The Music in My Heart
folder
Lord of the Rings Movies › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
75
Views:
3,801
Reviews:
11
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Currently Reading:
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Category:
Lord of the Rings Movies › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
75
Views:
3,801
Reviews:
11
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Lord of the Rings book series and movie series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter 49 In the Springing of the Year
Title: The Music in My Heart, Chapter 49
Author: Sorsha
Fandom/Pairing: Elrond/OFC, Glorfindel/Haldir, Elladan/OFC, Elrohir/Legolas, others implied
Rating:.NC-17 for future chapters
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 49 --- In the Springing of the Year
“Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.”
Robert Frost
*****
Erestor and Celeborn knocked on the door to Elrond’s study late in the afternoon. The three elf lords needed to discuss the final plans for the expedition that would leave Imladris in under six weeks to join the forces of their allies in Gondor. The past few weeks had proven contentious as every member of the ruling counsel and quite a few of the guardians had volunteered to accompany their force.
In an effort to end the lobbying for favor and arguments over merit, Elrond had finally declared the final selection would be made by him… no complaints, appeals, or displays of disappointment would then be tolerated. He had asked Erestor and Celeborn to meet with him to review the lists and offer recommendations. Elrond was tired of the matter and wanted it resolved immediately.
Hearing Elrond’s muffled response from within, Celeborn opened the door. A grin split his face at the sight before him… Elrond seated behind his desk with his head resting on its surface, pillowed on his folded arms. Seere stood behind him gently massaging the tense muscles of his neck and shoulders. A look of supreme contentment had replaced the scowl that had marred his handsome features after the council meeting earlier in the day. /Seere is good for him. He needs her calming influence and support./
Glancing to his right, he tried to gage the reaction Erestor was having to this sight. To his relief, a small grin was visible, both on his friend’s lips and in his eyes. /I was so worried, mellon nin, after Elrond told me of your breakdown in his chambers after the Winter Festival. The patient effort they have shown in giving you the time to grow to accept their match has been time well spent. I must admit, I have enjoyed the evenings we have spent with them in front of the fire talking and playing chess. We have all benefited from this opportunity, including those two. Their bond has grown deeper and their love richer./ (my friend)
“I do not believe I have seen you so mellow in recent weeks, mellon nin. Take care or you might well find you are completely in my daughter’s thrall… and with very little additional effort on her part,” Erestor smirked. (my friend)
Lifting his head slightly to make eye contact, Elrond responded in a lazy voice. “Too late comes your advice, Chief Counsellor. Her magic is complete and I am lost… not that I am complaining.”
“Birds will fly backwards and the waterfall will flow uphill before Elrond Peredhel succumbs to the thrall of a simple back rub, Ada. Well you know this,” Seere countered.
After leaning down to kiss Elrond’s cheek, she walked over to do likewise to the other two elves before leaving the room. “I will see you at the evening meal. Enjoy your planning… or plotting as the case may be. Do not let him get angry and undo my hard work unknotting his neck.”
“I cannot have a second back rub later this evening, melme?” Elrond purred, a flirtatious gleam sparkling in his eyes. (love)
“Nay --- you get only one per day, so you must make it last. It would not do to let you get spoiled,” was her parting comment as the door to the study closed behind her.
“Did she really just say ‘let you get spoiled’???” her father sputtered. Turning back to his friend, Erestor smirked. “It seems I need to have a long talk with my daughter for she has been misled about your nature!”
Elrond gave a lazy smile in response. “I suspect it will do no good to beg your indulgence in helping keep her unawares in this matter? …From your snort, I would guess not!”
Taking his seat, Celeborn studied the smiling elf before him. “She is good for you, mellon nin.” Celeborn observed, echoing his earlier thought. “I have seldom seen you so at peace as you are when she is near you.” (my friend)
“She is my other half, my soul mate. I have waited for millennia to find her and I finally begin to feel whole for the first time in my life.” Sighing, Elrond forced himself to sit upright and settle back in his chair so that he could begin the meeting.
“So, who among our volunteers do we select… or should I say who do we leave behind?” he began. “I understand why so many of our returned kin have volunteered, as they share my belief that we have a duty to perform in service of the Valar. Some have indicated they would stay and take the place of another guard, seeing this as what they were called to do. My first inclination is to first fill the roster with the returned elves, then complete our numbers as seems appropriate to the needs of the expedition and the continued security of Imladris. What say you, Erestor, to this approach?”
