The Music in My Heart

Title: The Music in My Heart, Chapter 47
Author: Sorsha
Fandom/Pairing: Elrond/OFC, Glorfindel/Haldir, Elladan/OFC, Elrohir/Legolas, others implied
Rating: R
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.
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 47--- The Syntax of Things

“since feeling is first
who pays any attention
to the syntax of things”
e. e. cummings

****

Seere found herself wanting to look over her shoulder with increasing frequency as the evening progressed. She had expected to receive some stares and curious looks given, the Winter Festival was the first public event she and Elrond had attended as a couple, but it seemed their relationship had generated more attention as the evening grew late than it had earlier in the day.

/How odd! I wonder if Elrond has noticed?/

Glancing to her left, she saw no change from the happy, contented expression that had been on his face since they has slipped back into the reception after their stolen moment on the balcony… though it was a little more serious than it had been. He was engaged in conversation with Thranduil about security issues and was on guard for potential problems, given their volatile history. Both rulers were, by all appearances, making an effort to maintain a civil attitude, if for no other reason than it was the wedding day of their beloved children.

/It must be me, as Elrond shows no signs of having noticed the talk. Maybe I am simply more aware of the attention now that I wish I had someone I could tell our news. I cannot tell Ada as he is not ready for this. That means Celeborn cannot be told as I would hate to put him between us… though his support to our courtship has been deeply appreciated. I cannot tell Azeriel, as this is her day. The twins… well, even if it was not they day too, their reaction is not likely to be positive. The same is true of the rest of our family, except for Glorfindel and Haldir... and I do not think this is something I should share with them either./

Deciding a hot cup of cider would help dispel the last of the chill still clinging to her from the balcony, Seere excused herself to go to the dining hall. Moving through the milling crowd, she made her way to a table by the large fireplace where a crock of cider was resting in a simmering pan of water near the fire. As she began to ladle the warm beverage into her cup, she was shocked to hear the conversation behind her, deliberately pitched to be overheard.

*****

‘Well, I can quite understand Lord Erestor’s objections to the match. He is obviously too old to bond to so young an elleth. And with his history…”

“What does he wish to do… breed a race of peredhil? Tis bad enough we have to pay court to him and his sons, but that there may be more of them!”

“Aye, I agree. I have it on good authority that Lady Celebrian only married him because her parents wanted a political alliance with the High King’s … well, I guess publicly it was Herald… though why Gil-Galad felt it necessary to give his bed toy so important a title, one that someone such as he should never have had in any case, is beyond me. At least he the good sense to decline the kingship and not insult the true eldar with his tainted blood in so vaulted a position.”

“Humph! I would guess he was quite… adept at fulfilling certain duties to have the king’s… regard!”

“No wonder Celebrian left for Aman. I always believed the story about her being attacked by orcs was just a cover to explain her leaving him. You know, I always have a good sense for recognizing these things.”

“Well, my Lady Nimloomi… I am glad you at least think you have good sense about any matter… much less one about which you clearly know nothing or have any personal connection to make you privy to such details. I would suggest you consider in future the advisability of attending social events at the home of someone you regard so poorly… but it should not be a problem for you regarding future invitations to Imladris… or Lorien, as your family’s names will not be on future invitation lists,” Elrohir hissed.

Turning to the Lorien advisor at her side, he continued. “As for you Raumo, you might want to take care not to parade your unmarried daughters in front of my Adar in such a pathetically obvious manner. One might question why you were attempting to attract his attention to them, given your attitude toward my family. It is well you will not have to worry about that again either.”

A second harsh voice took over the attack. “As for my approval of the match between the Lord of Imladris and my daughter, you seem also to be badly misinformed. I have given my blessings to their courtship, fully understanding their eventual marriage was the likely outcome,” added the irate Chief Counsellor. “I could not imagine a finer husband for my precious daughter than Elrond Peredhel.”

“Might I suggest you rethink your plans to spend the rest of the winter here in Imladris and seek to return to Mirkwood with your king’s party in two days time,” Elrohir added. “Your disgraceful comments about my parents are not something I plan to overlook. And, Raumo… you too may well find my father-in-law’s court more to your liking, as they are all pureblood elves. I suggest you join their party and find out, as your services in Lorien are no longer needed. As I am Adar’ra’ heir and you have maligned several of those dearest to his heart, as well as myself, I have no doubt he will agree.”

*****

Settling her features into a smooth mask that betrayed none of her inner emotions, Seere turned to face the suddenly quite room. Celeborn and Legolas stood behind the visibly angry forms of her father and Elrohir. A half-dozen wedding guests were slowly edging away from a red-faced elf and an angry elleth. Elrond and King Thranduil had entered the dining hall at some point and stood grim-faced near the back of the room, unnoticed by all save Seere.

Seeing Lady Nimloomi preparing an angry reply, Legolas cut her off before she could speak. “I would suggest you consider carefully before you say anything further… remembering the family you seek to dishonor is now my family, as well. Or was the purpose of the ceremony earlier today beyond the range of your ‘good sense’? I think you have embarrassed my father’s court quite enough for this day. I am sure your family will be happy to know they will be returning to Mirkwood sooner than expected… with your new friends for company. I am sure you will enjoy traveling the mountain passes in winter.”

