A heart's miscommunication

Chapter four Receiving a new job.

Coirëhón sighed in relief when he saw Haldir walk into the large room, heading straight for the small and insignificant desk he had to work on, together with another low scribe. He was extremely pleased to see Haldir, so much so it showed on his face.

Haldir narrowed his eyes and cast one look around, coming to a swift conclusion. His newest friend was unhappy here and it wasn’t likely he would ever know happiness here. Last night had showed him much and he knew without a doubt this was not the environment suited for his friend. But what could he do about it, but to lighten the end of the day a little.
“Come, it’s time for me to show you the realm. Phin suggested the bahzaar. Would you like to see it?”

Coirëhón practically ran outside, happy to smell the air and feel the wind again. He was no elf for the indoors, he knew that much now, but what could be done about it?

He smiled at his companion and started asking questions about the bahzaar. From Haldir he learned it was a collection of many different shops, that displayed their goods outside, like a market, but also had more inside and most shops even had their workshop’s open; either to be glimpsed inside or to be fully visited.

Haldir noticed Mistalas enjoyed the walk there, most likely because he’s been cooped up inside the whole day. But most happiness Haldir got from watching his friend inside the bahzaar. The second they entered it surprise after surprise marred the bleak features.

Coirëhón looked at Haldir in amazement. “It’s open! I never expected it to be open. But what do they do when it rains?”
Haldir smiled and shrugged. “Cover it up a bit. The leafs provide enough shelter.” He took the time showing his companion every stand and he cocked his head in wonder when he noticed Mistalas’ extreme interest in the smithy.

Coirëhón kneeled and examined a dagger, so delicate he feared it might break upon touch. Other delicate weapons were displayed beside it, all between several ornaments and jewellery.
“Greetings, stranger. Does anything interest you?” Haldir stepped forward to intervene and the mere sight of the warden was enough to prevent the elf from finishing his sale talk.

Coirëhón looked up and smiled, first at Haldir and then at the other elf. “Forgive me my curiosity, but are these weapons?”
The elf kneeled as well and nodded. “Aye, and they’re strong too, though every warrior never thinks so. Even Haldir here thinks it nothing but toys. But in fact they are just as deadly as the ones he carries and uses, though lighter and easier to handle.”
Coirëhón smiled and his attention was drawn to one of the daggers in particular, which was surrounded by some very nice ornaments. “Is it hard to make these things? I mean, they look so delicate, do not many break and become useless before they’re finished?”
The other laughed warmly. “No, it is easier than it looks and also harder.”

He saw this confused the other and smiled before carefully explaining. “A normal smith works with large amounts of steel, but here we use small parts, adding more as we progress. A blacksmith forces the iron to bend as he wishes, but I create the shape of my goods from the material.”
“What do you use for material? I see gold, silver, even some mithril. But also gems, glass and stone.”
The elf smiled. “You’ve got a sharp eye, my friend. A good quality if you consider doing this. And aye, a lot of material is used. Where the blacksmith selects materials on hardness and endurance, my father selected the material on beauty. And I’ve learned to combine both and therefore use materials that are beautiful and combine them with stronger ones. Like that dagger you were looking at. Its basis is mithril.”

Coirëhón’s eyes widened and even Haldir knelt down to examine it closer. “But I don’t see any.”
“Aye, Warden, you don’t. The mithril, though perfectly beautiful on it’s own is not used to shine here, but to give the weapon strength and endurance. What good is a dagger when it breaks upon first use? The mithril carcass is carefully cocooned with a small layer of silver and gold. Both materials made to curl and be beautiful. Also some coloured glass was added. The mithril comes through it, making it shine and look like a priceless gem, but it is real easy and cheep to replace should one of them get lost or damaged through use. The hilt however is beautified with real gems.”

Coirëhón smiled. “It looks a lot like the one my father had. He always intended to give me it but it got lost and now I only have one gem to remember it by.” He pulled out his necklace and showed the gem dangling on it.
The smith looked at it in wonder. “That is very excellent work.” He narrowed his eyes and extended his hand. “May I?” Coirëhón nodded and removed his necklace before handing it over.

The smith examined it a while, his eyes warming as he did so. “Yes, I am positive now. This is the work of I Turtano. See this marking on the gem here; that’s his symbol. He created it and no one else used it since, a way of respecting him. And this holder, rough yet delicate, is his work too. The mixture of iron and gold is too much his style to be anyone else’s.”
Coirëhón grinned. “You are mistaken. My uncle made that necklace and the holder. He’s no smith of any sort. Just handy.”
The smith narrowed his eyes. “If you say so, but I do not eve eve you.”

He had to stand up and give his attention to others and Haldir took the opportunity to talk to his friend. “Well, that’s one affection you will never loose. He knows more about metal and metalworking than anyone alive. If he says it is from that famous elf, it is. Though famous is hardly the right word. He is famous only amongst the smiths.”
Coirëhón laughed. “Do you think we could see how he works? Or would you rather continue?”
Haldir was anxious to move on, but seeing the happiness this stand brought his friend he ignored his own discomfort and smirked. “Normally no one is allowed in, but I’ll bet you will be the exception to that rule. I’ll ask.” He walked towards the other, leaving Coirëhón alone to admire the work.