*****
It was easy to determine the elves selected for the expedition by the flow of conversation around the dining tables that evening. Erestor had posted the duty rosters two hours prior to the evening meal and off-duty guardians had quickly clustered around the board trying to see which names were listed. Knowing the Lord of the Valley was watching had curbed the display of disappointment on the part of those not chosen, but nothing dimmed the excitement of those whose names had been selected.
/I wonder if they realize how dangerous this mission will likely prove to be. Still, the promise of being part of the party that will seek to free those trapped in the Dead Marshes is something the eldar of Middle-earth have dreamed of for millennia. Tis no surprise they wish to have this opportunity… I share their hopes./
/Erestor is not happy that Seere is going, but we go in search of sites, many of which she alone has seen in her visions. We would be wondering about blindly without her… though I share Erestor’s disquiet in taking her away from the safety of Imladris. Neither of us would survive if she were lost. I could not argue with his demand to accompany the expedition, too. He is haunted by Laurea’s loss and needs to be there to help defend his daughter should the need arise. Let it please the Valar that no such need presents itself!/
Seeing the disgruntled expression on his eldest son’s face, Elrond asked “You do know why I have asked you to stay behind do you not, ion nin? With Erestor and me both going, I need you to stay and see to the security of our home. Both Legolas and Haldir are going, so I did not think it fair to ask your twin or Glorfindel to stay behind. You and your wife are but newly married, so I felt you would be the logical choice from among the council to stay and see to Imladris. And, though I hate to offer such a depressing reason on the eve of our march, you are my heir should something befall me and it is your duty to govern in my stead.”
“I understand, Ada. Understanding does not mean I have to be happy about being left behind,” Elladan replied, a grudging smile coming to his lips.
Elrohir was unable to resist rubbing salt in his brother’s wounds. “I do regret to leave you behind, Gwanur-nîn, especially in light of the fact you had thought to escape the yoke of administration upon Adar’s return! It will no doubt be a difficult pill for you to swallow, watching Ada ride out leading the expedition, while you are left to post the accounts and oversee crop rotations.” (my brother)
Narrowing his eyes, Elrond locked his gaze upon the younger twin. “I am glad you realize the importance of these duties, Elrohir. Perhaps I need to consider leaving you to aid your brother as I do know how much you enjoy keeping the accounts.”
Hearing laughter to his right, Elrond shared an amused grin with his Chief Counsellor. “Please, I beg you Elrond! Do not leave my poor, helpless accounts in both their hands. I will spend the next hundred years untangling them if you do!”
“That, Ada,” Seere suggested “or you will spend years wondering what became of the ‘missing’ ninety barrels of some such when only ten can be found!”
“Good point! The last time I left Elrohir to sign for a delivery, it took years to convince Thranduil’s accountant we had only received ten crates of wine not one hundred. I seem to recall it took Elrohir’s personal visit to Greenwood to correct the matter,” Erestor replied, a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips as he tried to keep a straight face.
Elladan nodded his head in mock seriousness. “Quite right, Erestor. I also seem to recall he returned with a mate… so I must wonder at the negotiation tactics he employed in resolving this matter. I hesitate to speculate as to what he offered in… trade to settle this account!”
A choking sound drew all eyes to Legolas as he began to laugh, despite the sip of wine he had just taken. Noting the bright red blush that colored Elrohir’s face, Glorfindel quipped, “It would seem you have stumbled onto a very interesting story, Elladan. One I suspect your twin has no intention of sharing with us! What about you, Legolas?” [A/N --- Elrohir may be reluctant to share the story of how two old friends fell in love, but I’m not! Their ‘trade negotiations’ will be the topic of one of several companion stories I am planning for the other couples in this fic.]
Elrohir shot Glorfindel a glare as he leaned over to thump Legolas on his back to halt his choking. The woodland elf continued to laugh even as his mate turned his glare in his direction. The blush on Elrohir’s face had not abated.
“Anything that makes either of my sons blush like that is probably one their innocent old adar does not need to hear!” Elrond smirked. “Suffice it to say, I am not having second thoughts about leaving Elrohir to handle the accounts!”
