The Music in My Heart

Title: The Music in My Heart, Chapter 72
Author: Sorsha
Fandom/Pairing: Elrond/OFC, Glorfindel/Haldir, Elladan/OFC, Elrohir/Legolas, others implied
Rating: R
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: Returned to Middle-earth by the Valar, Elrond battles a new claimant to the title of dark lord. With the aid of a beautiful seer, the daughter of his closest friend Erestor, he sets out on a mission of mercy long overdue. Set 750 years after the WR. Elrond/OFC

Chapter 72 --- Listening

“I listened, motionless and still;
And, as I mounted up the hill,
The music in my heart I bore,
Long after it was heard no more.”

William Wordsworth

*****
The expedition forces had remained within the safety of the walls of Ithilien in the days since Elrond and Seere had rejoined them. The announcement that the pair had married had taken them all by surprise, as the midst of a military expedition seemed an odd, if not entirely inappropriate time for a wedding. The ensuing gossip had at least relieved some of the tension that had been building among the troops.

The obvious fact that their leaders had been forced to wait for the newlyweds to emerge from their chambers had fueled speculation and given the warriors something to discuss other than when the next attack would occur. They had taken some care not to be overheard by one of the elf lords close to the couple, for it as obvious not all were happy with the match. Several of the ellith among the elven forces had done their best to explain the rarity of a soul bond to their mortal comrades; their explanations had only underscored the differences between their peoples.

Despite their lack of understanding of what had happened that made an immediate marriage necessary, much less the justification for the couple’s disappearance into their chambers for over four days, the warriors had been greatly relieved by the safe return of Lord Elrond and his lady. The events at the Dead Marshes, their visions that had saved them from the worst of the Hordes attacks, and the undeniable skill with which the elven lord led them in battle, had earned them their loyalty and respect. Elrond’s ancient, storied history and legendary status gave them confidence in his command, confidence they wished the other members of the leadership shared. The phrase, “the Valar sent him, for Eru’s sake”, had become a constant refrain in their worried conversations.

*****

That same leadership was, despite the warriors’ attempts at not being overheard, very much aware of the growing unrest among their forces. In their hearts, they knew their bickering and desire for control was undermining their efforts. A clear strategy needed to be developed before they again marched. Feeling their position was reasonably defensible, a council had been called to discuss strategy on the day after Elrond and Seere emerged from their bridal chambers.

The Council had been going on for many hours, full half a day thus far. Sadly, the hours of debate had produced no plan of action and seemed to have deepened their divisions. The latest information, most significantly the most recent vision of Elrond and Seere, had been relegated to the bottom of the agenda as it was argued no strategy could be developed to utilize this information until the ‘bigger’ issues were resolved.

/Bigger issues!!! Are they insane? What bigger issue is there than finding a means to end the efforts of this latest claimant to the dark and the threat he poses to Arda? Tis all about power and the need to be the one wielding it. We Eldar like to think we are above such desires, but look at them. I see no difference… elf or man. Well, enough wasted time! Someone must take charge and I would say that time is now!/

*****

A loud clank of metal on metal exploded in the air and brought the assembled to their feet, reaching for their swords. Grim expressions were turned toward the sound, but quickly changed to looks of shock as they identified its source.

The hilt of her sword was still in midair rebounding from striking a large metal shield dangling from the wall of the large room where they were meeting. The elleth stood facing them, a look of amusement mingled with the lingering disgust lighting her face.

Seere’s clear voice broke the sudden silence. “Now that I have your attention…!”

“You all wish to talk, but nobody is listening. Options we have in abundance, but they help us not. The problem is we have too many opinions and no direction --- too many used to giving orders, but no leader. We have an army, an army of skilled and loyal warriors that await orders, but none can give those orders because no one is in charge. We are crippled by the lack of a leader recognised by all present. An army cannot follow a committee; it needs a commander. Make that your priority so we can move on to the real issue, defeating this latest threat to our peoples,” she finished, a challenging glare marking her features.

A smirk lit Oropher’s face. “So the High King has at last joined us. That was pure Ereinion!!! About time you made an appearance, my liege.” He smirked. “Seeking to become the High… Queen of the next alliance of men and elves?”

A huge grin split Seere’s face, completely at odds with the looks of outrage contorting the faces around her. “Bless the Valar! Tis good to be reminded that some things are constant and can be relied upon even in times of peril! Thank you, my dear Oropher for being as much a pain in the arse now as ever. It does feel quite like old times!” she said with a wink to the now laughing elf.

Growing serious, the former king of the woodland realm asked, “What do you propose, my liege? Do not forget I have made a pledge of unity to your cause as my first act of this new life. I plan to honor that, as will Greenwood’s troops. You and your Tercáno kept faith with those of us trapped in the marshes and you never forgot our plight. We honor that as well.” Looking between Elrond and Seere, Oropher respectfully inclined his head to the two as he spoke.

“Are you on again about Seere being…” Celeborn’s angry retort was cut off as Seere began to answer the question with no sign of distress or discomfort.

