The Music in My Heart
folder
-Multi-Age › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
75
Views:
7,280
Reviews:
108
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
-Multi-Age › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
75
Views:
7,280
Reviews:
108
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter 5 An Even Longer Evening
Title: The Music in My Heart*, Chapter 5
Author: Sorsha
Fandom/Pairing: Elrond/OFC, Glorfindel/Haldir, Elladan/OFC, Elrohir/Legolas, others implied
Rating: NC-17 for later chapters
Warning: AU --- Story set 770 years after ROTK; Some slash but, mostly het
Feedback: This is my first fanfic, so constructive feedback appreciated.
Archive:
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 5 --- An Even Longer Evening
“To become a father is not difficult, but to be a father is.”
Unknown
*****
Curled up in her favorite chair by the fireplace in her father’s study, Seere’s mind drifted back over the events of the day. After her dramatic announcement, silence had overtaken the room as each grappled with the import of her words. Confusion, anger, and unease were clearly visible on the faces of the room’s occupants as the realization she had seen a vision of the attack filtered through the room.
Before anyone could comment or question her, the two quick blasts of an elven horn rang through the room --- the horn used to inform the Last Homely House that visitors had arrived at the front gate. A second sounding of the horn, two long and one short, warned more wounded were on their way to the Healing House.
The twins immediately rushed from the room and headed to the entrance of the house to find out what was happening. After determining Seere was only shaken, her father and Celeborn moved to follow. Pausing at the door, Erestor turned back to look at his daughter to assure himself she was all right. A brief smile and a nod from Seere sent him on his way to see to his duties.
Assuring Azeriel and Órecalo that she was fine, Seere rose to assist the two healers in the final treatment of the two humans and went to fetch the strengthening tea. They would need to move them to beds in dormitory of the Healing House to free the space for the treatment of the next batch of wounded. All three sighed as they settled themselves for a long day.
*****
Staring into the fire, the weary elleth conceded it could have been a far longer day had the patients that had arrived soon after been seriously wounded. Prince Legolas and his party had arrived. Among their number were two that had been wounded the day before in a skirmish with a small band of outlaws, likely human descendents of Sauron’s army. Neither elf’s wounds were life-threatening.
/I do not recall a time in recent years when we have had as many patients in the Healing House as we do now and never have we had to deal with wounded from three attacks in so short a time./ Reaching for a glass of wine sitting on the table to her right, she took a sip, her mind worrying about what it all meant.
/They grow bolder with each attack. Elladan is correct --- we must urge those outside the safety of one of the fortified cities to take shelter where they may find it. The enemy is already striking at the edges of even the larger settlements. Unless they can fortify themselves, they must find sanctuary. I cannot bare the thought of seeing more die, especially the children./
/Adar will be here shortly and I know he will want to discuss what happened in the Healing House this morning, which will lead to my other dreams and visions. I had hoped to talk to Celeborn first for advice before I had to talk to Ada, but… I cannot hold off any longer. Events are moving too fast for any delay./ “SIGH!” Caught up in her thoughts, she did not hear the door to the study open and Celeborn enter.
*****
Realizing she had not yet noticed his arrival, Celeborn took the time to study his young friend. Seere and her father had become very dear to the ‘Lorien Lord over the past centuries; they were his family. Knowing her as he did, he had no trouble seeing the lines of fatigue and stress etched on her face. /She looks so tired and the burden of her gift is wearing on her. Well, I know that look --- my Galadriel has borne that look so often in our many millennia together. Hopefully, my time at her side will now benefit Seere./
“You seem deep in thought, pen vuil. What troubles you so?”
Startled from her thoughts, Seere looked up into Celeborn’s face, her hand over her racing heart. “Ai! I did not hear you!”
“I am sorry. You did seem engrossed. Care to tell me what this is all about?” He hesitated of a second before adding, “I have seen that look many times over many millennia on the face of my beloved Galadriel. Your gift is deepening and the images haunt your eyes. Tell me what you have seen and we will try to make sense of them.”
“Adar will...”
“Your adar will be delayed for a short while as he sees to the families of our wounded from last night. They arrived a little while ago without any provisions or fresh clothes. They are lucky to be alive from what they told us.” Celeborn replied in a soothing tone.
“I did not hear the horn. Am I needed in the Healing House?” she began, rising go help her father as she could.