Celeborn had been enjoying the exchange in silence, a smile lighting his fair face. Unable to resist the opening Elrond had given him, he cocked his head to look at his friend. “Humm --- ‘innocent’ you say? I must be getting very old myself for my memories are becoming confused. I seem to be confusing you with another young peredhel that cut quite a swath across Lindon many millennia ago.”
Trading a wicked smile with Glorfindel and Erestor, he asked, “Do either of you recall the name of the elfling that ‘found’ a cask of mead that had been left by the door of the kitchens and talked his twin into rolling it to an empty store room for ‘safe keeping’? He had quite a fine singing voice… as we all discovered later that evening… in the middle of a formal state banquet honoring a visiting delegation. He favored us with a selection of bawdy drinking songs as I recall.”
Hearing his grandsons begin to laugh, he continued. “I believe he was the same elf that developed a crush on my wife and took to parading to and from the practice grounds in nothing but his boots and leggings laden with every imaginable weapon… loudly discussing his prowess as a warrior with whomever accompanied him on a given day. In particular, I recall he was often in the company of one with golden hair and two with black… one of which bore him a striking resemblance. Now, who was that elf?”
“Aye, I believe I remember him, as well. Is he not the one that the High King and an emissary of one of the smaller human settlements found rolling about on the ground… in the High King’s private garden no less, with said emissary’s daughter… in a state of some undress I believe. Was he also negotiating a ‘trade agreement’, mellon nin?” Glorfindel inquired, barely stifling a laugh at the sight of the deep blush coloring his friend’s face. (my friend)
“Ah, yes… I had forgotten about hearing the High King’s remarks on that bit of diplomacy! If memory serves, our elf had quite a knack for ‘negotiating’ such agreements. Visiting dignitaries eventually stopped bringing their daughters… or any comely female for that matter, with them on trips to the court at Lindon.” Celeborn rubbed his chin as if deep in thought before continuing. “Though these prior… ‘agreements’ kept him in good stead when he began to travel on the High King’s behalf. He was never lonely in many foreign courts for some years there after. His reputation as a… ‘diplomat’ proceeded him.”
“Indeed you are right, my Lord Celeborn. I recall accompanying him on one trip to the Bay of Belfalas. Our elf was seeking to expand his trade alliances with… the Prince’s niece I believe, when one of his old trade partners took exception thinking she had an exclusive pact…” Erestor began only to have his comments cut short.
“I am sure you are remembering Elros… or maybe Gildor, my lords. Now, about our upcoming mission…” Elrond suggested, attempting to change the topic.
Celeborn, enjoying himself too much to let the conversation be changed, interjected, “Nay… it was not either of those two. They were quite well-behaved in comparison to this elf. For example, neither of them would have dared invite a maiden to go swimming with them in the fountain of the main courtyard in the middle of the night and then try to hide from the guards when they came to investigate the sounds of splashing water and female… what was the term the captain of the guard used, Erestor… when explaining the commotion to the High King? “Squeals’ was in not? Yes, ‘the sound of female squeals in the palace courtyard’. I do believe that over half the palace guards were called out that night to investigate this disturbance before our ‘diplomat’ and his little friend were discovered. Ereinion was not amused at having his sleep thus interrupted, if I recall correctly.”
“Ai! Adar’ra please tell us more of this elf. I think I know him too. He always told his children he was above reproach in his conduct as a youth, especially when reprimanding them for some transgression on their part… though none involved diplomats’ daughters, bawdy singing at banquets, or late night swims in fountains! I am sure his sons would love to hear more!” Elladan managed to gasp before he and his twin collapsed against each other shaking with laughter.
A red-faced elf lord leaned over to whisper in the ear of his former father-in-law. “If it takes the last of my immortal life, I will pay you back in kind for this.”
Hearing the laughter around their table, Elrond sat back in his chair and fixed a menacing scowl on his face for one and all as he reached for the bottle of wine to refill his glass.
*****
Spring was his favorite time in the gardens of Imladris. After to the long cold winter, the abundance of their carefully tended beds always left him feeling renewed. The freesia, hyacinth, daffodils, and other flowers scented the air, while the glory of the fresh green of new leaves transformed the landscape. The austere beauty of the valley in winter had given way to the lush textures and shades of the new season.
Seeking to avoid the company of his family after the embarrassing revelations at dinner, Elrond slowly meandered through the small, private garden located below his bedroom balcony. He took in the details of this deeply personal haven as images and sounds of days long past drifted through his thoughts. This was a space that had always been accessible only to him and his family, intimately tied to their life together.