“In actual fact, mellon nin, I seek not to claim …or if you are right, reclaim the throne. Ereinion Gil-Galad is dead and gone… but he left Middle-earth a rightful heir to his crown.” (my friend)

Casting a sidelong glance at her husband’s face, she continued, “Elrond Peredhel and his sons are the last High Princes of the Noldor living on Middle-earth, as well as, direct descendants of Elu Thingol and Melian, the Maia. Thus, the crowns of ancient Doriath, as well as, that of the Noldor should rest on his brow. He is a skilled and tested leader, a brilliant tactician and strategist, an accomplished warrior, and a proven friend of all the free peoples of this world. He has direct ties through blood or marriage to the leaders of each of the elven realms, Gondor, and Rohan. By their selection of him to lead the returned from Aman, clearly, the blessings of the Valar fall upon him. It seems the choice of a leader is an obvious one to me.”

Turning toward the glaring peredhel, she reached up to cup his cheek. “Whatever your reasons for declining the kingship in the past, I will not ask you to defend or repeat them, beloved. You would agree, I trust, that much has changed in the longs years since you made that decision. The Valar sent you here to fulfill a duty to Middle-earth. Look into your heart, my husband, and ask yourself what Eru seeks of you,” she urged.

Seeing the stunned look on his face, she concluded, “I proudly stand at your side, Elrond and, if permitted, would carry your standard. Tis an honor I would proudly bear.” A sultry purr deepened her voice, causing a slight grin to begin to curl his lips.

“You would be a Herald rather than a Queen, pen vuil?” he teased. (dear one)

“Your Herald, melme? Aye I would… as well as, your queen. Besides, I would follow your example in this, Caun nin. As Herald, I would be the only one free to tell the King exactly what I think of his plans, why he is wrong yet again, what he should do instead, nag him to take better care of himself, and insist he stay safely at home while I gallivant freely about in all manner of places heedless of the risks. I feel quite equal to the task!” Her straight face was only betrayed by the twinkle in her eyes. (love) (my prince)

“Herald? Nay, you confuse the position with that of a nagging wife!” Forgetting they had an audience, he pulled her to him, the demands of their new bond surging through his body. “Save for disallowing the nagging part --- my wife is indeed a position to which you are very well suited!” he whispered, bending his head to take a kiss.

A sudden bark of laughter to their left reminded them that they were, in fact, not alone.

A grinning Oropher offered, “You might want to stop that comparison there, mellon nin, or I may be forced to point out that you were derelict in the performance of some duties Gil-Galad would have appreciated and of which he would have very much approved! That is, unless you wish to correct your prior public ‘position’ on this matter!” the smirking elf observed, being sure to stress ‘position’. With evident enjoyment, he added, “Do please tell if otherwise, as this promises to be most enlightening, not to mention entertaining!” (my friend)

Seeing the look on Elrond’s bright red face quickly changing from embarrassment to anger, Celeborn stepped in to move the discussion back to the topic at hand. “Seere has made several valid observations, chiefly that our lack of unity is impeding our mission as we lack a leader. She also makes an important point that Elrond is the only one in the position to mount a claim to the High Kingship of the Eldar.”

Locking his gaze with his former son-in-law, he continued. “You were Ereinion’s chosen successor and the last High Prince to have the necessary familial claim, even if by the maternal line. By virtue of your heritage, you can claim kinship to Edain, Maia, and Eldar --- Vanyan, Noldor, and Sindar. Your direct descendent sits on the throne of Gondor and another is married to the heir of Rohan. Your sons are heirs to Imladris and Lorien and your son-in-law is the heir of Mirkwood. Your new wife is a descendent of the noble lines of the Noldor, the Teleri through her Adar’ra Cirdan, and the Maia by her grandfather, Gandalf.”

Taking a breath Celeborn pointed out, “Our returned brethren were warriors of the Last Alliance and knew you to be Gil-Galad’s Herald and heir, so would accept you. No one else has a claim to the High Kingship that would stand …and no one else has the ties to unite our alliance.”

Stepping up to Elrond, he placed his right hand on Elrond’s shoulder and concluded, “You have, as you always have had, my support, ion nin.” (my son)

One by one, the other elves stepped forward to grasp Elrond’s shoulder and acknowledge his right to claim the High Kingship. His son was the last, moving forward to embrace the speechless half-elf. “I speak for both Elladan and myself, Ada when I say you have our unwavering love and support, regardless of what path you choose.”

Looking to his right, Elrond stared into Seere’s eyes. Smiling, she whispered, “I have said my piece and will say no more, meleth nin. You know my heart …and my fëa.” (my love) (spirit)

Taking a deep breath, Elrond closed his eyes to gain a moment to organize his thoughts. He had seen the demands of kingship from his time in Gil-Galad’s court. He knew firsthand the burden of leadership --- the obligations, the pressures, and the isolation. He thought he had made his decision millennia ago and that it was behind him. Apparently, he was wrong.

Silencing the voices of his own thoughts and desires, he took a deep breath and listened. The Valar had told him he would know the duty they had sent him to undertake in their name if he was true in his purpose and followed the will of the One, listened to the song of life. In the quite of his heart, he heard his answer, an answer that echoed in the hearts of all in the Eldar across Arda.

“Well done, child of Eru Ilúvatar.
You listen when many would speak, thus hearing only their own voice.
Have faith and be comforted that you have but to listen when you are troubled.
The Song is always in your heart.
The blessings of the Valar and Eru Ilúvatar be upon you,
Elrond Peredhel,
High King of the Elves of Middle-earth.”

*****

A/N ---Thanks EC! This chapter should appeal to your grandson a little more than the lovey dovey last few chapters!

A/N --- I'm far from finished, Dae! I still have a few surprised up my sleeve! Thanks for reading!