To Travel With Wings

The dew dripped in a slow pattern from the tips of the tree leaves, glimmering like rubies when the sun’s rays shone through them. The distinct plops they made as they landed on the surrounding grass were as a supplement to the fine Elf-lord who fairly skipped down the path.

Glorfindel knew that had the soldiers of Imladris seen him now, he would never hear the end of their ribald jokes. The mighty Balrog slayer had fallen in love. Sighing merrily, a little too merrilyhe jhe judged, Glorfindel paused in his ‘light pace’ as he deemed it, and observed the waving blossoms of the wild flowers growing amongst the thick trees.

Turning off the path, he carefully plucked a crimson flower that reminded him of the wavy locks of Silnar’s hair. Clustered beside it were flowers of cerulean, her eyes. Groaning Glorfindel dropped the flower he held and flopped onto the dew soaked grass, caring not that he soaked his fine clothes and looked decidedly un-lordly.

What had happened to the warrior of Gondolin? The fierce Slayer of Demons? The Golden Fighter who led forces in the Battle of Dagorlad to victory? Gone, gone far away by one diminutive lady who had the misfortune to be standing in a beautiful garden when he was feeling whimsical! Once again, life was being decidedly unfair to him.

Sighing, Glorfindel realized he should be accustomed to the twists and turns his long lives had taken. Sinking into damp grass, Glorfindel reclined with his head on his hands and thought about the beautiful nis who had stolen his fea.

There had always been an aura of such grief about the Lady of Lindon, even when she was filled with joy. He remembered well the first time that they had met for he had not been at his best….


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Rain poured down from the sky in torrents, drenching the landscape until it resembled a smeared painting. The paths had become thick with mud from the rain and created sucking noises as the thunderous hooves of the mod Eld Eldar struggled through what could have been quicksand.

In front, rode Glorfindel, his hair clinging in thick strands to his wet armor and naked neck. His helm was packed away, for there was nothing to fear so far into Erud Luin, but now he wished for it’s heavy weight if only to shield him from the bitter wind flung rain.

Next to him, Galdor rode, heedless of the torrential rains that were common in the Havens from whence he hailed. In fact, the Telerin elf was singing softly as they rode along, a song of rain and wind. Glorfindel sourly decided he did not like Telerin elves at all right now.

In the distance, amidst the murk and gloom of the stormy night, Forlindon rose above the trees and rocks, a stationary beacon to welcome home the weary soldiers. Of late they had been traveling farther and farther to search out news of Sauron and his forces. They had encountered a party of Orcs and, though none had passed to Mandos’ Halls, the Eldar warriors were weary.

Blessedly the rain began to lessen until it become but a drizzle and the wind grew bitter. Though Glorfindel was not bothered by the cold, he did not enjoy the dampness of his clothes and the heaviness of his saturated hair.

More then anything, Glorfindel wished to urge his horse away at a gallop and be at Lindon to bask in the warm glow of the fires and change from these wretched clothes. His duty to his soldiers, however, stayed his hand, and he sullenly guided his horse to a ground-eating trot.

It was in the late hours of the afternoon when the party finally arrived at Gil-galad’s home. Glorfindel took care of his mount, made sure his warriors were all accounted for, and then left with Galdor. He needed to report to Gil-galad and Elrond, and then find himself a nice, hot bath, unfortunately in that order.

The Noldor King was in his dining hall, sitting with Elrond and a young lady that Glorfindel had never seen before. was was startling beautiful with her crimson hair, hair that Glorfindel had not seen since last he beheld Maedhros. Elrond spoke to her in muted tones, but whatever he said made her smile and laugh, though her eyes were distinctly sad. Light from the fires brightened her somber eyes and Glorfindel felt entranced.

Suddenly shaking his head, Glorfindel cleared his mind. He knew that he had been long without companionship, but really! She was only a maiden; he had more control then this. Pushing away any amorous thoughts, Glorfindel strode forward, a smirking Galdor beside him.

“Mae govannen, Glorfindel! What news do you br”
”

Glorfindel bowed quickly and began his report. “My soldiers and I traveled east from here and over the mountains to Emyn Uial. There we joined several parties of Orcs in battle, but they were easily defeated. The Enemy grows ever more bold, Gil-galad. Some move must be made.”

“I will think on what you say, Glorfindel. For now, however, our lands remain safe. Come, sit you down and partake of some food with us. You have yet to meet the fair Lady of Lindon.”

Glorfindel bowed his head to the Lady and took a seat next to Elrond, filling his plate with the surrounding food. Galdor bowed to Gil-galad and handed him several missives from Cirdan.

“Sit you down as well, Galdor. Never let it be said Gil-galad did not offer hospitality.”

“A fine hospitality it is, my lord, but I must return to Cirdan. If you need reply to his missives, I am sure Glorfindel will be eagerly welcomed.”

The Elf in question shot Galdor a menacing glare, but his puffy cheeks stuffed with food belied the fierce look. Swallowing his food heavily, he forced a smiled.

“With pleasure I would return Gil-galad’s answer.” Glorfindel looked as if he wished to say more, but prudently held his tongue. They were not alone, and he did not wish to embarrass the Noldor King in front of his lady guest.

Eyes dancwithwith hidden mirth, Galdor bowed again and departed, eager to be away. Gil-galad set the missives aside and turned his attention once more to his guest.

