The Music in My Heart

Title: The Music in My Heart, Chapter 74
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: 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.


"Don't be afraid to take a big step when one is indicated.
You can't cross a chasm in two small steps."
David Lloyd George


Chapter 74 --- Cross a Chasm

The sun had not yet risen as Elrond stepped out into the courtyard of Henneth Annûn to survey his army. Acknowledging the greetings from several warriors nearest him, he had to school his features not to betray his lingering discomfort to be addressed as ‘my liege’ or ‘my king’. A secret part of his heart still insisted the speaker could not be talking to him. He still had to stop himself from looking around in hopes of finding Ereinion returned to them after all these years.

This thought drew his gaze to his wife. Seere stood several feet away double-checking her saddlebag for any forgotten items. /She is still angry with me and her father for insisting they remain at Minas Tirith when we pass by on our way south. While she knows she and Erestor could help our mission more by returning to their research at the City’s archives, logic does not lessen the worry she will feel at our separation. I only hope that our bond is settled enough to allow me to march away from her. I already ache at the mere prospect. My only comfort is she and her father will be safe behind the city’s walls./

Sighing, he forced his attention to his duties as leader of the alliance. Elrond let their plans for the next leg of the expedition run through his mind, needing to assure himself they had covered the all the foreseeable eventualities. /I am relieved that we have finally agreed to a decisive course of action. With the added numbers of the returned warriors bolstering our ranks, we can cover more ground by splitting our force in two and dividing the remaining four sites between the two groups./

Hearing footsteps approaching from behind him, he turned to greet Celeborn and Oropher. The Silvan elf grinned in reply. “I am ready to march, my king. It feels good to have a plan and to be getting on with our mission in so focused a manner.”

“Indeed,” Celeborn mused. “While our task of investigating the two sites west of Mordor may be difficult, I am relieved to have this first part of our mission nearing its conclusion. Elrohir, Legolas, and Ara should be able to move with speed to the two sites to our east. We should be able complete our investigation of all eleven sites within the next few weeks with no delay from our time spent here.”

Nodding, Elrond pulled a map from his saddlebag. Recognising the mystery puzzle map marked with the sites from Seere’s vision, the other two elves moved to flank him and join him in his review of the remaining four sites. The cave on the outer slope of the Ered Lithui would take some time for the second company to find amid its harsh and forbidding landscape. The ruin of an old guard post on the shores of the Sea of Nurnen was likely to be somewhat easier. (Ash Mountains)

“I have little hope they will find anything at either site in the east. Lhach must know we have taken artefacts from the other sites, and will not have delayed further in sending patrols to gather what is left so near to Mordor.” Running his finger down the map, Elrond noted, “So many of the freed peoples that were given Nurn by Estel have fled in terror from the Hordes; tis likely, few would be there to oppose them.”

Tracing the way between Ithilien and the Road through the Morgul Pass, he continued, “I do not want to underestimate the difficulties we will encounter in venturing to the two sites we have drawn. The site north of the tower of Cirith Ungol worries me most. The climb will be treacherous and who knows what spawn of Morgoth still slither about in the dark caves and crevices of the pass.”

Nodding, Celeborn offered, “Ara assures us Faramir saw to the rebuilding of Minas Ithil and the cleansing of the slopes around it with great zeal. They have had no recent sighting of any the Hordes in that area.”

A sarcastic grin lit Oropher’s face. “They also thought the same of the Orc and Uruk Hai in other parts of Sauron’s lands. The Morgai is near desolate but for scrub bushes and the like. Our search may take some time since we have no definite place to look.”

“I agree, meldir. Once we finish there, we should make good time arriving at the final side, even with a stop in Minas Tirith to let Seere and Erestor return to the research in the city’s archives.” Glancing over at his wife, Elrond murmured, “Assuming she does not balk at being left!” (friend)

Laughing, the other two elves shook their heads that he thought she might accept his order to stay in a docile manner. They had seen the anger and frustration his edict had generated. Between her likely refusal to be left behind and the pull of their new bond, the members of the committee had a bet between them as to which would relent first. Winking at Celeborn, Oropher whispered, “Elrond… definitely Elrond!”

Before he could demand to know what the pair found so amusing, a call from behind them drew their attention. “Adar’ra, we are ready to march.”