The garden bore the mark of Celebrian’s hand more clearly than any other space in the Last Homely House. She had devoted herself to its creation in the early years of their marriage. His bride had chosen all of the plants and other features. She had cared and tended it as both a hobby and a passion.
She had spent the morning before she left for Lorien weeding the rose bed on the fateful day of her attack. He had brought her here frequently over the next heartbreaking months as he struggled in vain to heal her wounds and sooth her brutalized spirit. Celebrian had spent her last night in Imladris… curled up on the divan he had carried down for her, hoping the peace of her garden would help her rest and give her the necessary strength for her journey.
Looking around, he felt the warm rush of other memories. The twins had been conceived in the shade of an ancient oak that sheltered the garden and the balcony from the harsh rays of the afternoon sun. All three of his children had taken their first steps on the soft, thick grass of the small lawn and had played in the safety of the walls that enclosed this haven.
/Celebrian insisted on the high walls to keep our rambunctious elflings from the lure of the river and falls. All the plants she chose were small and near the ground… even the trees. They begged a child to climb, to hide, and to explore. She spent many hours here when they were small… letting them run and shout to their heart’s content. Even millennia later, I do not come into this garden without remembering her sitting in a chair beside that oak, a piece of embroidery or a book in her lap, as she watched over our children with such tender care. How many hours did I spend reclining on a blanket at her feet watching them all… or sharing a picnic? Or what of the days I spent working at the table on the balcony… enjoying being close to my family and listening as I worked to the sounds of my home?/
/I have avoided coming here since my return for I feared the pain of these memories. I was wrong to do that. This place reminds me that there was much that was right about our time together. How can I think of our marriage as a failure, when I think of our children and the love we all shared in this garden?/
A faint noise drew his attention to the bottom of the stairs that led to the balcony. Seere stood silently waiting to see if he wanted her company. /She was right to encourage me to come here. She knew I needed to remember the joys this place holds for me… as much as I needed to face the pains./
Extending his hand in her direction, he waited for her to cross the distance that separated them and take his hand. A soft smile lit his face, as he bent his head to brush a gentle kiss to her lips. Tucking her hand into the crook of his arm, he resumed his walk… content for the moment with both his memories of the past and his dreams for the future.
“So, melme, tell me… what happened between the Prince’s niece and the your other… old friend?” (love)
*****
Author: Sorsha
Fandom/Pairing: Elrond/OFC, Glorfindel/Haldir, Elladan/OFC, Elrohir/Legolas, others implied
Rating:.NC-17 for future chapters
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 49 --- In the Springing of the Year
“Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.”
Robert Frost
*****
Erestor and Celeborn knocked on the door to Elrond’s study late in the afternoon. The three elf lords needed to discuss the final plans for the expedition that would leave Imladris in under six weeks to join the forces of their allies in Gondor. The past few weeks had proven contentious as every member of the ruling counsel and quite a few of the guardians had volunteered to accompany their force.
In an effort to end the lobbying for favor and arguments over merit, Elrond had finally declared the final selection would be made by him… no complaints, appeals, or displays of disappointment would then be tolerated. He had asked Erestor and Celeborn to meet with him to review the lists and offer recommendations. Elrond was tired of the matter and wanted it resolved immediately.
Hearing Elrond’s muffled response from within, Celeborn opened the door. A grin split his face at the sight before him… Elrond seated behind his desk with his head resting on its surface, pillowed on his folded arms. Seere stood behind him gently massaging the tense muscles of his neck and shoulders. A look of supreme contentment had replaced the scowl that had marred his handsome features after the council meeting earlier in the day. /Seere is good for him. He needs her calming influence and support./
Glancing to his right, he tried to gage the reaction Erestor was having to this sight. To his relief, a small grin was visible, both on his friend’s lips and in his eyes. /I was so worried, mellon nin, after Elrond told me of your breakdown in his chambers after the Winter Festival. The patient effort they have shown in giving you the time to grow to accept their match has been time well spent. I must admit, I have enjoyed the evenings we have spent with them in front of the fire talking and playing chess. We have all benefited from this opportunity, including those two. Their bond has grown deeper and their love richer./ (my friend)
“I do not believe I have seen you so mellow in recent weeks, mellon nin. Take care or you might well find you are completely in my daughter’s thrall… and with very little additional effort on her part,” Erestor smirked. (my friend)
Lifting his head slightly to make eye contact, Elrond responded in a lazy voice. “Too late comes your advice, Chief Counsellor. Her magic is complete and I am lost… not that I am complaining.”
