The Music in My Heart

Title: The Music in My Heart, Chapter 69
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; FF
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 69 --- Light from Heaven

“Yes, love indeed is light from heaven…”
George Gordon, Lord Bryon

*****

As the expedition crested the final rise in the road from Ithilien to the Noman-Lands, they had an unobstructed view of the flat, arid plain that flanked Mordor to the north. The sight of a large dust cloud trailing the Easterlings as they thundering across the plain drew their immediate attention. The mounted patrol appeared to be on a course to intercept a band of hard running Uruk Hai cutting across the flatland from the direction of Mordor. But it was the sight of the lone bay stallion galloping along the edge of the marshlands of the Nindalf that drew gasps of surprise and concern from the warriors.

“There! It will be a near thing if they are able to pass ahead of the Uruk Hai and break free to meet us,” Elrohir exclaimed. “We are too far away to reach them in time to aid them in this.”

His blood frozen in his veins, Erestor drew his sword, and charged down the slight incline onto the plain. “This does not mean I will not try!”

“Ride hard, Elrohir. We can get close enough to kill some of the Uruk with arrows from our lines... with luck, those at the front of their lines. Ride now!” Legolas proclaimed, calling to the Mirkwood elves riding with him to ready their bows as they rode.

*****

“Elrond, there they are. Our family is here!”

Looking up from his concentration on guiding Kaane through the treacherous ground near the marsh, he felt a flutter of relief course though his body. Turning back to the business of trying to avoid any soft, boggy patches on the unstable edge of the marsh, he took another ragged breath. /A little longer… focus! We are almost back to our lines and Seere will be safe! Focus!/

He had said little over the last hour. The fire in his veins was a constant searing pain. It was taking all of his willpower to ignore the urgent demand to forget all save his beloved Seere… forget the lines of enemy forces closing in on them from two directions… forget the lack of comfort or privacy and claim her as his. The rasp of her hot breath on his neck was a dual reminder that he would die before he allowed Seere to fall into the hands of the enemy and that she was suffering as surely as he.

A quick glance told him they must maintain their current speed and direction if they were to pass in front of the Uruk Hai with any room to spare. He had no desire to test their archers’ abilities, nor Seere’s claim that she would be safe from their arrows if they truly wanted to take her captive. Gritting his teeth, he spoke words of encouragement to Kaane. “A little longer, my dear friend. We will soon be among our family and they will protect us. You have been magnificent. A little longer is all I ask.”

Unwilling to chance turning to look, he forced his eyes to remained fixed on the ground as a loud, angry roar erupted to their left. “Seere, what is happening? I dare not take my eyes of the path before us.”

“Our archers have opened fire on the Uruk and their numbers are being thinned. They have taken out the front-runners, beloved, so we have a little more room to spare if you want to edge further from the marsh,” she shouted in his ear, her arms wrapped tightly around his waist.

Nodding, he nudged Kaane slightly to the east, widening the distance between them and the soft ground that threatened to catch at Kaane’s hooves. Knowing he needed to stay as far from the enemy as possible, he eased off on the reins sooner than he would have wished and allowed Kaane to resume a straight course. “Let me know when we have cleared them, Seere. This ground is surer, but I must still watch for sodden patches of ground. I want to get completely away from the marsh as soon as we are past and they are behind us.”

“Perhaps, another two hundred feet, melme. I would judge that you can begin to veer left once we pass that small tree on the edge of the marsh,” she called back, her breath against his ear driving iron spikes of desire into his bloodstream. (love)

*****

The line of the Expedition’s forces opened to allow the winded stallion to sweep into their midst. Knowing he had to let Kaane rest, Elrond slowly allowed the horse to drop to a walk as they neared the back of their column. A heartfelt prayer of thanks left his lips as he felt Seere’s arms tighten further around his mid-section. “Thanks be to the Valar that you are safe, Elrond nin.”

Laughing in relief, he looked over his shoulder into the molten gold of his mate’s eyes. “Your safety was all I desired.”

“Foolish elf! Without you, I would not survive!” she murmured, leaning forward to nuzzle her face against his back, tangling her deep red tresses with his night-hued mane.

“We are not to safety yet, beloved. We must concentrate,” he reminded her, fighting all the while his need to pull her around him into his lap.

Digging her nails into his chest, she took several shuddering breaths. “I know, meleth nin. We must hurry. My focus is almost gone and the pain…” (my love)

“I know, Seere. I am the same. We have no other option but to endure,” he whispered, his voice raspy with pain. Since they had reached the relative safety of their forces, he knew he had only the most tenuous grasp left on his own control.