Looking over his left shoulder, Elrond turned to greet Aranuir as the prince made his way among the troops to his side. Elrohir was but a few steps behind the man. Reaching out to clasp his descendant’s shoulder, he forced a confident smile to his lips. “You have all you need?”

“Indeed, Adar’ra. We had best leave as dawn breaks if we are to reach our destination with light enough to begin our search.” Nodding toward his uncle, he added, “Our troops are refreshed and are ready to continue now that they feel our confidence returned. Your leadership and a firm plan have helped give them that.”

“Well, that is good to hear. Morale had become as great a threat to our mission as the Hordes,” Elrond agreed. “Travel safe, ion. We will look for you to arrive within three weeks at Minas Tirith. Our sites are far nearer, so we should be waiting for you there.” (son)

Looking over to meet his son’s eyes, he repeated, “Be safe, Elrohir. Take no unnecessary risks. The safe return of all of you is more important than any artefact.”

“Aye, my king. I will so my best to make it so,” Elrohir replied, with a warm smile. Wanting to reassure his father while lightening the mood, he added, “Legolas will make us behave and proceed with caution. He has the honour of the Fellowship to uphold after all.”

“Hummm…” Elrond offered, turning fully meet his son’s gaze. “I seem to remember stories Estel and Gimli told that make me question this, but I will allow myself to be deluded so that I may sleep at night.”

Legolas walked up in time to hear his reply. He gave a snort of laughter as he suggested, “I suspect you will have trouble enough sleeping once you have left Seere within Minas Tirith, to be glad of other worries to occupy your nights! I do not envy those that travel with you and your mood once the two of you are separated.”

Narrowed eyes trained on the grinning Silvan elf. “I think you may be right, ion. Your concern is deeply appreciated. Perhaps, I should suggest you travel with my company to help keep me in a better mood. You seem to have the wit of your grandfather and… Ai! What am I saying! Rather I should be sending him with your group to help keep my sanity in check.” (son)

A pair of small hands slipped around his waist from behind. Feeling his wife nestle against his back, she whispered. “Nay, Oropher goes with your patrol. This will assure me you will not tarry and will return quickly to my side, if only to seek the quiet of our chambers to escape his wit.”

“So that is why you have been seeking your chambers so frequently since we arrive here! We thought other interests motivated you, Adar’ra, but this too makes sense,” Ara teased.

Seeing the narrowed eyes turn in his direction, the Prince quickly bowed to the King and, chuckling, took his leave. “Travel safe. Give my love to my mother and assure her we will return to the city shortly.”

Quick embraces from his son and son-in-law signalled the end of their exchange. Within minutes, the first patrol had departed. Noting that his company was now ready, Elrond nodded to Glorfindel and they soon rode out, their path leading to the south along the western side of Ephel Dúath.

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Legolas cast a sidelong look at his mate. Seeing the frown marring his handsome features, he asked, “Do you plan to sulk for the remainder of the day, melme?” (love)

Glaring in his direction, Elrohir muttered, “I am not sulking. Elflings sulk. I am hardly that. I am merely thinking.”

“Humm… I think I will leave that first bit for another time, tempting though it is.” Tilting his head to better gauge his husband’s response, he pressed, “Do you plan to continue to disapprove of their marriage for much longer? In truth, your arguments grow most annoying.”

A fierce light blazed to life in the pewter eyes of the peredhel. “I am so sorry to have annoyed you with my petty views, beloved! I did not realise I gave up the right to a different opinion than yours when we wed. You should have mentioned this earlier and thus avoided this annoyance.”

Sighing, Legolas reached to grasp Elrohir’s arm. “I am sorry. That was not what I meant to convey. I was hoping to get you to admit what is at the heart of your attitude, not suggest you did not have the right to your opinions. Are you not ready to discuss your real objections, even with me?”

Still frowning, Elrohir bit out, “And what do you think I am hiding from you? I have told you why I object to their marriage on many occasions. He is too old for her, Legolas! She is not even one thousand and he is over seven! His three children helped raise her for Valar sake! And, they have not known each other long enough to marry even were the age issue not a concern. I am still not reconciled to their marriage.”

“Enough, Elrohir!” Legolas whispered. “Our men do not need to hear anything that undermines their confidence in the King and his Queen. Tell me pray, what will it take for you to become reconciled and I will try to help you discover it.”