A gentle hand settled on her shoulder and urged her back into her chair. “Nay. They have it well in hand. You have earned a respite this time.” Moving over to pour himself a glass of wine, Celeborn noticed her nearly empty glass. “Would you like another?”
Hesitating for a moment to consider, Seere picked up her glass and extended it to be refilled. After taking s sip, she let her head fall back against chair’s headrest. /It seems I have my opportunity to talk to Celeborn after all. Why did it have to be through the arrival of yet more suffering people?/
Celeborn pulled a second wing chair from in front of the desk to join her by the fire. Settled with his glass of wine, he quietly watched the play of strong emotions flitter across her expressive face. /It is hard to believe that she is no longer our little elfling, always underfoot asking endless questions. She grew up so fast! Seeing her makes me miss my Celebrian. It has been too long since I last saw her./
/From what I gleam from Galadriel’s farspeak, it has not gone well for her and Elrond even in Aman. I had so hoped… They were both broken so badly….It seems my initial reservations about their marriage have proven right, though I wish I had been wrong. I love Elrond as a son and I grieve for my children’s pain./
*And now this one suffers before me, Galadriel. I feel my age, Melamin. What do I say to help her?* Celeborn whispered into his wife’s mind. (my love)
The cherished voice of his beloved caressed his mind, calming his heart and lifting his spirit. *Let her talk as much as she will. I do not know what she has seen, but it scares her. She has also seen something that gave her tremendous comfort, so all is not lost, Mellhîr. Be warned she has dreams unrelated to this matter that she will not willingly share at this time. Be patient. I sense she has much to tell you.* (lordly lover)
A soft voice broke the quite of the study. “I see bands of yrch, uruk hai, and the corrupted humans fighting together. They are united and, contrary to popular belief, they are working together. I have seen several attacks, but I think they have already taken place before I saw them. They are connected, but I do not yet see how,” she began, her voice low and wavering.
Taking a deep breath, she seemed to be looking into a distant place. “In my dreams, I see a room with many dark ones gathered. There is one that seems to lead them, but I do not know his name. I see the Hordes spill forth attacking and killing as they can. The dreams are silent except for the screams of their victims.”
Looking up to meet Celeborn’s eyes, she continued. “I see maps before me with the settlements of the free peoples marked, but another map also with sites marked that mean nothing to me. I see a smooth grey stone that emits an eerie green light. And I have seen….” A sob chocked off her voice.
Enthralled by her whispered words, Celeborn found himself sitting forward in his chair, his hands clawing the arms in a tight grip. “What did you see, pen vuil?”
“I saw my naneth,” came the broken reply.
*****
Rocked back by her answer, Celeborn took a deep breath. Taking a drink of his wine, he considered how best to ask his next question. /I must ask this with care or risk hurting her. I cannot ask if she was alive or dead…. Maybe asking for a description would answer my question without the need to ask directly./ “Describe what you saw, Seere.”
Blinking through her tears, her eyes seemed to peer straight through her companion. “I saw her face, her eyes wide with shock. Her hair seemed to float about her in a green mist in an eerie light. I could see nothing but her face and could not tell if she was alive, but I sensed anger, hurt, and fear. I do not know if I was sensing her feelings or my own.”
At a loss of what to ask next, he began, “We must tell your father. He has the right to know…”
“Know what? I can not tell him her fate, nor where she is! This will only open his heart to new grief! Nay, Celeborn, we cannot tell him! I cannot do that to Ada!”
“Do what to me?”
*****
Both Seere and Celeborn looked over at the doorway in surprise at Erestor’s sudden appearance. They had been so focused on their conversation they had not heard the door open or his entry.
Looking from his daughter to his friend, Erestor frowned and repeated, “Do what to me?”
“Seere, you need to tell him. I know it may well cause him pain, but he has the right to know. I respect your desire to protect your Adar, but we need his insight if we are to try to understand your dreams. It will be all right; your family will be here for both of you.”
Celeborn’s gentle prodding made her look up, up into her father’s worried eyes. Seeing them, she knew the choice had already been made by his arrival. He had heard too much to keep the full truth from him. Haltingly, she repeated her story for her father. Her heart broke as his face lost all color as she described once again her vision of Laurea. Jumping up, she ran to him and threw her arms around him wanting to give him comfort.
