The Music in My Heart

Title: The Music in My Heart, Chapter 40 betaed
Author: Sorsha
Fandom/Pairing: Elrond/OFC, Glorfindel/Haldir, Elladan/OFC, Elrohir/Legolas, others implied
Rating: PG-13
Warning: AU (Story set 770 years after ROTK); Slash and het.
Feedback: This is my first fanfic, so constructive feedback appreciated.
Archive: AFF.net; fanfiction.net
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 41 --- Why Did the Blonde Cross the Road?

“Why did the blonde cross the road?
I don't know.
Neither did he.”
Ubiquitous Blond Joke, the Guy at the Watercooler

*****

Glorfindel was confused. It was not often that he felt at such a complete loss to understand his own behavior. Yet, there he stood in a new tunic, midnight blue with fine silver embroidery at the neck and cuffs, over matching leggings, his hair gleaming like spun gold perfectly arranged in braids that announced his status, and he had no idea why he had gone to this much effort for an ordinary evening meal.

He had no doubt Elrond would notice and want to know whom he was trying to impress. After the relentless teasing he had been giving his friend about his relationship with Seere, Glorfindel was quite sure simply denying it would not be enough. Still, he was at a loss to explain his actions.

/So, why did I dress to impress someone when there is no one that has my eye at present? Oh, there are a couple of comely elleths about to be sure, though Elrond has claimed the fairest for his own. There are one or two of the young elves of the guard that are quite fetching… but none that make my blood boil enough to deserve this much effort. Indeed, my eyes have been hesitant to acknowledge the charms of any for more years than I care to recall… not since Dinariel’s betrayal. No matter, it would seem I did this for no other reason but my own pleasure./

Pleased that he had finally determined the cause of his unusual behavior, he moved with confidence into the gathering crowd of the dining hall. The massive room was brimming with activity and he took a moment to look about. Catching sight of Erestor and Celeborn talking over a glass of mirviur, he began to move in their direction.

Stepping up to his long time friends, he saw the look they turned in his direction and he stifled a groan, seeing the predatory grins that came over both faces. /I should have known better… Should have gone back to my rooms and changed… Friends! Humf./

Snagging a glass of the potent liqueur from a passing tray being carried by one of the kitchen staff, he took a bracing sip. Lowering his glass, he found the sparkling blue eyes of the Lord of Lorien trained in his direction studying his attire. Tilting his head to the side, he inquired, “Yes?”

“Nothing, mellon, nin. Nothing at all.” (my friend)

Hearing Erestor’s choked back laugh, the Elda turned to the Noldor. “Well, Erestor?”

Grinning broadly, Erestor shook his head. “Well, what? Is there something we were supposed to say? Or do? Comment upon? Assume something? Prey tell us, my old friend.”

Before Glorfindel could respond, a strong hand clasped his shoulder and the deep voice of the Lord of Imladris commented, “Your appearance is even more splendid than usual this evening, mellon nin. Are you expecting something of importance to occur? Perhaps you expect someone special to join us for dinner? Surely you must, for you put the rest of us to shame with your magnificence. I feel absolutely shabby in comparison. May we know the reason?” (my friend)

“Nothing special, meldir, but I defer to you three as you are the ones that would know. I do, however, regret making you feel shabby, my lord. I am sure the company would be happy to wait if you would like to return to your chambers and… try again.” He enjoyed the shocked looks they were receiving from those within hearing. He especially relished the look on the face of a matronly elleth standing near Elrond’s left shoulder, obviously trying to position her two daughters to catch the eye of one of the assembled elf lords. (friend)

/As if two silly, giggling elflings would be of interest to one of us! How funny to imagine Elrond arriving to a meal in anything less than one of his exquisite robes, groomed to perfection! Shabby… as if that would ever happen!/

Elrond, oblivious to his secondary audience, was just warming to his game. He had his prey for the evening picked out and was preparing to toy with him for a while. Seeing him opening his mouth to begin, Glorfindel moved in quickly to distract him. “Ai! Erestor, your daughter is a vision as usual this evening. Seere puts all to shame with her beauty and wit. She lacks an escort it seems. Please do excuse me while I offer my services. “

With a deep mocking bow, the Elda moved to meet the elleth, but not before detecting the jealousy on the face of one and the narrowed eyes of the other. /As Gil-Galad always said, the best defense is a strong offense. The looks on their faces are to be savored!/

*****

Across the room, a nervous elf slipped into the room from the garden entrance. He hoped his father was correct and his regard for the glorious Elda was reciprocated. Celeborn had been urging him to make his intentions clear for weeks, but he had hesitated, not wanting to face rejection from one he had come to consider a close friend. Spotting him across the room talking to Elrond, Erestor and Celeborn, his breath caught as he took in the golden-haired elf in his full splendor.