“Birds will fly backwards and the waterfall will flow uphill before Elrond Peredhel succumbs to the thrall of a simple back rub, Ada. Well you know this,” Seere countered.
After leaning down to kiss Elrond’s cheek, she walked over to do likewise to the other two elves before leaving the room. “I will see you at the evening meal. Enjoy your planning… or plotting as the case may be. Do not let him get angry and undo my hard work unknotting his neck.”
“I cannot have a second back rub later this evening, melme?” Elrond purred, a flirtatious gleam sparkling in his eyes. (love)
“Nay --- you get only one per day, so you must make it last. It would not do to let you get spoiled,” was her parting comment as the door to the study closed behind her.
“Did she really just say ‘let you get spoiled’???” her father sputtered. Turning back to his friend, Erestor smirked. “It seems I need to have a long talk with my daughter for she has been misled about your nature!”
Elrond gave a lazy smile in response. “I suspect it will do no good to beg your indulgence in helping keep her unawares in this matter? …From your snort, I would guess not!”
Taking his seat, Celeborn studied the smiling elf before him. “She is good for you, mellon nin.” Celeborn observed, echoing his earlier thought. “I have seldom seen you so at peace as you are when she is near you.” (my friend)
“She is my other half, my soul mate. I have waited for millennia to find her and I finally begin to feel whole for the first time in my life.” Sighing, Elrond forced himself to sit upright and settle back in his chair so that he could begin the meeting.
“So, who among our volunteers do we select… or should I say who do we leave behind?” he began. “I understand why so many of our returned kin have volunteered, as they share my belief that we have a duty to perform in service of the Valar. Some have indicated they would stay and take the place of another guard, seeing this as what they were called to do. My first inclination is to first fill the roster with the returned elves, then complete our numbers as seems appropriate to the needs of the expedition and the continued security of Imladris. What say you, Erestor, to this approach?”
*****
It was easy to determine the elves selected for the expedition by the flow of conversation around the dining tables that evening. Erestor had posted the duty rosters two hours prior to the evening meal and off-duty guardians had quickly clustered around the board trying to see which names were listed. Knowing the Lord of the Valley was watching had curbed the display of disappointment on the part of those not chosen, but nothing dimmed the excitement of those whose names had been selected.
/I wonder if they realize how dangerous this mission will likely prove to be. Still, the promise of being part of the party that will seek to free those trapped in the Dead Marshes is something the eldar of Middle-earth have dreamed of for millennia. Tis no surprise they wish to have this opportunity… I share their hopes./
/Erestor is not happy that Seere is going, but we go in search of sites, many of which she alone has seen in her visions. We would be wondering about blindly without her… though I share Erestor’s disquiet in taking her away from the safety of Imladris. Neither of us would survive if she were lost. I could not argue with his demand to accompany the expedition, too. He is haunted by Laurea’s loss and needs to be there to help defend his daughter should the need arise. Let it please the Valar that no such need presents itself!/
Seeing the disgruntled expression on his eldest son’s face, Elrond asked “You do know why I have asked you to stay behind do you not, ion nin? With Erestor and me both going, I need you to stay and see to the security of our home. Both Legolas and Haldir are going, so I did not think it fair to ask your twin or Glorfindel to stay behind. You and your wife are but newly married, so I felt you would be the logical choice from among the council to stay and see to Imladris. And, though I hate to offer such a depressing reason on the eve of our march, you are my heir should something befall me and it is your duty to govern in my stead.”
“I understand, Ada. Understanding does not mean I have to be happy about being left behind,” Elladan replied, a grudging smile coming to his lips.
Elrohir was unable to resist rubbing salt in his brother’s wounds. “I do regret to leave you behind, Gwanur-nîn, especially in light of the fact you had thought to escape the yoke of administration upon Adar’s return! It will no doubt be a difficult pill for you to swallow, watching Ada ride out leading the expedition, while you are left to post the accounts and oversee crop rotations.” (my brother)
Narrowing his eyes, Elrond locked his gaze upon the younger twin. “I am glad you realize the importance of these duties, Elrohir. Perhaps I need to consider leaving you to aid your brother as I do know how much you enjoy keeping the accounts.”