How long they stood there, bound in grief, neither knew. A loving hand came to rest on each shoulder and guided them to the two chairs. Once they were seated, Celeborn drew up another chair to Erestor’s left side. He then poured a glass of wine for his friend and gently encouraged him to drink it. Only then did awareness return.
*****
For long minutes, he stared into the fire waiting for the pain to subside. His lips moved silently, but they clearly formed only one word, a name --- Laurea. He could hear his daughter crying next to him and felt her grief, her guilt, her love. He could feel Celeborn’s quiet support surrounding him. As they had for many centuries, these two helped ease his pain and gave him a reason to continue. His child needed him and he was not alone.
Bracing himself against his renewed grief, he offered, “I will be alright, pen vuil. Celeborn was right; I did need to know. We will make sense of this given time. Your visions are never without purpose. Maybe we even have reason to hope we may find our answers at long last.”
Getting up from his chair, Erestor moved over to his daughter’s chair and knelt down beside her. Taking her hands in his, he gave them a squeeze before pulling her into a hug. The two clung to each other for several minutes until they had calmed. “I hate to put you through any more tonight, but I need to ask you several questions to clarify points of your visions in my mind. Can you do this?” He pushed her hair back from her face and cupped her chin. “Well, pen vuil?”
Giving her father a shaky smile, she nodded her head. He moved back to his chair and found Celeborn waiting with another glass of wine. Smiling he took it and seated himself facing Seere. After taking a sip, he began, “Do you think you could mark the locations on the maps you saw them studying? Both sets would be useful, if you recall that detail.”
“Yes, Ada. I have a clear memory of the maps. Some were partly covered or were obscured by someone, but the rest… yes I can recall those.”
“Excellent. Now, have you had visions of attacks before they happen?
“I do not know as we only have details on the attacks near Imladris. I have had some that may have been in Gondor or Rohan; I cannot identify a specific location. Two of my recent visions were after I had contact with someone that was there as I did this morning. Those were empathy rather than foresight. The others…. They are of fighting… a battle, but I can not tell when or where they take place,” she answered.
“Do you think you might be able to describe the surrounding landscape and the people you see? There may be someone here that will recognize your description and allow us to warn them of the attack. It would help to have some idea of possible attacks to make the best use of our patrols,” Erestor proposed.
“Of course, but I have the impression they were more than attacks. They seemed large and widespread, like a battle. Large armies were assembled on both sides,” the elleth offered, but was puzzled by the look shared by Celeborn and her father.
“Talking seems to clarify the details. We should do this again in the morning. Now, I know you must be tired. Go to bed and we will talk more tomorrow,” her father urged.
Celeborn inserted, “I have one more question, if I may. By chance, can you describe the man you think is their leader?”
“Oh, yes, I can. I should have said that to begin with but I was… Well, in any case, I think he is not a man, but an elf…” she began.
“An elf?!” exclaimed both Erestor and Celeborn in unison. Sharing a look, Celeborn asked, “Why do you say you ‘think’ he is an elf?”
“His ears… I saw his ears. But I have only heard of one other elf like him, my great grandfather, Cirdan. You see he has a beard.” Seeing the shocked looks on their faces she stopped and asked, “What? What does that tell you?”
Breathing hard, Erestor closed his eyes and asked, “What color is his hair?”
“Red, a very bright red and he has vivid green eyes. Do you know who he is?” she exclaimed in excitement.
“Were the images of your mother in any way tied to him?” Erestor forced out.
“I do not know for sure, but I believe so. Why?” Seere began to grow worried at the look on her father’s face. /I have never seen his so angry!/ “Do you know this elf?”
A long, heavy silence filled the room broken only by the crackle of the fire and Erestor’s heavy breathing.
Looking to Celeborn for some clue to this reaction, she was shocked to see the same angry look on his face. “Celeborn? Who is he?”
“Your uncle, Seere. Your uncle.”
*****
She was not sure what answer she should have expected to her question, but this was more assuredly the last one she expected to receive. /Uncle? I do not have an uncle! Why was I never told of him? Why do they hate him so? Does Ada think he might know something of Nana’s disappearance?/ “Uncle? I know of no uncle? Who is he and why have I never been told of him?”