“Elrond… Seere.”

It took Celeborn several attempts to gain their attention. “Elrond! Look at me, ion. We will get you to safety. Focus on the path ahead. Haldir and I will ride beside you and keep the others away for now. Now ride before the others finish with the enemy and want to talk to you two. Ride!” (son)

*Galadriel, beloved. We have them, but they are dazed and very near to losing all touch with reality. I can see the pain in their eyes. I have taken them ahead with a small number of our wardens in hopes we can avoid a discussion of their condition until we are in private,* he whispered to his wife’s mind, wanting to relieve as much of her anxiety as possible. They both knew the two were not yet out of danger.

A sigh drifted to his thoughts. *I am relieved they are with you. Look after them, melme. They will be unable to explain any of this by the time you reach the fortress. You will have to be their champion.* (love)

Hesitating she asked, *How bad is Elrond’s state? Will he be able to… exercise control when the time comes?*

*If we were already at Henneth Annûn, aye, but we have several hours of riding to reach its safety. I do not know what to expect by then. I can see their focus eroding before my eyes and they are shuddering with pain. I am deeply grieved for them for they are indeed suffering. Let us hope the Valar see this and help them.*

“Seere! My daughter… Celeborn let me pass! I wish to see Seere and assure myself she is well. Neither of them look… right,” Erestor observed. “Elrond, pull up and let me take Seere onto my horse to take the extra burden off of Kaane. Elrond?”

“Erestor, let them be. They will be fine once we reach Henneth Annûn. Until then, leave them as they are. I have much to explain to you and now is not the time. You too Elrohir… Glorfindel,” Celeborn commanded, ignoring the furious glare his friend and grandson were sending his way.

“You are being ridiculous! I want to see my daughter and see what is causing her this pain, for it is obvious she is suffering, as is Elrond. We need to stop and see if they have been shot by a poisoned arrow or…” he began, a building rant clearly in the offing.

“And you call Elrond demanding!” the elf lord muttered. Reaching over to pull his friend closer, he whispered, “It is complicated, but they are not poisoned or injured. Trust me, old friend. They will be fine once we reach the fortress.”

“Celeborn, what are you keeping from…”

*Listen to my husband, Erestor. Seere and Elrond will need your understanding and support. The pain they suffer is not from an injury or from poison. The only help you can give to them is your love.*

“I take it my wife has spoken to you from the dazed look on your face. Now will you do as I ask and help me get them safely to Henneth Annûn? They have expended all of their energy in getting to us and now are dazed… weary, but they will be fine. I promise you this,” Celeborn insisted, silently praying he was right. /Ion, I hope you are able to control the desires that are consuming you. Seere needs your care./ (son)

*****

The massive gates that surrounded the small village clanked open as the expedition began to flow back into the central plaza. Ignoring the normal activities associated with a returning patrol, Celeborn urged Kanne as far from the other mounted riders as possible. For the last hour, he had been the one leading the horse as Elrond and Seere had fallen deeper into a daze of pain and desire. The elven horse had sensed his elf’s distraction and knew he and his mate were in pain, so had allowed the other elf to help them all. The stallion was past the point of exhaustion, but was determined to see his charges to safety.

“You are a good friend to Elrond, Kaane. He was blessed to have you agree to accept him as your elf. A few more feet, mellon nin and we will take them to a place where they can recover from what ails them. I will ask Haldir to personally see to your care --- a nice rubdown, plenty of cool water, and the finest grains. We are here; you have done far more than we could have asked. You are a truly magnificent horse, Kanne. I know Elrond and Seere will be to see you as soon as we can get them… well,” the elf lord promised, relieved to rein his own mount to a halt near the side entrance to the palace where they were staying. (my friend)

Before he could dismount and move to their side, Erestor pushed past and reached up to help his daughter down from the horse. Her pained scream, followed by Elrond’s hoarse shout of agony, caused everyone within hearing to freeze. “Seere, sellath nîn? What is wrong?” (my daughter)

Celeborn immediately appeared at his side. Frantic brown eyes swung to meet his. “Celeborn? What is wrong with them?”

“I will explain once we get them inside. Haldir, please see to Kanne for Elrond. He has ridden hard and long this day; we owe him much for bringing them here to safety.” Seeing his foster son nod, a worried look fixed on the pair on the horse, Celeborn gave the horse an affection pat. Satisfied Kaane was in good hands, he turned back to Seere and Elrond.