Tightening his grip on his mate’s arm, he continued, “We all saw the Valar bind them in marriage with a band of light. I have never heard of this happening before. What more do you need to see to accept that they are destined for each other? Whatever it is, I suggest you find it quickly before you harm your relationship with them!”

“Melme…” Elrohir began. (love)

“Do not ‘melme’ me, you stubborn peredhel! Now is not the time for this,” Legolas declared. “You must find the means to accept their love and accept their marriage now. They are bound, a soul-bond no less. They love each other passionately! They are wed and the marriage consummated… repeatedly I would guess.” (love)

Seeing the look of discomfort his words caused, the woodland prince’s frown grew as he added, “If that thought makes you uncomfortable, stop forcing me to make you see what you are refusing to see for yourself. As we have all noted, Ada Elrond and Seere have been hit by an elven lifetime’s worth of life-changing events in the matters of days. They do not need your reservations adding to the strain. It is time you faced what is your real objection. Their marriage is tangible proof your parents’ marriage is truly over. I know that must hurt, beloved, but both have moved on with their lives and taken new mates. The past is past, Elrohir. Do not let that past damage your future with them.”

Sighing, Elrohir fell silent for a moment. He knew Legolas had hit upon the real reason for his objections, but he was not yet ready to voice the feelings of loss this thought brought to his heart. Knowing that continuing to argue that his opposition stemmed from another source would only irritate Legolas, he chose to change the topic.

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Shifting in the saddle to gain a better vantage on the slopes rising steeply on their left, Elrond looked for signs of an enemy presence in the crags and crevices of the mountainside. /If all goes well, we will all be within the safety of Minas Tirith within three weeks, our initial mission complete. We will spend another three to four weeks reviewing our findings and what new intelligence has been gathered before we must leave to return to Imladris for the winter. I will be glad to return to our home and have the isolation of the coming winter snows to give us some much needed privacy. I need the time to grow accustomed to the changes that have come to my life so suddenly./

Seeing several birds take flight from a heavily wooded section of the slope a quarter of a mile ahead of their column, Elrond motioned to Glorfindel to have the area investigated before they approached. The terrain made scouting the mountainside nearly impossible, for no path existed to allow elf or man to move easily from ledge to ledge. It did, however, provide opportunity for the enemy to position archers to wreak havoc on their force.

Noting Haldir had sent several of his Lorien archers up the slope to flush the wooded area for potential danger, he deliberately slowed the forward speed of his company to give them time to complete their assignment. Hearing Seere’s huff of indignation produced a grim smile that did little to light his features. Her father and Celeborn had once again joined him in positioning themselves between her and any possible danger. /She may be right. If they want to take her captive at her uncle’s instruction, she may be the safest one of us from an archer’s arrow. I do not plan, however, to implement her suggestion that she ride in front of us… me. I will not relax until she is within the walls of Minas Tirith. I wish we could go there directly, but that makes no sense. Minas Ithil first, then to Minas Tirith./

A Lorien elf stepped out onto the end of the wooded ledge to signal it was clear. A slight nudge of his heels was sufficient to quicken Kaane’s speed back to their prior pace. Glancing to his left, he met his Seneschal’s gaze as the blonde elf moved to his side.

“Haldir and I propose sending a small scouting party forward to survey the hillside for enemy archers. The trees and other vegetation have grown quite thick in the years since Sauron fell… far more so than we anticipated. These slopes are riddled with hiding places for the enemy,” the warrior observed.

Nodding, Elrond gave his approval of the plan. “Agreed, but I do not want them venturing too far ahead of the main column. They will have no defence if they become separated from us.”

“Understood, my king. I will see to it immediately.”

Feeling a rueful grin slip onto his face, he watched his old friend move off to organise the patrol. /It seems that I am the only one not struggling with accepting this duty that has fallen to me. Glory fairly beams with pride and pleasure when he addresses me as king. Celeborn and Erestor are no better. I had not realised how deeply it rankled them that I was passed over so long ago. True, we needed the unity it would have brought, but this is more personal I think./

“Aye, it is.”

Turning to meet Seere’s serene gaze, he was not longer surprised when she heard his thoughts. Smiling, he asked, “What is my love?”

“They are quite pleased that you have finally received the recognition they think is long overdue.” Glancing over at her father, she saw the quirk of his lips that confirmed both that he was listening, and that he agreed with her statement. “You are the High King and, for some, have held that title for millennia.”