“That is a very long story, 'Iel nin. One better saved for another day when I have the wits to tell you about him. The brief answer is he is your nana’s twin, the younger of the pair. He and you mother had an argument many years ago and did not speak after that. We have not heard from him since before your naneth and I were married. Your grandfather was also estranged from him in the last years before he sailed to Aman. I am sorry, but that is all the answer I can give tonight.” Sighing, he ran a weary hand through his long black hair.
Erestor turned to Celeborn and concluded, “Well, at least we have a likely name to assign to the enemy, though there is no comfort in the name.”
“Aye. But, we finally have a starting place to uncover the reasons for these attacks and, maybe, the Valar willing, a path to Laurea. I hesitate on the latter as I do not want to raise false hope in your hearts.” Seeing the sad smile, he finished with, “This has been a very eventful day. May I suggest we call a counsel of the Imladris and Greenwood delegations to discuss this information tomorrow? As your father pointed out, Seere, talking does seem to help you recall detail.” Seeing two heads nod their agreement, he began, “I think we all need a night’s rest to-” but was interrupted by Seere.
“I have not told you the good news yet. I was so devastated by the vision of… and I was confused…. Well, in any case I have some wonderful news to share; at least I felt it wonderful.” She stopped as she saw the confused looks on the two elves faces.
Ruefully shaking her head, Seere smiled. “Let me try this again. When I woke this morning, I was distraught from my dreams as you would imagine. I was dressing for the day when a waking vision came to me. It was Elbereth! The lady herself came to me! She bid me to not give up hope, that the Valar had seen our plight and would answer the cry of Middle Earth.”
“A great company is being assembled in Aman of elves willing to return to aid our cause. The Lady said that with their return we will find the answers we seek.” Seeing their amazed expressions, she smiled with true happiness for the first time in a long time.
“Celeborn, you will be pleased to hear that three Lorien elves you hold dear will be a part of this company.” Seere added.
A gasp, “My sons? My sons are returning?”
“Aye, all three! And Ada, an old friend of you both… Glorfindel is coming.”
“But, how is that possible? He is sworn to serve Elrond and would not leave him.” Erestor cried, a small smile beginning to show.
“Did I fail to mention who else is coming and will lead our kin in this quest? We must make plans and make ready. Elrond… the Lord of Imladris is coming home!!!”
*****
A/N: * * denotes farspeak.
Author: Sorsha
Fandom/Pairing: Elrond/OFC, Glorfindel/Haldir, Elladan/OFC, Elrohir/Legolas, others implied
Rating: NC-17 for later chapters
Warning: AU --- Story set 770 years after ROTK; Some slash but, mostly het
Feedback: This is my first fanfic, so constructive feedback appreciated.
Archive:
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 5 --- An Even Longer Evening
“To become a father is not difficult, but to be a father is.”
Unknown
*****
Curled up in her favorite chair by the fireplace in her father’s study, Seere’s mind drifted back over the events of the day. After her dramatic announcement, silence had overtaken the room as each grappled with the import of her words. Confusion, anger, and unease were clearly visible on the faces of the room’s occupants as the realization she had seen a vision of the attack filtered through the room.
Before anyone could comment or question her, the two quick blasts of an elven horn rang through the room --- the horn used to inform the Last Homely House that visitors had arrived at the front gate. A second sounding of the horn, two long and one short, warned more wounded were on their way to the Healing House.
The twins immediately rushed from the room and headed to the entrance of the house to find out what was happening. After determining Seere was only shaken, her father and Celeborn moved to follow. Pausing at the door, Erestor turned back to look at his daughter to assure himself she was all right. A brief smile and a nod from Seere sent him on his way to see to his duties.
Assuring Azeriel and Órecalo that she was fine, Seere rose to assist the two healers in the final treatment of the two humans and went to fetch the strengthening tea. They would need to move them to beds in dormitory of the Healing House to free the space for the treatment of the next batch of wounded. All three sighed as they settled themselves for a long day.
*****
Staring into the fire, the weary elleth conceded it could have been a far longer day had the patients that had arrived soon after been seriously wounded. Prince Legolas and his party had arrived. Among their number were two that had been wounded the day before in a skirmish with a small band of outlaws, likely human descendents of Sauron’s army. Neither elf’s wounds were life-threatening.
