The Music in My Heart

Title: The Music in My Heart, Chapter 8 (betaed)
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 8 --- Middle-earth Revisited

“The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be the beginning.”
Ivy Baker Priest

*****

The welcoming delegation waited patiently at the wharves of the Grey Havens. The fleet had been spotted by watchers in the lighthouse an hour earlier, six weeks to the day after Seere’s dream. Celeborn and Elrond’s twin sons stood, representing Imladris and Lorien, at the head of the group ready to greet their returning family.

The past weeks had been busy, filled with an endless stream of tasks to complete, each with a mind-numbing list of details to address. Elladan and Elrohir felt no small amount of joy when the time came to saddle their horses to travel to the Havens. They gladly endured their grandfather’s teasing at their obvious relief to finally be free of Erestor’s endless “lists”.

Erestor and Seere stayed behind to finish the remaining work and deal with the steady flow of refugees arriving almost daily at Rivendell’s front gate. Both had wanted to attend the arrival, but knew the others had the superior claim as they had family on the ships. Besides, the refugee population had tripled in the last month and the demands of seeing to this huge influx of people were enormous.

Legolas was the first to spy a ship entering the harbor, followed closely by the next. Within minutes, the sails of the graceful elven ships formed a mass of white, blocking the distant horizon from the eyes of the excited crowd, most of whom were residents of the Havens there to greet their former lord, Cirdan. A joyous cheer rose up as the ships neared the quay, a cheer that quickly evolved into a song of praise and joy sung in thanks to the Valar and Eru Ilúvatar for the safe return of the elves onboard the ships.

*****

Anxious to again glimpse Middle-earth, Elrond had taken position at his ship’s bow on rising that morning. His eyes filled with tears at the unexpected and heartfelt welcome. His keen eyes immediately located his sons among the throng and a part of the deep loneliness he had felt for so long began to recede.

His fingers gripped the railing to keep him from reaching out toward them, waving, or otherwise acting like an elfling rather than a dignified elf lord of over seven millennia. Nothing, however, could keep a broad smile from taking over his face as he took in the scene before him. /How did they know we were coming let alone what day we would arrive? My sons! You are a beautiful sight indeed for this weary soul! And, Celeborn, my old friend! Thanks be to the Valar that we should be together again! And Legolas and Gimli, too!! What a wondrous sight!/

A laugh to his left and a shout to his right pulled him back to his surroundings. Glorfindel was laughing his pleasure at seeing their friends and family waiting at the wharf, while Rúmil had shouted a greeting to his foster father. The indulgent smiles on his brothers’ faces mirrored his own.

Today was surely to be a day to hold close to the heart; the type of memory that you cling to in order to survive future hardships. As the words of the songs being sung drifted out the ships, the elves onboard joined the singing, a joyous chorus that could be heard in the hearts of elves throughout Arda. These elven children of Middle-earth, long departed from her shores, had come home!

*****

After an emotion-filled reception, Celeborn gathered his family and close friends together and led them to their temporary lodgings at the Grey House, the palace Cirdan had built at the beginning of the Second Age. A large feast was planned for the evening in the palace’s public gardens to celebration of the return of their kin. Until then, there was much for his group to discuss.

Elrond walked between his sons along the path up the hill to Grey House, listening with pleasure to their running commentary about the upcoming feast. Silently, they had all agreed to wait for the privacy of the palace for more private conversations. He was amused, yet relieved, to see how little either twin had changed in the over 700 years of their separation.

Elladan, in particular, still seemed to be full of exuberant energy that could and would degenerate quickly into mischief, though Elrohir showed signs of a new dignity that had been emerging when he had sailed. A brief, bittersweet memory came to him of a family picnic by the river, his sons flanking their reclining parents with baby Arwen asleep across his chest as the twins competed to tell him about that day’s archery lesson.

He quickly suppressed the memory, lest he think too much of either Arwen or Celebrian. He had expected that his return would force him to come to a final acceptance of his daughter’s death, but he was not ready to face that pain. He also knew the twins would have to be told of the end of his marriage to their mother, but that too needed to wait until they had time alone to talk it through.