Snorting with amusement, Elrond returned his focus to the rough road in front of them. “Well, I am glad for them, but I have yet to come to grips with this change, melme. The only certainty I can find of late is your love and that of our family and friends. Everything else seems to change before my eyes without warning.” (love)

“I suppose it comes as a shock to those without your gift of foresight that it seldom gives you hints or warnings of what will happen in your own life, meldir,” Erestor observed, joining the conversation. “Your dreams about Seere are the only ones I can recall you having that foretold your own future.” (friend)

Sharing a tender look with his wife, Elrond corrected, “I long foresaw that Arwen would chose to be counted among the Secondborn… that she would marry the King of Gondor, but I suppose that is more a prophecy about her destiny than my own. I have often wished I had seen more of what my destiny held, but tis likely a blessing I did not. I grieved many years for the loss of my daughter before it came to pass. I fought the desire to ship her off to Aman on so many occasions, hoping to change her fate. To have known more would have been a misery I suspect.”

Curious, Erestor asked, “Why did you not send her? I have always wondered. It would have been so easy to send her with Celebrian when she sailed, for she truly needed her daughter’s care.”

Sighing, Elrond admitted, “I considered it… seriously considered it. I could have used her guilt to sway her to go with Celebrian, for we all felt so guilty we had not been there to save her the torment she endured, the twins most of all. In truth, Arwen also foresaw her intended mate. She knew he was a man, and she had come to terms with her choice long before she met Estel in Lothlorien. She knew her destiny was tied to Middle-earth, not Aman, and could not sail. I knew she would find no peace or happiness in the Blessed Lands feeling as she did. I had no choice but to helplessly stand aside and watch her slip away.”

“You never told me this! Why not, mellon nin? I would have stood with you,” Erestor exclaimed, his dismay in not knowing the full extent of his friend’s suffering clear in his open expression. (my friend)

“I never doubted that you would, gwador,” Elrond assured. “I did not know how to tell you or anyone else what I had seen. Silly as this may seem, I let myself hope it would not happen if I did not mention it… as if the speaking it aloud would make it true.” (sworn brother)

Seeing the question in the king’s eyes, Erestor nodded. “There is nothing silly in that, Elrond. I too have done much the same. I refuse to talk about Laurea for fear someone will recall something that destroys my hopes we will find her… that she will yet return to my side. If I do not talk about her, I can always pretend she is but in another room or off visiting in Gondor.”

A soft voice to this right interrupted his musing. “If you do not talk of her, Ada, you privately dwell on your grief and forget the joy you shared. Tell me about her. Together we will keep her spirit flourishing, until she returns.”

Stunned by his daughter’s words, Erestor stared into her golden eyes for several minutes before responding. “I had not thought… I have never shared so many things about her with you. I have denied you the knowing of her, have I not?”

Reaching out to take his hand, Seere shook her head to deny this. “You told me all I needed to know. I remember her more than you know. She is beautiful… more than simply fair of face and form. She has a pure heart and a quick wit… a sharp and precise mind. Her laugh is rich and full of mischief. She loves the rain and flowers. You often walked with her in the garden on rainy days, muttering about being wet, but too content in her company to leave her side.”

Staring straight ahead, Erestor whispered, “I did not know you remembered that. I always closed the drapes and refused to venture outside when it rained when you were young. I should have shared that memory with you. I am so sorry, pen vuil.” (dear one)

“Ada, you do not owe me any apologies! You gave me a wonderful and loving childhood. I wanted for nothing save missing Nana.” Squeezing his hands to recapture his attention, she added, “I simply meant it would be nice to talk about her. Do not bottle your memories up, for doing so robs them of the comfort they will bring to our spirits. She will be found. She will return to your side, but until then we have your memories to share.”

After a few moments, Erestor gave his daughter and son-in-law a rueful smile. “So, our roles have reversed it seems, with you now taking care of me. Is this your influence, meldir?” (friend)

Shaking his head, Elrond smiled at them both. “Nay, she is yours and Laurea’s daughter, though that last speech was worthy of her grandfather.”

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It was mid-afternoon when the reached the pass up into the mountains that led to Minas Ithil. After several hours of riding, Isildur’s ancient fortress came into view. One of the first tasks Elessar had given to his new Steward had been to raze and rebuild the towering structure to its former glory, cleansed of the evil Sauron’s minions had left during its time as Minas Morgul. Faramir had been relentless in his drive to rid the massive watch of the desecrated statures and corrupted adornments the Dark Lord had favoured.