/I do not recall a time in recent years when we have had as many patients in the Healing House as we do now and never have we had to deal with wounded from three attacks in so short a time./ Reaching for a glass of wine sitting on the table to her right, she took a sip, her mind worrying about what it all meant.
/They grow bolder with each attack. Elladan is correct --- we must urge those outside the safety of one of the fortified cities to take shelter where they may find it. The enemy is already striking at the edges of even the larger settlements. Unless they can fortify themselves, they must find sanctuary. I cannot bare the thought of seeing more die, especially the children./
/Adar will be here shortly and I know he will want to discuss what happened in the Healing House this morning, which will lead to my other dreams and visions. I had hoped to talk to Celeborn first for advice before I had to talk to Ada, but… I cannot hold off any longer. Events are moving too fast for any delay./ “SIGH!” Caught up in her thoughts, she did not hear the door to the study open and Celeborn enter.
*****
Realizing she had not yet noticed his arrival, Celeborn took the time to study his young friend. Seere and her father had become very dear to the ‘Lorien Lord over the past centuries; they were his family. Knowing her as he did, he had no trouble seeing the lines of fatigue and stress etched on her face. /She looks so tired and the burden of her gift is wearing on her. Well, I know that look --- my Galadriel has borne that look so often in our many millennia together. Hopefully, my time at her side will now benefit Seere./
“You seem deep in thought, pen vuil. What troubles you so?”
Startled from her thoughts, Seere looked up into Celeborn’s face, her hand over her racing heart. “Ai! I did not hear you!”
“I am sorry. You did seem engrossed. Care to tell me what this is all about?” He hesitated of a second before adding, “I have seen that look many times over many millennia on the face of my beloved Galadriel. Your gift is deepening and the images haunt your eyes. Tell me what you have seen and we will try to make sense of them.”
“Adar will...”
“Your adar will be delayed for a short while as he sees to the families of our wounded from last night. They arrived a little while ago without any provisions or fresh clothes. They are lucky to be alive from what they told us.” Celeborn replied in a soothing tone.
“I did not hear the horn. Am I needed in the Healing House?” she began, rising go help her father as she could.
A gentle hand settled on her shoulder and urged her back into her chair. “Nay. They have it well in hand. You have earned a respite this time.” Moving over to pour himself a glass of wine, Celeborn noticed her nearly empty glass. “Would you like another?”
Hesitating for a moment to consider, Seere picked up her glass and extended it to be refilled. After taking s sip, she let her head fall back against chair’s headrest. /It seems I have my opportunity to talk to Celeborn after all. Why did it have to be through the arrival of yet more suffering people?/
Celeborn pulled a second wing chair from in front of the desk to join her by the fire. Settled with his glass of wine, he quietly watched the play of strong emotions flitter across her expressive face. /It is hard to believe that she is no longer our little elfling, always underfoot asking endless questions. She grew up so fast! Seeing her makes me miss my Celebrian. It has been too long since I last saw her./
/From what I gleam from Galadriel’s farspeak, it has not gone well for her and Elrond even in Aman. I had so hoped… They were both broken so badly….It seems my initial reservations about their marriage have proven right, though I wish I had been wrong. I love Elrond as a son and I grieve for my children’s pain./
*And now this one suffers before me, Galadriel. I feel my age, Melamin. What do I say to help her?* Celeborn whispered into his wife’s mind. (my love)
The cherished voice of his beloved caressed his mind, calming his heart and lifting his spirit. *Let her talk as much as she will. I do not know what she has seen, but it scares her. She has also seen something that gave her tremendous comfort, so all is not lost, Mellhîr. Be warned she has dreams unrelated to this matter that she will not willingly share at this time. Be patient. I sense she has much to tell you.* (lordly lover)
A soft voice broke the quite of the study. “I see bands of yrch, uruk hai, and the corrupted humans fighting together. They are united and, contrary to popular belief, they are working together. I have seen several attacks, but I think they have already taken place before I saw them. They are connected, but I do not yet see how,” she began, her voice low and wavering.
Taking a deep breath, she seemed to be looking into a distant place. “In my dreams, I see a room with many dark ones gathered. There is one that seems to lead them, but I do not know his name. I see the Hordes spill forth attacking and killing as they can. The dreams are silent except for the screams of their victims.”