Hearing laughter to his right, Elrond shared an amused grin with his Chief Counsellor. “Please, I beg you Elrond! Do not leave my poor, helpless accounts in both their hands. I will spend the next hundred years untangling them if you do!”
“That, Ada,” Seere suggested “or you will spend years wondering what became of the ‘missing’ ninety barrels of some such when only ten can be found!”
“Good point! The last time I left Elrohir to sign for a delivery, it took years to convince Thranduil’s accountant we had only received ten crates of wine not one hundred. I seem to recall it took Elrohir’s personal visit to Greenwood to correct the matter,” Erestor replied, a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips as he tried to keep a straight face.
Elladan nodded his head in mock seriousness. “Quite right, Erestor. I also seem to recall he returned with a mate… so I must wonder at the negotiation tactics he employed in resolving this matter. I hesitate to speculate as to what he offered in… trade to settle this account!”
A choking sound drew all eyes to Legolas as he began to laugh, despite the sip of wine he had just taken. Noting the bright red blush that colored Elrohir’s face, Glorfindel quipped, “It would seem you have stumbled onto a very interesting story, Elladan. One I suspect your twin has no intention of sharing with us! What about you, Legolas?” [A/N --- Elrohir may be reluctant to share the story of how two old friends fell in love, but I’m not! Their ‘trade negotiations’ will be the topic of one of several companion stories I am planning for the other couples in this fic.]
Elrohir shot Glorfindel a glare as he leaned over to thump Legolas on his back to halt his choking. The woodland elf continued to laugh even as his mate turned his glare in his direction. The blush on Elrohir’s face had not abated.
“Anything that makes either of my sons blush like that is probably one their innocent old adar does not need to hear!” Elrond smirked. “Suffice it to say, I am not having second thoughts about leaving Elrohir to handle the accounts!”
Celeborn had been enjoying the exchange in silence, a smile lighting his fair face. Unable to resist the opening Elrond had given him, he cocked his head to look at his friend. “Humm --- ‘innocent’ you say? I must be getting very old myself for my memories are becoming confused. I seem to be confusing you with another young peredhel that cut quite a swath across Lindon many millennia ago.”
Trading a wicked smile with Glorfindel and Erestor, he asked, “Do either of you recall the name of the elfling that ‘found’ a cask of mead that had been left by the door of the kitchens and talked his twin into rolling it to an empty store room for ‘safe keeping’? He had quite a fine singing voice… as we all discovered later that evening… in the middle of a formal state banquet honoring a visiting delegation. He favored us with a selection of bawdy drinking songs as I recall.”
Hearing his grandsons begin to laugh, he continued. “I believe he was the same elf that developed a crush on my wife and took to parading to and from the practice grounds in nothing but his boots and leggings laden with every imaginable weapon… loudly discussing his prowess as a warrior with whomever accompanied him on a given day. In particular, I recall he was often in the company of one with golden hair and two with black… one of which bore him a striking resemblance. Now, who was that elf?”
“Aye, I believe I remember him, as well. Is he not the one that the High King and an emissary of one of the smaller human settlements found rolling about on the ground… in the High King’s private garden no less, with said emissary’s daughter… in a state of some undress I believe. Was he also negotiating a ‘trade agreement’, mellon nin?” Glorfindel inquired, barely stifling a laugh at the sight of the deep blush coloring his friend’s face. (my friend)
“Ah, yes… I had forgotten about hearing the High King’s remarks on that bit of diplomacy! If memory serves, our elf had quite a knack for ‘negotiating’ such agreements. Visiting dignitaries eventually stopped bringing their daughters… or any comely female for that matter, with them on trips to the court at Lindon.” Celeborn rubbed his chin as if deep in thought before continuing. “Though these prior… ‘agreements’ kept him in good stead when he began to travel on the High King’s behalf. He was never lonely in many foreign courts for some years there after. His reputation as a… ‘diplomat’ proceeded him.”
“Indeed you are right, my Lord Celeborn. I recall accompanying him on one trip to the Bay of Belfalas. Our elf was seeking to expand his trade alliances with… the Prince’s niece I believe, when one of his old trade partners took exception thinking she had an exclusive pact…” Erestor began only to have his comments cut short.
“I am sure you are remembering Elros… or maybe Gildor, my lords. Now, about our upcoming mission…” Elrond suggested, attempting to change the topic.