While he had no immediate plans to seek a wife, his renewed spirit and passion for life had made him begin to think about the possibility of at least taking a lover. Celebrian’s announcement at their last meeting that she planned to marry later in the year had been both painful and liberating.

Once he had gotten over the shock, he had been relieved to find that any lingering questions about a future reconciliation were now put behind him. He had also been gratified to find he no longer desired to be with her and recapture their early passion for each other. The demands of the last nine months had allowed him to finally begin to heal his torn heart.

In truth, he was happy for her and wished her well. Getting his sons to understand that both of their parents were ready to move on with their lives was a talk he dreaded, but could not avoid for long. Stifling a sigh, Elrond entered the Grey House.

*****

Rather than going directly to their assigned rooms, Celeborn ushered their party to the secluded comfort of a patio garden off the shipwright’s old study. Once refreshments had been served and everyone was settled, Celeborn addressed the group. “While today is a day of celebration for your safe arrival, there are many things we need to discuss before we attend the feast tonight. We will need to make several announcements about our short-term plans. Legolas, Gimli, my grandsons and I are the only ones here that are privy to what has been happening behind closed doors in recent months. But, first, we would appreciate hearing how it is possible you and your expedition have been allowed to return to us. Do you bring word to Middle-earth from the Valar?”

As all eyes turned to Elrond who smiled as he said, “I would be most happy to tell you everything, but I ask that, when I am done, you satisfy our curiosity as to how you knew we would arrive today, as well as, these other matters of which you speak.”

On seeing a nod of agreement, he began, ”I wish I had more to offer than this, but… I was called to Mahanaxar to attend the Council of the Valar. Without preamble, I was asked if I willing to return to Middle-earth. I have no doubt they knew what my answer would be long before I arrived, but I said that I was.”

“After a long silence, … and I must tell you, my friends … nothing prepares you for a long silence while you are standing before the Valar in the Ring of Doom,” a comment that caused sympathetic smiles to appear on the faces of his traveling companions and awe on the faces of the younger elves in the room.

He continued. “As I was saying, I was then told that there was ‘a duty of great urgency and importance’ and ‘a task of mercy long delayed’ that they wished to see accomplished; was I willing to undertake these ‘obligates’ on their behalf? I, of course, answered, “I serve the Valar and would gladly do all I can to see this done.”

“After another lengthy pause, I was asked if I had questions.” This produced chuckles from Cirdan and Glorfindel. Elrond smiled in reply and said, “Not surprisingly, I did! I asked what this duty, this task was.”

“The answer I received was ‘You will recognize what you must do when the time comes if you serve the Valar and keep the Song of Eru Ilúvatar always in your heart. Middle-earth is again threatened by darkness, the legacy of Melkor and Sauron’s evil. To aid you in this quest, any elf in Aman that wishes to accompany you will be given leave to do so. Once you have completed your mission, we will allow each elf to decide whether they will stay in Middle-earth or return to Aman.’”

“I was then told to go to Cirdan and ask that ships be readied for the voyage. I also told to ‘commission my expeditionary force’ and arrange for wherever we felt necessary to provision the mission. I was then told I was free to go,” Elrond concluded.

A lengthy silence followed his words. At Cirdan’s laugh, all eyes turned to him. “I should warn you that Elrond had grown quite impervious to elven silences since his visit to the Ring of Doom, so you might want to try asking your questions if you want answers! We that have traveled with him have learned this the hard way.”

“My Lord Cirdan, I promise you, in this trait at least, he is little changed from that encounter. He has always been thus! Do you not remember that as the High King’s Herald, Elrond was the only one that could remain unfazed by Ereinion’s tactic of silently starring at someone until his victim told all!” laughed Glorfindel, to the great amusement of the ‘Lorien brothers.