The elf lord continued to speak in the calm, soothing tones he had used to guide Kaane as he addressed Elrond. “Elrond, listen to me ion. Ease slowly down from Kaane’s back. He is weary and Haldir has agreed to see to him for you. Move slowly. Seere, leave your hands on his arm so that you can maintain the contact you both need. Relax, pen vuil, all will be well.” (son) (dear one)

Seeing Elrohir step forward intending the help his father down, Celeborn grabbed his arm before he could touch his father. “Nay, ion. None of us can touch them without causing them pain. Elrond, listen to me… move slowly and ease down from Kaane. Your mount is weary to the bone and Seere needs to get inside the palace. Do you hear me, ion. Aye, just like that… move slowly and let Seere grasp your left arm.” (son)

Holding his breath, Celeborn watched as Elrond attempted to focus on swinging his leg over the top of Kaane’s head, before he dropped softly to the ground, his left arm held in a death-grip by the elleth still on the horse. Moving a little closer, he whispered, “Take Seere into your arms and carry her inside, Elrond. I have a room ready for the two of you. Move slowly and focus on walking. I will be behind you and guide you as you go. Alright, ion?” (son)

Receiving an uncoordinated jerk of his head instead of a nod, Celeborn stifled a sigh of worry. *He is in a bad way, beloved. It is all I can do to get him to focus enough to get down from the horse and lift Seere into his arms. Can you try talking to him? It might help and will call less attention to his condition if I am not having to tell him everything.*

*I can try, but he has not been able to hear me since I spoke to them last night. I have tried a couple of times this day and… it is like when I tried during their bonding trance. I know he is alive for I can sense his spirit, but I cannot touch his mind. It is veiled in a fog of pain and desire.*

*Then we have no choice but that I will lead him.*

“Erestor, please let them pass. Elrohir, please go ahead and open doors for us. It is best if we get them out of this public place as quickly as possible. Elrond, follow your son through the door. Walk slowly so that you can focus on the stairs before you. You must climb to the second floor. I have a suite of rooms prepared for you,” he promised.

A frantic hand pulled at his arm. In an angry hiss, Erestor demanded, “What do you mean you have a room prepared? Surely you do not suggest…”

“Not now, Erestor. Let us pass and get them into their rooms and then I will explain all.”

*****

It took almost twenty minutes for Celeborn to urge Elrond up the steep flight of stairs and down the hall to the lavish rooms the Prince of Ithilien, another of Elrond’s descendents, had readied for the elf lord’s use. Once the door was closed behind the two elves he had allowed to accompany them into the chamber, he guided the pair to a large chair. It took little urging for Elrond to sit, Seere wrapped close in his lap.

“Rest here for a moment, ion. I must explain what has happened to Erestor and Elrohir. Soon the two of you can be alone and in safety. A few more minutes and then you can accept this gift,” he whispered, coming as close to the peredhel’s ear as he dared. Another uncoordinated nod was his only response. (son)

“What is happening here, Adar’ra? I thought Naneth’ra said Ada was not injured, but he is clearly in pain, as is Seere! What…” Elrohir began.

“Listen to me, ion… Erestor. I have withheld information from you at their request. I have no doubts Elrond failed to anticipate the condition they would be in upon their arrival here or he would have permitted me to warn you.” Taking a deep breath before attempting to explain a soul-bond to those that had never experienced one, he motioned for the other two to move with him over to a table by the window. (son)

Opening a decanter of dwarven whiskey, he poured generous measures into three glasses. After forcing two into the hands of his companions, he took a sip from the third before beginning. “The reason Galadriel was unable to contact Elrond for that period of almost two days was… he and Seere were trapped in the mists of a soul-bonding. During the first hours, the length of time varies by couple, they are aware of nothing save each other. This is not a sexual bonding, Erestor; it is a true bonding of souls. To my knowledge, this is the first time one has been gifted to a betrothed couple. Galadriel and I did not receive ours until we had been married for many years.”

“A soul-bond? But those are very rare and bespeak a deep spiritual connection between committed spouses. It is the hope of all married couples,” Elrohir noted. “How is this possible? They are not married and Ada gave Erestor his word…”

Breaking in, Celeborn confirmed, “And he… they have kept that promise. As I said, this is the first such case I know of where a betrothed couple, especially one that has not yet consummated their bond, has been gifted thus. And it is a great gift. The ability my wife and I have to mind-speak over so great a distance, the unity of spirit we share has sustained us these many years of our separation, is a testament to the strength such a bond gives the couple.”