Within seconds Haldir and the smith returned and a gigantic smile adorned the second’s face. “You want to see me work, I hear. I’m honoured to show you around. Come, on your feet and inside.”

He led the way into his workspace and Coirëhón frowned when he found it spacious, light, warm and extremely cosy. /This is more comfortable than the library…/ He didn’t release he had spoken aloud.

Even though it had been a mere whisper Haldir had heard it and slowly a plan formed in the Warden’s mind. He stayed a little back, observing the other two as they made their way though the room, the smith warmly explaining everything and anything.
He noticed the growing affection on the smith’s side and had to restrain a smirk when, at the end of the tour, he offered Mistalas any object of his fancy. And though Mistalas objected so firmly even Haldir could hear his words, the smith soon had him talked into looking around.
Haldir smirked when the smith ran outside only to return swiftly with the dagger so previously admired in his hands.

He held him and smiled warmly. “Just a moment. A plan just crossed my mind and it would be the best thing for yoth. th. Could you not teach him how to do this? Take him as an apprentice. He currently is one at the library, but he’s not an elf for the indoors.”
The smith frowned and looked at the silent elf in obviousder and and concern. His mind was swiftly made up. “If he wishes it I will be his tutor.”

Haldir smiled and nodded. “Mistalas, a moment please.”
Coirëhón blushed and swiftly walked over. “Haldir, aiya, I am sorry. I completely forgot everything. You must desire to leave.”
Haldir shrugged. “You seem to like it here a lot. Is it not an idea to start working here instead of the library? You really aren’t an elf for the indoors, mellon nin.”
Coirëhón widened his eyes. “I could not change now. What would they think? The lord and lady…”
Haldir placed his hand on his shoulder. “Will understand and even rejoice in the change. I shall tell them if you wish, but I do think this is best.”
The smith stepped between them. “Never you mind this bull, stampeding ahead as always. You think about it, take your time, and when and if you wish to learn how to make this, you are more than welcome to do so. And even without such a reason you are always welcome here. Now take this. I know you love it and I wouldn’t want it with anyone else. Here, take it.”
Coirëhón had no choice but to take it and he smiled. “Thank you. That’s too kind. And I do wish to learn how to do this, but I can’t leave the library.”
smitsmith understood and nodded, though he had the distinct impression Haldir would arrange everything and he would have a very agreeable elf under his tutelage within a week.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Galadriel looked up when her door opened and frowned when she Celeborn enter in distress. “My love, what is it?”
Celeborn growled and sat down on the first chair he came across. “Here, read.”
Galadriel accepted the paper and saw it was a report from the library. She looked confused. “I it it normal to arrive after two moons?” Celeborn nodded, but remained silent, forcing her to read the paper. She gasped as she did so and looked aghast when done. “But this is horrible. How can we stop this? If Haldir…”

She stopped speaking when a knock sounded through her room. “Man nás?”
“Haldir. May I come in?”

Galadriel smiled and begged him to enter, approaching him as he did so. “What can I do for you?”
He smiled at her. “Nothing, but you can do something for Mistalas.”
Celeborn groaned. “Not you too.”
Haldir widened his eyes, but ignored it. “The library is no place for him to work. He’s no indoor elf. He needs to smell the air and feel the wind.”
Galadriel nodded. “But how can we help him?” She did not mention the contends of the letter. Knowing Haldir was looking after him was enough to hope for a better future.
Haldir smiled. “I know of a way. The smith at the bahzaar has already agreed to tutor him and Mistalas did want to do it and it would be better for him. He has an interest there that he does not have for the library.”

Galadriel smiled warmly at him and Celeborn jumped up and hugged him from behind. “Haldir, you have no idea how happy you just made me. Make it so, by all means: make it so.”
Galadriel smiled. “I shall go and tell him or do you wish to do so, Haldir?”
Haldir sighed. He could not deny the desire to do so, but he knew it would be better if Galadriel did. “I think he would only believe it coming from you, my lady. And I hope it will be abe an inconvenience, but I thought of making him dine with us, my brothers and I, on a regular basis. Maybe they can lure him out of his shell.”
Galadriel nodded. “Aye, that is a good plan. Do so. And maybe he will bring your brothers down. Their fighting somes mes does worry me.”
Haldir grinned. “You need not be. I’m not worried until they stop making a sound to each other, than it is time to worry. Not before.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He sighed as he watched the air above him colour darker and darker. It seemed to display his mood. Tears welled in his eyes as he remembered…
He wondered if he would eknowknow happiness here; if he would ever belong. His heart, indeed his very soul, still dwelled in Imladris.