Settling himself with a promise he would make his interest known this night, he started across the room to join the group only to see the object of his affections turn his bright shining face toward the elleth coming into the hall. His quick move to be the one to escort her did not seem that act of an elf merely being polite to a friend‘s daughter. The corresponding looks on the faces of Lord Elrond and Lord Erestor did not indicate they saw it as simple politeness either.

/His special attention to his appearance makes sense now. He is making his move to gain the favor of Lady Seere and is openly challenging Elrond for her attentions. Surely his interest must be profound for him to take so bold a step after Elrond has been announced publicly as her suitor. His conversation with Erestor about her needing an older mate now makes sense. I have fooled myself./

/Ai! Look at that sudden burst of light and joy in his eyes. At least I saw this before I embarrassed myself by making my interest known. I can now withdraw and my dignity will not be damaged… nor will our friendship. Tis for the best,/ he sighed, his heart unwilling to accept this.

Taking a glass of mirviur from a passing tray, he slipped back through the garden door and disappeared into the growing dusk.

*****

Celeborn, seeing his son’s abrupt departure, sighed in regret. /Ai! He would have to arrive in time to see our teasing take an unexpected turn. I know Glorfindel has no interest in Seere. For Elbereth’s sake, he and I have been plotting for weeks to see her with Elrond. We pulled his tail and our big cat responded by pulling ours back even harder./

/What to say to Haldir? Since returning from the Halls of Waiting, he has been more tentative than he was before. I guess he fears more hurt. I feel strongly that Glorfindel shares his interest. His dress tonight was clearly to impress someone and the only one he has shown any reaction to is my son. I must go and try to explain… see if the damage caused by our sorry jokes can be corrected./ With a nod of his head to his friends, he followed his son into the garden.

*****

Glorfindel had enjoyed turning the tables on his old friends. /There is little sweeter than getting one’s own back… especially on your friends!/

Greeting Seere, he grinned down into her questioning eyes. /Aye she knows I am up to mischief, but maybe she will play along./

Taking her hand, he guided her over to get a cordial. A movement to his left drew his attention. /Haldir! How handsome he looks tonight! That dark green tunic is my favorite… Where did that thought come from? He is my friend and, of course he is glorious to behold… but…?/

Risking a second glance, he felt his heart give a lurch as his eyes met those of the other elf. /Haldir? Ai!? Ai!, Haldir!/

Knowing his face was alight with his new awareness, Glorfindel found himself struggling to keep up his end of the conversation. His thoughts were divided between reliving every moment he had spent with Haldir since his return, looking for signs he had missed of his growing attraction and the need to find a way to move them in the Marchwarden’s direction. A soft chuckle to his right drew his gaze. Seeing the teasing smile playing over the elleth’s face, he raised a brow in silent inquiry.

“Those strange feelings… thoughts finally make sense do they?! Do not worry. I am sure your regard in returned.” Squeezing his arm, she turned him toward Haldir. “Shall we go and talk to your beautiful Galadhrim?”

Smiling down into the twinkling eyes, he teased, “You do realize Elrond is seething?”

“Of course! I have no intention of letting him take me for granted. He is not one that I need to let grow complacent, I suspect.”

Glorfindel laughed. “He has met his match at last, my lady!” Lifting her hand to his lips, he pressed a teasing kiss to its back, enjoying the lethal glare spreading across Elrond’s face.

Eyes sparkling with joy, he murmured, “So you now take on the role of matchmaker for Haldir and me?”

“Seems only fair… after all, you and Celeborn have been having so much fun playing the part for Elrond and me!” The mischievous grin on her face made it clear whose daughter she was, for he had seen its match many times on her father’s features.

Tilting his head, he asked, “How did you know?”

Her only response was to roll her eyes and grin.