“This is hardly fair, my prince! I have not said anything that has not already first been said by others here tonight… including your sisters! When they told me they overheard Lord Elrond propose betrothal to this… child, I…” she began gesturing at Seere in a disparaging manner.

“My sisters?! Kaimelar and Luhta have fermented this vicious gossip… and on my wedding day, of all days? Where are…” Turning, Legolas saw his father standing stiffly in the doorway with his new father-in-law.

Furious with the conduct of both his daughters and his counsellor’s wife, Thranduil took a deep breath before moving forward to speak. “Leave your sisters to me, ion nin. I regret most deeply that they would behave so at any time, but I am doubly grieved that they should do so today. Elrohir, please know that your marriage to Legolas is a great joy to me and my family, as we love you dearly. Never think otherwise, ion nin.” (my son)

Turning to his silent companion, he continued. “Lord Elrond, please accept my apologies for the inexcusable conduct of members of my party. I will make sure you receive personal apologies from them all.”

“As for you Nimloomi, I suggest you seek your husband and inform him of your changed plans. I would not think of leaving you here as part of a delegation representing my kingdom to embarrass us further. Lady Seere, Lord Celeborn and Lord Erestor… I apologize for the conduct of my daughters and one of my court. My Lord Elrond, if you wish it, we will return to Mirkwood tomorrow.”

“Nay, of course not. As Legolas rightly observed, we are family now and I would not wish this unfortunate incident to drive you away from our home. You and your family are welcome here anytime.” Walking over to Seere, Elrond lifted her hand to his lips before offering her his arm, a message of love and support in his eyes.

Squeezing her hand, Elrond turned back to Thranduil and offered, “Now that this business is behind us, perhaps, we can gather our family together for a last toast to our newlyweds in my study before we grant them their privacy? What say you, mellon nin?” (my friend)

*****

Seere sank gratefully into the comfort of the pillows Elrond had piled before the fire in his sitting room. It had been a long day and the joy of the early evening had been dimmed by the scene in the dining hall. She sighed in relief at finally being alone with Elrond… alone that was and near a warm fire.

The family gathering in Elrond’s study had helped ease the discomfort created by the unpleasant exchange, but it had not resolved the anger Legolas felt toward his sisters over their behavior. Both Celeborn and Thranduil had been distressed by the conduct of members of their courts. Elrond had made every effort to put them at ease and assure both the matter was behind them. Seere had, however, been relieved when the others had taken their leave of them.

Leaning back into the comforting strength of Elrond’s embrace, she let her mind drift back to the moment on the patio when Elrond proposed their betrothal. /I knew he was likely to do so soon, but I was surprised… and very happy that he did it tonight. One year and we marry!/

Turning her head to study his face, she was surprised to see shadows in his eyes. “Elrond? What troubles you, melme?” (love)

Sighing, Elrond bent his head to rest his forehead against hers. “Have I rushed you into something you are not yet ready to undertake, Seere? You are young…”

“Ai! Not you too!!! You have not rushed me into anything, meleth-nîn. I freely and gladly chose to spend the rest of my life with you. I cannot imagine any other future that I would care to live.” Caressing his face, she reminded him, “I have dreamed of you since I was a child and have always known you were my mate… my true soul mate.” (my love)

Watching the warring emotions still visible in his gaze, she asked, “Will you not tell me the actual cause of you distress, Elrond?”

Amused, he leaned over to kiss her cheek before letting his caress slide down to her lips. “How is it you know me so well after only seven months, ind nin?” (my heart)

“You are avoiding my question. What is troubling you?”

Looking over her head to stare at the fire, he considered how to answer her question. “There is much you do not yet know of me, Lirimaer. I have tried to be candid about the problems in my marriage to Celebrian… the grief and doubts it has left in my mind and heart. You have been most generous in your willingness to listen and understand. I deeply appreciate that.” (lovely one)

Sighing, Elrond continued, “We have not, however, had the opportunity to discuss Ereinion and my relationship with him. It was… commonly speculated that he and I… were lovers. The truth is…”

A gentle hand to the side of his face urged his gaze back to hers. “Elrond, melme, you seem to forget I have been privy to many of Ereinion’s memories. I have always known you were not his lover… not that it would have bothered me had you been. I have grown to love Ereinion over the years and would not have begrudged him your love had it been shared in that manner.” (love)

Holding his gaze, she offered, “I am not so naïve as to think there were not other lovers in your past… before Celebrian, but they do not trouble me. You pledged me your love and fidelity when we reconciled, as I did to you.”

Snuggling further into his embrace, she pressed a kiss to his throat before adding, “I rejoice that you have asked for me to share your life. Today forward is my concern. The malicious gossip of fools like those this evening is an unavoidable consequence of your rank and prominence, but I heard nothing this evening that I did not already know to be lies or worse… prejudice. I am only sorry that it caused you pain and upset Elrohir and Legolas on their wedding day.”