Meeting Erestor’s stunned gaze, he offered the last major piece of information his two companions would need to understand what must now happen. “This type of bond demands… and I do mean demands, that the lovers consummate their love. Elrond and Seere are in great pain because they have delayed doing this. With her injury, the lack of a safe place, the Hordes, and his pledge to you, they have not been able to make love. I regret being so bold in saying it thus, but that is what we must leave them to do. If we do not, they will continue to suffer and the pain will only worsen. Galadriel is deeply concerned, for she believes it might drive them both to madness or cause them to fade if they do not complete the bond. If we lose one, we will lose the other.”

“But, they are not married. Their wedding is not for several months…” Erestor began, his face betraying the dazed condition of his thoughts.

“Erestor, they have had their match blessed and confirmed by Eru Ilúvatar by the granting of this bond. I know not why the One chose to do this now, but it has happened. I am profoundly relieved they were not discovered by the Hordes during the time they were oblivious to all around them.” Catching his friend’s hand, he gave it a reassuring squeeze. “This is out of all our hands, meldir. The will of the One has spoken and we must honor this gift by allowing them the time they will need to adjust. This may take them several days… a week to do, but we must end their suffering by leaving and allowing them to be alone to express their love. Do you understand Erestor… Elrohir?” (friend)

“Why are Seere and Ada unable to speak to us? I wish to hear this from them,” Elrohir demanded.

“Elrohir, you are not a child, so stop acting like one! Whether or not you would have chosen this match is irrelevant. It always was, for this is between them alone. The One has blessed their union, an honor to be sure.” Holding his grandson’s gaze in a fierce hold, he added, “Your Ada is in a daze of pain and desire. He only knows we are here at the periphery of his consciousness, as does Seere. This bond robs them of the ability to think about anything else but its completion. It is the reason they cannot bear the touch of any other. Until then, this condition too will grow worse the longer they wait.”

Sighing, he raked his fingers through his hair and concluded, “They both used all the focus and control they had left in their efforts to meet us. That is another reason I did not break my promise to them and tell you what had happened. Galadriel and I were worried enough about their safety for all of us.”

His wife’s voice called to his heart. *Beloved, I have received a vision from the Lady of the Stars. She says you must speak the words of marriage for them, ones she will whisper in your ear to bless their bond. Call Ara, Háma, Grór, and the other elves of our family, including Oropher… any of the nobility of Gondor there, to act as witness of their marriage for it will have great portents for all of Middle-earth. Remind Erestor he can still have a big celebration at Mid-winter, but their marriage will be blessed now. This blessing will strengthen them and we will not need to worry of… Elrond will be fine.*

Feeling a deep shudder of relief ripple through his heart, Celeborn felt a huge smile split his face. “Quickly, send for the other leaders of our party and the Prince and Princess of Ithilien. Elrohir find your husband, Lindir, Oropher, Haldir and Glorfindel. The Lady of the Stars will give me the words to bless their marriage and we need witnesses of this great boon.”

“The Lady herself spoke to you… now?” Erestor whispered, his final doubts slipping away at this news.

“She has spoken to Galadriel. We must move quickly.”

*****

It had taken many minutes to explain to the small crowd that had assembled in the receiving room of the suite assigned to Elrond, the unusual events that had taken place while Elrond and Seere had sheltered from the Hordes. While the idea of a soul-bond was surprising for the elves given the circumstances of the couple’s relationship, they were prepared to rejoice in the blessing it represented. The humans and the dwarf were intrigued, but were more than a little confused about what was happening. The obvious pain and distress of the bride and groom did nothing to relieve anyone’s concerns.

“Elrond, Seere, you need to stand up and face each other. Stand as near as you need and join hands. Galadriel has had a vision from the Lady Varda and she will guide me in blessing your marriage. Legolas and Elrohir have fashioned garlands of lavender and rosemary for your hair. Grór has the gold rings you asked him to forge in his saddlebags, so that we can replace your silver rings of betrothal as tradition requires.” A few more coaxing words drew the pair to their feet and they slowly shifted into place, accepting the garlands with trembling hands. Each raised the one they held to their mate’s head.