Looking up to meet Celeborn’s eyes, she continued. “I see maps before me with the settlements of the free peoples marked, but another map also with sites marked that mean nothing to me. I see a smooth grey stone that emits an eerie green light. And I have seen….” A sob chocked off her voice.
Enthralled by her whispered words, Celeborn found himself sitting forward in his chair, his hands clawing the arms in a tight grip. “What did you see, pen vuil?”
“I saw my naneth,” came the broken reply.
*****
Rocked back by her answer, Celeborn took a deep breath. Taking a drink of his wine, he considered how best to ask his next question. /I must ask this with care or risk hurting her. I cannot ask if she was alive or dead…. Maybe asking for a description would answer my question without the need to ask directly./ “Describe what you saw, Seere.”
Blinking through her tears, her eyes seemed to peer straight through her companion. “I saw her face, her eyes wide with shock. Her hair seemed to float about her in a green mist in an eerie light. I could see nothing but her face and could not tell if she was alive, but I sensed anger, hurt, and fear. I do not know if I was sensing her feelings or my own.”
At a loss of what to ask next, he began, “We must tell your father. He has the right to know…”
“Know what? I can not tell him her fate, nor where she is! This will only open his heart to new grief! Nay, Celeborn, we cannot tell him! I cannot do that to Ada!”
“Do what to me?”
*****
Both Seere and Celeborn looked over at the doorway in surprise at Erestor’s sudden appearance. They had been so focused on their conversation they had not heard the door open or his entry.
Looking from his daughter to his friend, Erestor frowned and repeated, “Do what to me?”
“Seere, you need to tell him. I know it may well cause him pain, but he has the right to know. I respect your desire to protect your Adar, but we need his insight if we are to try to understand your dreams. It will be all right; your family will be here for both of you.”
Celeborn’s gentle prodding made her look up, up into her father’s worried eyes. Seeing them, she knew the choice had already been made by his arrival. He had heard too much to keep the full truth from him. Haltingly, she repeated her story for her father. Her heart broke as his face lost all color as she described once again her vision of Laurea. Jumping up, she ran to him and threw her arms around him wanting to give him comfort.
How long they stood there, bound in grief, neither knew. A loving hand came to rest on each shoulder and guided them to the two chairs. Once they were seated, Celeborn drew up another chair to Erestor’s left side. He then poured a glass of wine for his friend and gently encouraged him to drink it. Only then did awareness return.
*****
For long minutes, he stared into the fire waiting for the pain to subside. His lips moved silently, but they clearly formed only one word, a name --- Laurea. He could hear his daughter crying next to him and felt her grief, her guilt, her love. He could feel Celeborn’s quiet support surrounding him. As they had for many centuries, these two helped ease his pain and gave him a reason to continue. His child needed him and he was not alone.
Bracing himself against his renewed grief, he offered, “I will be alright, pen vuil. Celeborn was right; I did need to know. We will make sense of this given time. Your visions are never without purpose. Maybe we even have reason to hope we may find our answers at long last.”
Getting up from his chair, Erestor moved over to his daughter’s chair and knelt down beside her. Taking her hands in his, he gave them a squeeze before pulling her into a hug. The two clung to each other for several minutes until they had calmed. “I hate to put you through any more tonight, but I need to ask you several questions to clarify points of your visions in my mind. Can you do this?” He pushed her hair back from her face and cupped her chin. “Well, pen vuil?”
Giving her father a shaky smile, she nodded her head. He moved back to his chair and found Celeborn waiting with another glass of wine. Smiling he took it and seated himself facing Seere. After taking a sip, he began, “Do you think you could mark the locations on the maps you saw them studying? Both sets would be useful, if you recall that detail.”
“Yes, Ada. I have a clear memory of the maps. Some were partly covered or were obscured by someone, but the rest… yes I can recall those.”
“Excellent. Now, have you had visions of attacks before they happen?
“I do not know as we only have details on the attacks near Imladris. I have had some that may have been in Gondor or Rohan; I cannot identify a specific location. Two of my recent visions were after I had contact with someone that was there as I did this morning. Those were empathy rather than foresight. The others…. They are of fighting… a battle, but I can not tell when or where they take place,” she answered.
“Do you think you might be able to describe the surrounding landscape and the people you see? There may be someone here that will recognize your description and allow us to warn them of the attack. It would help to have some idea of possible attacks to make the best use of our patrols,” Erestor proposed.