Celeborn, enjoying himself too much to let the conversation be changed, interjected, “Nay… it was not either of those two. They were quite well-behaved in comparison to this elf. For example, neither of them would have dared invite a maiden to go swimming with them in the fountain of the main courtyard in the middle of the night and then try to hide from the guards when they came to investigate the sounds of splashing water and female… what was the term the captain of the guard used, Erestor… when explaining the commotion to the High King? “Squeals’ was in not? Yes, ‘the sound of female squeals in the palace courtyard’. I do believe that over half the palace guards were called out that night to investigate this disturbance before our ‘diplomat’ and his little friend were discovered. Ereinion was not amused at having his sleep thus interrupted, if I recall correctly.”
“Ai! Adar’ra please tell us more of this elf. I think I know him too. He always told his children he was above reproach in his conduct as a youth, especially when reprimanding them for some transgression on their part… though none involved diplomats’ daughters, bawdy singing at banquets, or late night swims in fountains! I am sure his sons would love to hear more!” Elladan managed to gasp before he and his twin collapsed against each other shaking with laughter.
A red-faced elf lord leaned over to whisper in the ear of his former father-in-law. “If it takes the last of my immortal life, I will pay you back in kind for this.”
Hearing the laughter around their table, Elrond sat back in his chair and fixed a menacing scowl on his face for one and all as he reached for the bottle of wine to refill his glass.
*****
Spring was his favorite time in the gardens of Imladris. After to the long cold winter, the abundance of their carefully tended beds always left him feeling renewed. The freesia, hyacinth, daffodils, and other flowers scented the air, while the glory of the fresh green of new leaves transformed the landscape. The austere beauty of the valley in winter had given way to the lush textures and shades of the new season.
Seeking to avoid the company of his family after the embarrassing revelations at dinner, Elrond slowly meandered through the small, private garden located below his bedroom balcony. He took in the details of this deeply personal haven as images and sounds of days long past drifted through his thoughts. This was a space that had always been accessible only to him and his family, intimately tied to their life together.
The garden bore the mark of Celebrian’s hand more clearly than any other space in the Last Homely House. She had devoted herself to its creation in the early years of their marriage. His bride had chosen all of the plants and other features. She had cared and tended it as both a hobby and a passion.
She had spent the morning before she left for Lorien weeding the rose bed on the fateful day of her attack. He had brought her here frequently over the next heartbreaking months as he struggled in vain to heal her wounds and sooth her brutalized spirit. Celebrian had spent her last night in Imladris… curled up on the divan he had carried down for her, hoping the peace of her garden would help her rest and give her the necessary strength for her journey.
Looking around, he felt the warm rush of other memories. The twins had been conceived in the shade of an ancient oak that sheltered the garden and the balcony from the harsh rays of the afternoon sun. All three of his children had taken their first steps on the soft, thick grass of the small lawn and had played in the safety of the walls that enclosed this haven.
/Celebrian insisted on the high walls to keep our rambunctious elflings from the lure of the river and falls. All the plants she chose were small and near the ground… even the trees. They begged a child to climb, to hide, and to explore. She spent many hours here when they were small… letting them run and shout to their heart’s content. Even millennia later, I do not come into this garden without remembering her sitting in a chair beside that oak, a piece of embroidery or a book in her lap, as she watched over our children with such tender care. How many hours did I spend reclining on a blanket at her feet watching them all… or sharing a picnic? Or what of the days I spent working at the table on the balcony… enjoying being close to my family and listening as I worked to the sounds of my home?/
/I have avoided coming here since my return for I feared the pain of these memories. I was wrong to do that. This place reminds me that there was much that was right about our time together. How can I think of our marriage as a failure, when I think of our children and the love we all shared in this garden?/
A faint noise drew his attention to the bottom of the stairs that led to the balcony. Seere stood silently waiting to see if he wanted her company. /She was right to encourage me to come here. She knew I needed to remember the joys this place holds for me… as much as I needed to face the pains./
Extending his hand in her direction, he waited for her to cross the distance that separated them and take his hand. A soft smile lit his face, as he bent his head to brush a gentle kiss to her lips. Tucking her hand into the crook of his arm, he resumed his walk… content for the moment with both his memories of the past and his dreams for the future.
“So, melme, tell me… what happened between the Prince’s niece and the your other… old friend?” (love)
*****