“There… that is the very trait about you that makes me forget most of the time the difference in our ages. You are far more mature and sophisticated than one might expect from someone of your years and sheltered upbringing. I forget… or it ceases to matter that we are millennia apart in age. We understand each other and I feel I can be myself… for you make me feel loved, desired… accepted for myself not ‘my rank or prominence’. Hannon le, Seere nin!” he whispered against her lips, as he pulled her into his kiss. (Thank you, my Seere!)
*****

After several minutes, the need to breath forced him to lift his head. Elrond studied, with growing arousal, the elleth cuddled close in his arms. Seere’s golden eyes slowly drifted open to meet the gleaming silver of her betrothed.

“Lirimaer… you are now my betrothed wife. The only good thing about the scene in the dining hall is that this is now known to all. Will you stay with me tonight… share my bed? If you are not ready for us to become lovers, I will understand. I would be content simply to have you with me for now. What say you, ind nin?” he whispered. (lovely one) (my heart)

A soft smile lit her face. “I have no plans to leave until morning, melme… unless you decide to throw me out.” (love)

“Humm? I do not think that it is likely I would do something so foolish!”

Slipping from her embrace, Elrond rose to his feet and drew a shaky breath to steady his senses. Extending a hand to pull her to her feet, he bent to sweep her into his arms. Pressing a lingering kiss to her lips, he turned toward the door of his bed chambers.

/Our bed chambers from now forward!/

*****

A knock on the door sounded as they crossed the threshold of the doorway between the two rooms. Quirking his eyebrow in surprise, Elrond let Seere slide back to her feet as they turned to face the door. Looking down a Seere, he smiled before saying, “Stay here and I will resolve whatever this is… quickly.”

Closing the door to his room behind him, he strode over to the hallway door and opened it, a glare firmly fixed on his face. “What is it that it could not wait… Erestor? What is the problem, mellon nin?” (my friend)

“I need to speak with you, Elrond. May I come in?”

Startled, Elrond quickly took note of the signs of extreme emotional distress in his friend’s eyes. “Ah… yes, of course. What do you want to discuss?” as he stepped back to allow Erestor to enter. Glancing at the closed door to his chambers, he motioned toward the chairs by the fire.

Erestor remained standing by the door, a faint tremor making his hands shake. “What I have to say will take but a moment.”

“I was shocked to hear of your betrothal to my daughter through idle gossip in a social gathering. I expected better of you both.” The tremor affecting his hands began to spread to his shoulders. “To be blunt, I have serious reservations about this match and had hoped you would have the good sense to wait a respectable length of time before moving matters to this point.”

Leveling an angry glare at his old friend, he continued. “I would have thought you would have discussed your plans with me before asking her. As you have not, I am forced to ask that you take matters no further… that you make no demands on my daughter to consummate the relationship until the wedding night… should that day ever come.”

“‘Make demands on your daughter’? I am not sure how to take that statement; I have made no inappropriate demands nor used any undue influence to win Seere’s heart. She has freely accepted me and my proposal,” Elrond responded, a frown coming to his face.

“If that is the case, then you should have no objection to waiting until you marry her to consummate your marriage. If after a year, she still wishes to marry you… and your love is true, then I will happily give my blessings to the marriage. Until then… I do not want to see my daughter commit herself on the basis of hero worship being mistaken for love.” Erestor watched his old friend, a hard, fixed expression on his face as he waited for his answer.

Elrond stared at Erestor in shock. “I cannot begin to tell you how deeply hurt I am by your lack of trust in both me and Seere, Erestor. I love Seere as I have never loved another and I have no doubts of her love for me. I would never do anything to hurt her and I would have thought you knew that.”

Receiving no response to his comment, Elrond felt the contentment of only a few minutes previous drain away at the lack of trust… the lack of respect shown him by his friend of many millennia. /I did not realize how deeply he objects to our match. I knew he had reservations, but this… He is not ready to accept me as her mate… nor is he ready to stop thinking of Seere as his little child needing protection from my advances. She has been the focus of his life for so many years he fears losing her to me. How do I proceed? He is in danger of breaking if I fail in this./

“I will not lie to you in this, Erestor… I am hurt by your lack of trust and respect, but Seere means too much to me to ignore your concerns. If it would give you peace of mind, I will discuss this matter with her and I give you my word that I will demand nothing of Seere she is not ready to give.” A heavy weight lodged itself in the pit of his stomach as he studied his friend trying to gage his reaction to this offer.

“That is not good enough. I demand you refrain from bedding her until you are wed. As her parent, I feel it is my right to demand this. Will you honor my demands?” Erestor clinched his hands into fists as the fierce emotions gripping his fëa sought an outlet. Racking tremors began to rock his frame.

The sound of the bedroom door opening made both elves turn in its direction. “No, Ada. It is not your right and I am hurt you would attempt to interfere in a matter that is between Elrond and me alone.”

*****

Nimloomi (white cloud… or my attempt at the elvish equivalent of an airhead)
Raumo (sound, of a storm… or a Sindarin blowhard)
Kaimelar (dreamer)
Luhta (enchantment)
*****

Thanks Sarah! I really appreciate the encouragement. I hope you continue to enjoy the story.

Hi Minkicat! Thanks for the review. I promise to try to keep the fluffy to a minimum!