/Elrond has met his match indeed! Now it’s my turn! Ai! Where has he gone?/

*****

Celeborn moved quietly toward the still form of his son. He could see Haldir silhouetted by the moonlight as he leaned against a tree on the furthest edge of the garden. His heart skipped a beat to see his son returned to him after the agony of losing his to Mandos. He silently renewed his pledged to do all he could to help his son find happiness and peace. /Haldir has suffered enough for even an immortal lifetime./

As he stepped closer, he was not surprised to see Haldir glance back across his shoulder to meet his father’s eyes. Stopping at his side, he kept his eyes trained on the large waterfall framed by the view through the trees. “You will make no progress in winning his heart spending the dinner hour alone on this patio. Why did you leave so abruptly, ion nîn?” (my son)

A sad, quiet voice responded, “It seems we both misread the situation, Ada. His interest lies elsewhere.”

“It is never a good idea to make quick decisions based on only part of the information, especially when you have only seen the end of something, Haldir. He has no interest in Seere, other than to pull Elrond’s tail. In fact, Glorfindel had been helping me play matchmaker behind the scenes for her and Elrond for many weeks now,” he commented.

Feeling Haldir’s eyes shift slightly in his direction, Celeborn continued, “Erestor and I had been teasing him about the obvious care he took in dressing tonight. Elrond took it up… a bit of payback for all the teasing Glorfindel has given his in recent weeks no doubt. You walked in to see our Elda turning the tables on our lord by baiting him with the idea he might be interested in Seere. Elrond is far too much in love not to react, even though in his head he knows he is being teased.”

Getting no response, he asked, “Did you not see his face light-up with happiness when he saw you across the room?”

“I saw him respond to Seere,” came the stiff answer.

“He waits several minutes to react to her presence? Nay he caught sight of you and started to glow,” his father insisted.

“I do not think you saw it as clearly as I did, Ada. I thank you for your love and support, but tis best to admit I was wrong and move along,” Haldir concluded.

“Would you judge my vantage point to have offered a better view, Haldir?” a soft voice behind them asked.

*****

Turning sharply, the two elves were surprised to find Seere standing a few feet behind them. She continued, “For, if you would allow my opinion, it was quite clear who made him respond. It was not me, I assure you.”

Smiling up at the wary Lorien elf, she laid her hand on his arm and cut her eyes to look at her life-long friend. “It might interest you to know, Celeborn, that I have taken on a new project. I have been much inspired by the one you and Glorfindel have been pursuing of late. It looks like such fun; I want to try my hand.”

“Indeed, pen vuil? May I join you in this project?” the smiling elf lord asked. (dear one)

“I suspect you are well ahead of me in this matter, my lord. Permit me to offer a suggestion… if I may.” Seeing his head tilt to listen, she offered, “I suggest a room with a bottle of strong red wine and an even stronger lock on the door. With such stubborn cases, I think subtlety is a lost cause.”

As Celeborn began to laugh, Haldir found himself beginning to relax until he too was laughing. “You may be right, my lady. Could you suggest an appropriate vintage? I think I can handle the lock without further assistance.”

*****

Dinner had started by the time the three returned to the dining hall. Seere entered between the two, her left hand cradled in the crook of Celeborn’s arm. Her right was resting on Haldir’s forearm and almost appeared to be guiding the tall Lorien elf.

Coming to the chair beside Glorfindel that she had told him to save, she gave the barest of nudges to Haldir’s arm to move him up to his place. Giving the Elda a wink behind the Lorien’s back, she brightly announced, “I told you that Glorfindel promised to save you a seat, Haldir.”

She patted his arm to reassure the nervous elf and moved toward the head of the table to her seat beside Elrond. As Celeborn pulled out her chair for her to sit, she leaned up to whisper in his ear, earning a glare from her disgruntled, fuming suitor. Seeing Celeborn’s confirming nod, she took her seat.

Noting that Celeborn had paused to murmur a request to one of the kitchen staff, she turned sparkling eyes to her plate and began to eat. A few minutes passed and the servant returned to place a bottle of Imladris’s best red wine, a special vintage, on the table between Haldir and Glorfindel.

Hearing the laughter from the two, she and Celeborn traded a congratulatory grin. “A most successful venture, pen vuil. I look forward to future projects with such a decisive partner,” the elf lord said, inclining his head in her direction. (dear one)

Feeling Elrond’s puzzled gaze, she looked up into his silver eyes. “Care to tell me what you have been up to, melme?” (love)

The mischievous grin returned to her face as she replied, “Just repaying a debt by helping two blondes figure out why they keep crossing the road.”

*****