*My husband, the Lady bids me tell you she will speak the words of blessing for you to repeat. The others with you will feel the presence of Lord Manwë and Lady Varda even if they cannot see them, so warn our mortal friends of what will happen. Her words will bind and heal the riff in our family over this match; her blessing will speak to us all, as they will offer comfort for our peoples. Are you ready, beloved?* she whispered.

*Aye, my love. I only wish you were here with us.*

“My wife has asked that I tell you, the Lady will give me the words of blessing for this marriage, will speak them into my heart. Each of you will feel the presence of the Lord of the Valar and his Lady, but will likely be unable to see or hear them. Do not be made uneasy. Though their names are always invoked at an elven marriage, it is an honor that they will bless this one in person.” Feeling the Lady’s spirit touch his own, its radiance and power robbing him of breath for a moment, Celeborn felt the words she wished him to speak enter his heart.

Looking around the room, he watched the wonder and awe that spread across the faces of his companions. Knowing they had felt the Valar’s spirits move into their midst, he began. “Since their awakening, the Valar have brought the light of Eru to the Children of the Ilúvatar. Oft have the forces of evil sought to deny his children its comfort and leave them to the dark, the shadows.”

“In the Time of the Two Trees, Telperion, the elder and Laurelin, the younger, were sung into being by the Lady Yavanna and gave hope with their silver and golden light. When the Dark One destroyed them and cast the world into shadows, the Valar raised Anor and Ithil to the sky to restore the light and the shadows receded. As despair again gripped the hearts of those of Middle-earth, a new star… the brightest of the heavens, was raised in the sky and his nightly course gives comfort and hope to all who gaze upon him.”

In a voice made richer by the presence of the Vala, he continued. “A new darkness threatens to again rob you of the light, so we send you these two, both seers and healers, to remind you of the Song and the Light. They are beloved of our Creator and of the Valar and will serve the peoples of Middle-earth with love and wisdom. Today we celebrate their bonding, so that the light of their spirits is strengthened by the greatest gift of the One, love. ”

“Since the days of his youth, Elrond has foreseen the elleth that would bind his heart and become the partner of his spirit. He had begun to despair that he would ever meet her, but the One has a plan for each of us and it will only be realized in the fullness of time. The music of Eru’s song must be sung as it is willed and not before, if the Song is to guide us as the One intends. Elrond was allowed to return to the home of his heart and there he found her, waiting for him in the sanctuary he had made long ago. Seere had long foreseen that her future was to be at his side, in his arms. The love they share is true and deep.”

“By the will of Eru Ilúvatar and with the blessings of the Valar, they stand before us this day to take the vows of marriage. Elrond, Seere, do you accept the gift our creator has bestowed upon you?”

As Celeborn had begun to speak, the blinding pain had fallen away from both leaving behind a sense of peace and calm. Knowing the Valar were near, the worry that had clawed at his heart fell away. Staring deeply into her golden eyes, Elrond murmured, “Le annon guren. Le annon meleth nîn. Le melin, Seere nin, ten'oio.” (I give you my heart. I give you my love. I love you, my Seere, forever.)

Lost in the silver fire of his gaze, Seere whispered back. “Le annon guren. Le annon meleth nîn. Le melin, Elrond nin, ten'oio.” (I give you my heart. I give you my love. I love you, my Elrond, forever.)

As the others looked on in amazement, a golden and silver web of light forged as their bond had been made, illuminated the pair in its radiant glow. The faint hum of music drifted to their ears and the songs of two hearts blended with new harmony. The elves present watched as two beings of light moved to their side and bound a glimmering cord of pure white light around their wrists, binding the marriage with their blessings.

Motioning to the dazed dwarf, Celeborn asked for the rings. “You freely exchanged rings of silver when you agreed to betroth yourselves… one to the other. This day you will exchange silver for gold.” Extending his palm, he accepted the two silver rings into his keeping until he could return them later and gave them the gold bands to signify their marriage. Trembling fingers fumbled for a moment before the rings slid into place and the couple again clasped hands.

In a voice rich with emotion, Celeborn concluded. “May their hearts always sing in harmony, may their spirits ever know the comfort of their perfect mate, and may their days be filled with joy and laughter, their nights with love and passion. With the blessings of all the Valar, the Lord Manwë and Lady Varda proclaim them husband and wife… for eternity and beyond. Thanks be to our creator and to the Valar that love us.”

Grinning, he added, “Elrond, you may kiss your bride!”

*****

A/N - Thanks EC! I have now been dubbed Mistress of Evil Cliffies! I probably am not supposed to be proud of that but...!!! More soon!