refrained from reading her journal or this meeting would be very awkward./

Neither notices the pleased grins being exchanged around the room as the conspirators watched their prey and waited for the next stage of their plan to begin.

-----
Cast of new characters:
Aerel (Sea star) --- Cirdan’s wife
Dínenaer (Silent sea) --- Cirdan and Aerel’s youngest son, an unexpected blessing of the Blessed Lands!
Silael (Shining star) --- Gildor’s wife who had traveled with him for many centuries in his journeys across ME
Dulos (Night flower) --- Gilder’s granddaughter
Nimdoron (White Oak) --- Erestor’s youngest son
Maidhlos (Pale flower) --- Legolas’s sister and Elladan’s love. The two met while the twins were visiting their friend in Ithilien. She and their parents sailed soon after Legolas and Gimli made their famous voyage. She and Elladan had agreed to wait until Aman to court given the unsettled state of things in the final years before the last sailings.