“Of course, but I have the impression they were more than attacks. They seemed large and widespread, like a battle. Large armies were assembled on both sides,” the elleth offered, but was puzzled by the look shared by Celeborn and her father.
“Talking seems to clarify the details. We should do this again in the morning. Now, I know you must be tired. Go to bed and we will talk more tomorrow,” her father urged.
Celeborn inserted, “I have one more question, if I may. By chance, can you describe the man you think is their leader?”
“Oh, yes, I can. I should have said that to begin with but I was… Well, in any case, I think he is not a man, but an elf…” she began.
“An elf?!” exclaimed both Erestor and Celeborn in unison. Sharing a look, Celeborn asked, “Why do you say you ‘think’ he is an elf?”
“His ears… I saw his ears. But I have only heard of one other elf like him, my great grandfather, Cirdan. You see he has a beard.” Seeing the shocked looks on their faces she stopped and asked, “What? What does that tell you?”
Breathing hard, Erestor closed his eyes and asked, “What color is his hair?”
“Red, a very bright red and he has vivid green eyes. Do you know who he is?” she exclaimed in excitement.
“Were the images of your mother in any way tied to him?” Erestor forced out.
“I do not know for sure, but I believe so. Why?” Seere began to grow worried at the look on her father’s face. /I have never seen his so angry!/ “Do you know this elf?”
A long, heavy silence filled the room broken only by the crackle of the fire and Erestor’s heavy breathing.
Looking to Celeborn for some clue to this reaction, she was shocked to see the same angry look on his face. “Celeborn? Who is he?”
“Your uncle, Seere. Your uncle.”
*****
She was not sure what answer she should have expected to her question, but this was more assuredly the last one she expected to receive. /Uncle? I do not have an uncle! Why was I never told of him? Why do they hate him so? Does Ada think he might know something of Nana’s disappearance?/ “Uncle? I know of no uncle? Who is he and why have I never been told of him?”
“That is a very long story, 'Iel nin. One better saved for another day when I have the wits to tell you about him. The brief answer is he is your nana’s twin, the younger of the pair. He and you mother had an argument many years ago and did not speak after that. We have not heard from him since before your naneth and I were married. Your grandfather was also estranged from him in the last years before he sailed to Aman. I am sorry, but that is all the answer I can give tonight.” Sighing, he ran a weary hand through his long black hair.
Erestor turned to Celeborn and concluded, “Well, at least we have a likely name to assign to the enemy, though there is no comfort in the name.”
“Aye. But, we finally have a starting place to uncover the reasons for these attacks and, maybe, the Valar willing, a path to Laurea. I hesitate on the latter as I do not want to raise false hope in your hearts.” Seeing the sad smile, he finished with, “This has been a very eventful day. May I suggest we call a counsel of the Imladris and Greenwood delegations to discuss this information tomorrow? As your father pointed out, Seere, talking does seem to help you recall detail.” Seeing two heads nod their agreement, he began, “I think we all need a night’s rest to-” but was interrupted by Seere.
“I have not told you the good news yet. I was so devastated by the vision of… and I was confused…. Well, in any case I have some wonderful news to share; at least I felt it wonderful.” She stopped as she saw the confused looks on the two elves faces.
Ruefully shaking her head, Seere smiled. “Let me try this again. When I woke this morning, I was distraught from my dreams as you would imagine. I was dressing for the day when a waking vision came to me. It was Elbereth! The lady herself came to me! She bid me to not give up hope, that the Valar had seen our plight and would answer the cry of Middle Earth.”
“A great company is being assembled in Aman of elves willing to return to aid our cause. The Lady said that with their return we will find the answers we seek.” Seeing their amazed expressions, she smiled with true happiness for the first time in a long time.
“Celeborn, you will be pleased to hear that three Lorien elves you hold dear will be a part of this company.” Seere added.
A gasp, “My sons? My sons are returning?”
“Aye, all three! And Ada, an old friend of you both… Glorfindel is coming.”
“But, how is that possible? He is sworn to serve Elrond and would not leave him.” Erestor cried, a small smile beginning to show.
“Did I fail to mention who else is coming and will lead our kin in this quest? We must make plans and make ready. Elrond… the Lord of Imladris is coming home!!!”
*****
A/N: * * denotes farspeak.