“My Lady Silnar, before you is Glorfindel, a mighty Elf-lord and Balrog Slayer. He is normally more polite in the presence of genteel ladies, but I fear his journey has wearied and dulled his manners.”

Glorfindel looked up from his plate at the not so gentle rebuke and set down his utensils. Standing he bowed to the nis known as Silnar and said, “Forgive me, Lady Silnar, but I have just returned from a tiresome mission and am not myself.”

Silnar sent Gil-galad a reproving look herself and murmured, “Please, Lord Glorfindel, I do not require an apology. I am no genteel lady and have sat among many less mannered then you. I do find, however, that I will seek the comfort of my rooms and let you gentle Elf-lords discuss your business of war.”

Nodding to both Gil-galad and Glorfindel, Silnar rose to her feet. The three neri rose as well. Elrond looked to Gil-galad, who nodded slowly, a smile on his face.

“Lady Silnar, it would please me if I could escort you to your rooms.”

Silnar smiled softly at the eager Peredhil and nodded. “I should be delighted, Elrond.”

Glorfindel watched them walk away and felt a nagging suspicion in his mind. For some reason, after seeing Silnar’s graceful movements, he was reminded of someone else.

“Gil-galad, does she not remind you of someone? She is so familiar to me. Where, perchance, did you find her?”

“Elrond discovered her among the rocks of the sea on one of his sojourns. It was over by Himling, I believe. She was sleeping deeply and did not awaken until she was here in the palace. The girl claimed no memory of her past and Elrond named her Silnar. He has become fair enchanted with her, which warms my heart, for Elrond has need of happiness.”

Silently, Glorfindel agreed. The Peredhil had carried much grief in his heart. His family had been torn asunder and the poor ner had no one to call his own except his King. Although Glorfindel had lived to see many families destroyed so, his own included, it still wrenched his heart.

“Then mayhap our dearest friend shall find happiness in her and fill these halls with the laughter of elf-children.”


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But it had not happened, Glorfindel thought as he returned to the present. A meeting with Celeborn had torn away the dreams of Elrond and led them to the here and now where the malice was barely contained.

Glorfindel stood and pushed away the memories of the past. He had a need to see his beloved and ply her with sweet words. His heart had not felt so light since the beginning of his rebirth when he yet dwelt in Aman, before being sent back here. Smiling widely, the feared warrior made his way back home to seek out his heart.


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Silnar knew that he would come, eventually. Her long life had given her many insights on the hearts and minds of neri. He was not so unlike her Maedhros when it came to wooing.

Thinking of Maedhros, her heart trembled. What would her fiery haired lover think to see her so? He would be angry to see this warrior courting her. Maedhros had always been jealous of who she spent her time with, but he had not the heart to chain her and lock her away. So he had seethed in silence, but Silnar could always feel the fury, the covetousness, when they made love.

Sighing, Silnar savored the memories of her hot-blooded lover. He had been talented in the bedchamber, always inventing games to drive her insane. Despite the thoughts of others, their relationship had been more then just sex, though a great deal had been that. Maedhros and she had understood one another. He had no wish for a wife and she had no need for the protection of a husband.

And now there was Glorfindel. He inspired emotions in her that Maedhros had never tapped. There was attraction, Glorfindel was a handsome ner, but there was so much more, and the depth of feeling frightened Silnar so that she did not want to think of it. She had something else to do in this world and she knew that she could afford no distractions.

Yet he was so wonderful! Silnar’s face broke into a wide grin. Always, Glorfindel had been a distant friend and protector. He was the lighthearted Elf-lord who stood behind the brooding Elrond. The one who was quick to laugh and smile, but quick to defend in danger. Never had she felt for him as she did now.

What had changed? Peering through the windows in her chamber, Silnar watched the Elf-lord make his way inside, the sun glinting off his golden tresses. He was still formed the same, though conceivably with a few more cares and worries since the fall of Sauron and Gil-galad.

Perhaps it did not matter. Something had awakened in her heart and now Silnar was forced to contend with it, for so many reasons. That was what she would have to say to Glorfindel. He would understand; it was his way.

There was a loud knock on the door and Silnar opened them to reveal the object of her thoughts in the flesh. His smile was quick and becoming, lighting the blue of his eyes. She moved backwards to allow him entrance and he caught her hands, shutting the door with a foot.

Glorfindel spun her into his arms and danced her around the room. Her laughter was their music and he twirled and dipped her through the open doors that led to her balcony. There he stopped, watching her light face, feeling her heart beat against his. She was not tall for a lady of the Eldar, but she held her head high and he did not lean far to meet her upraised lips.

The kiss was as gentle as the one by the waterfall, filled with a promise of better days. Silnar forgot her worries, her reasons, and even Maedhros as she wrapped her arms around her shining Elf-lord and gave in to the kiss, deepening it until they were as one.

The clearing of a throat alerted them both to another presence. They ceased their kiss and turned their eyes to the stiff countenance of Elrond who stared at them with disapproval etched in his face.

“Forgive my untimely intrusion, but I have need of you Glorfindel. There is some business about the fields and the training of the soldiers we must discuss.”

Nodding, Glorfindel sweetly kissed Silnar’s cheek. Bidding them both a good day, Silnar watched Elrond walk away with a critical eye. His hair had been hastily braided it seemed and his clothes were rumbled beyond repair. It seemed his lordship, Elrond Peredhil, needed a wife.