Faramir had overseen the cleansing of the passes and caves that dotted the steep slopes surrounding the fortress with brutal efficiency. He had been determined to remove any lingering trace of the spiders and other fell beasts of Morgoth that had long thrived there. Shelob’s Lair had sickened and angered the young prince of men, and he had made its rehabilitation his personal mission. The taint of Sauron’s evil had been obliterated and the landscape washed clean.

In the years since, the succeeding Princes of Ithilien had begun to garrison a large force at the fortress as it was slowly rebuilt, in hopes of securing the pass into Mordor. The eldest son of the current Prince had held that post for the last ten years. Prince Thalion and his troops were waiting to greet them on the causeway to the main gate of Minas Ithil.

A beaming smile lit his face as the young commander stepped out to greet them. “Mae govannen, my lord king. My father sent me word of your impending arrival. I am honoured to finally meet you, as are all of your descendents.” (Well met…)

Smiling at yet another of his distant grandsons, Elrond swung down from Kaane’s back. “Well met indeed, ion. Your parents told me much of you, for they are most proud of your accomplishments.” (son)

Seeing the elves at his side, the Prince grinned. “Adar’ra! Lord Erestor and Lady… I mean Queen Seere. It has been too many years since I last saw you. I hope you are all well?”

Laughing, Seere stepped forward to embrace the young man. “I am simply Seere as I ever have been, mellon nin. It is so good to see you. I understand your oldest daughter will be coming to Imladris in a few years to begin her education. If she takes after you, I will warn the tutors when we get home to prepare!” (my friend)

Returning the embrace, the Prince teased, “Surely it is not proper for me to call you Seere! Perhaps, Naneth’ra for you are now married to my great-great-great-great grandfather.”

Smacking his arm lightly at his teasing, she retorted, “Do not forget that, penneth! I would hate to have to remind you of that fact… with a trip to the library to read some old dusty tome! That was always the best way to keep you in check.” (young one)

“It still is! But that reminds me… I need to show you a trunk and a number of crates of materials my great many times over grandfather Faramir stored in the dungeons of this fortress.” Meeting Elrond’s gaze, he continued. “When Ada told me you were coming, he suggested you might want to explore the building and grounds. He suggested there may be remnants of the old Minas Morgul that were overlooked in the restoration. That put me in mind of this store, items we believe were intended for transport to Minas Tirith that somehow were overlooked and left here.”

Trading a confused look with the others, the king asked, “Why did Ara not know of this stash? He is under the impression all of the materials related to one of the Dark Lords not already in the central library were rounded up last summer and taken to Minas Tirith.”

Shaking his head, Thalion replied. “I cannot say, Adar’ra. The Prince never contacted either Ada or me for such items, perhaps assuming Adar’ra Faramir had either destroyed or taken all we had to Minas Tirith during his service as Prince and Steward. Assuredly there are no such items in Henneth Annûn, for none was ever there. As I said, this trunk and the crates were supposed to be taken to the city long ago, but somehow have been overlooked all these years. We knew they were there, but paid them no mind as they are in such an inaccessible part of the dungeons.”

Looking a little embarrassed by the reception to his news, he offered, “I am sorry that this happened, but the store room where they have been kept has been well guarded. Indeed I do not believe anyone has opened any of them since they were sealed by Faramir himself. Each still bears his seal and they are unbroken.”

Reaching over to grasp Elrond’s arm, Celeborn exclaimed, “This may well be a valuable find, ion! I think it a good bet that Lhach has never seen this cache, so may be ignorant to its contents. There may be some useful information that has been safely housed here under our very noses all this time!” (son)

“Indeed, this is possible,” Elrond agreed. “Tis also possible we may find more inside the fortress than we will in our search of Cirith Ungol. I am far more optimist of the success of our trip here than I was when we set out this morning!”

Turning back to Thalion, he smiled. “This is great news, ion! And your Adar’s suggestion we search the grounds for information is a sound one.” (son)

Relieved, the young commander swept his arms toward the entrance to the tower. “Please join me for light refreshments before you are shown to your rooms to relax before the evening meal. My second will see to your troops.”

Offering Seere his arm, Elrond smiled. “That would be welcome, ion. Lead on.” (son)

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