He looked up when a shape hovered above him and he smiled at Lady Galadriel, his new lady. He stood up and smiled at her, turning swiftly to offer her a chair and hide his tears. “It is a pleasure, my lady. To what do I owe it?”
Galadriel smiled warmly. “Haldir told us you were offered a different job, at the smithy.”
He nodded, unsure why she had come all this way to it it affirmed. “Aye, I did.”
She looked at him, sadness and despair reaching back and her heart ached to help him, if only he would let them in. /What harm has befallen you, my friend?/ “Celeborn and I agree with Haldir; it would be a more suitable occupation for you. He’s right, you know, you are not one for the indoors. If you knew your weapons I’d even suggest the guards…”

She noticed his eyes mist over temporarily with memory and, even though she hated herself for it, took advantage of it to search him. What she saw made her wonder about him more.
“Haldir will make sure you arrive there on time. I am sure he will be a good tutor. If not, let me know and I’ll see what I can do.” She hurried out; the need to talk to her husband was too great.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The elf scampered about his working place, tidying it up for the morn, when a knock sounded on his door. He swiftly went to answer it and frowned when a guardian pressed a note into his hands. He would have inquired about its origin and purpose, but the elf was gone faster than his mouth could form the words. Shrugging he opened the message, smiling when his eyes consumed the words. /Well, Haldir, you did it. I don’t know, bw, but you did it./

He looked forward to the morn with heightened enthusiasm. To think he could teach a relative of the great Turtano, and such a chng kng kind elf too. /But I really must find a painting of him. No doubt it is his uncle./

He was determined to make the other feel more than welcome and protect him; from what Haldir had shown the elf needed protection. In his mind and heart the smith had already adopted Mistalas as his own child. He would make sure everyone knew they’d be in his water when dealing with the new elf; if any would upset or misuse him that elf was ensured of the smith’s wrath. Thoughts, images, of what that misuse could be made him angry.
/I need to release my anger, lest I still have it in the morn. And that we can do without./

Without further ado he hastily went to the blacksmith, in order to release it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elrond smiled warmly when he sensed his father-in-law within his mind. eboreborn, man nás?`
`Am I disturbing you badly? Or can I claim you for a while? I fear it might take some time.`
Elrond sighed and sat down, preparing himself for a long mental talk. `Of course. Is there any trouble with Coirëhón?` If he could see Celeborn’s frown his alarms would have instantly been triggered, but now the distance kept that at bay.
`Coirëhón? Nan man ma.. man nás?` Celeborn sighed relieved. Erestor had told him not to let anyone know he was told and there he had almost given it away.

Now Elrond did gasp and wonder what possible harm could have befallen the other. `What? Didn’t he arrive? He left Imladris a while ago. He’s a warrior, so he should have been able to make it to your realm, but if he didn’t get there….`
Celeborn instantly released some comfort and soothing into Elrond’s upset spirit, making Imladris’ ruler calm down. `I shall send some trackers to find him, or information of what might have happened. Don’t worry: we will find him.`

It was silent for a while as Celeborn allowed Elrond to calm himself down and strengthen himself a bit. `So you contacted me because…`
Invisible to Elrond Celeborn smiled at the words. `Because we have a troubled elf on our hands and we need more information if we are to help him.`
`Than why contact me? If you are in no need of my healing skills…`
`We’re not. But you might be able to inform us, or find out for us. Either he is from your realm or he passed through it not long ago. Either way, there’s bound to be something you might find. And anything is useful to us. He’s so silent, Elrond. And Galadriel can’t see inside him.`
This made Elrond fear for the unknown elf. `Give me his name and shall place Erestor on it at once. If anyone can find the needed information it is him.`
Celeborn agreed, already seeing Erestor’s hot face should the advisor hear this praise. `His name is Mistalas. He’s no warrior. He is very fair of face, dark haired and his eyes are dark coloured but I haven’t been able to establish their colour.`
`Well, there’s never been such an elf residing here, but he may have travelled through. I will ask Erestor to enquire.`

Celeborn thanked him and was about to break the connection when he suddenly recalled he knew not Coirëhón’s appearance. `Tell me, Elrond, what does our missing elf look like? It will make it easier on my men to find him.` /Elladan apparently needs him. We need to find him!/
Elrond nodded and smiled when he saw the image before him. He mentally send Celeborn the image for he could not transform the image into words without giving himself away. `Please find him.`
Celeborn promised to do his best and severed the link.

In both realms an elf walked in at that moment. Erestor to check on his lord, only to be informed of the latest information, and Galadriel with Celeborn, to find her own comfort and peace.

Erestor yelped softly when Elrond unrepentantly swayed on his feet and hurried to steady him. The look on his face told him someone was talking to him again.

`Elrond, forgive me for talking to you again, but Galadriel just told me something disturbing. For a very brief period she managed to look inside our ailing elf. A fragment of his memory. He was surrounded by Imladrian soldiers. And from what she could tell it was the practise area.`
Elrond smiled and hastily repeated the information out-loud for Erestor. `That narrows our search down. Maybe he has a kinsman here. Erestor will find out. Contact me when there’s information. On either elf!` /Elbereth, look after Coirëhón./
Celeborn promised and broke contact again, swaying himself.

He smiled gratefully at his wife, who gently supported him on his way to the chair. He should not have made contact while still standing up, but his haste had forbade him to wait even a seco

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Translations:
I turtano means : the master smith
Man nás means : what is it? (or: who is it?)
Nan man nás means : But who is that

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
end chapter 04
TBC