Taking a deep breath, “Tis a comfort to know some things have not changed since last we met, mellon min,” responded Celeborn, now recovered from his shock at the brevity of Elrond’s report. “I apologize for our reaction. I think we all assumed you would have been told more, but is does add a few pieces to the puzzle we have been trying to assemble of late.”

Glancing over at his grandsons, he continued, “It is probably a good idea to update them on the general state of affairs in Middle-earth and do no more than summarize Seere’s dreams and visions at this time. It may be best to let her recount them herself, in full, for Elrond when we arrive in Imladris. Since the Valar has told him he will know what it is he seeks when he sees it, /That is amazing!/ maybe he will see something in them we have not.”

“I agree Adar’ra. Much could be lost in translation,” mused Elladan.

Seeing the nods of agreement from the rest of his group, Celeborn turned back to encounter a glaring elf lord. Smothering a grin, he asked, “Yes? You want to ask something?” / I have missed that glare! Neither Elladan nor Elrohir can quite get the some intensity!/

“I believe I was promised an answer to my earlier question of how you knew of our arrival today. It would also seem there is much to tell us beginning with who is this Seere. As we have now joined your plight, a full understanding of what we are facing would be greatly appreciated. So, if you would be so kind…!” His grey eyes were flashing silver.

Five faces lit up with pleasure at this display of vintage Elrond pique, and Elrohir exclaimed, “Dear Ada, tis good to have you home!!”

*****

Easing into the hot water, he sighed with pleasure as the warmth of his first tub bath in six weeks spread through his tired body. Determined to enjoy it to the fullest, he lay back in the steaming water and cradling his neck in a rest built into the side of the pool, letting his long, mahogany-hued black hair float around him.

/Well, an extremely eventful day so far! The sight of my sons and old friends all gathered to greet us was overwhelming. That is not a sight I shall ever forget!/

Sinking completely into the water’s embrace, he mused, /I am intrigued by this daughter of Erestor. I guess it is not surprising she has this gift, given who her grandfather is. Her mother had great potential too. Distressing that they never found what happened to her. My heart bleeds for Erestor ---dear gentle friend, he should not have had to endure such a pain. Of course, he would be the one to stay and see to the work while the others go off on more exciting adventures. So like him! Seere must be a lot like him if they have made her a junior counsellor at her age. Yes, I am looking forward to getting back to Imladris./

Staring off into an unseen future, he considered the limited facts he had been given. /Strange, but I have no doubt that many of our visions will be similar. I am curious to compare details. I wonder if she is …but nay, tis not likely. Still, tis an odd coincidence that my vision should return at this time./

A grimace touched his face and he considered the other news he had received. /I remember her Uncle Lhach from the few visits he made to Imladris with his father. It was sad that the boy felt so overshadowed by his father and gifted older twin. Tis true, she glowed with an inner light that made his look pale in comparison./

/I was grieved when I heard of his complete break from his family./ Sighing, he shifted to a more comfortable position, this thoughts still far away. /Lhach was a very intelligent young peredhel who could have been a fine scholar had he applied himself, … but he chose to ignore what gifts he had and covet those he did not. Jealously and anger are a dangerous mix, combined with a clever mind./

/This explains why his parents did not join our company. Gandalf was deeply wounded by the break and I know it still grieves him. I wonder if he has seen what is happening on Middle-earth? Still, the Valar could not ask a father to hunt his child if there are others to do the job. Sad business this,/ he thought as he reached over to open the taps to let fresh hot water flow into the tub.

Humming with contentment as the renewed heat surrounded him, he let his mind drift to Seere and her gift. /I am beginning to obsess over these dreams and visions to which they have alluded. I have not seen a redheaded elf with a beard in any of mine and she has not seen…, but maybe she has and does not recognize the scene? Humm?..../

A momentary irritation clouded his thoughts. /I wish they would give me a full accounting …but there may be merit to Celeborn’s decision. If he is right, I may be able to offer insight into her dreams and visions if I have no preconceived opinions based on their second-hand telling. It will be interesting to see if mine share details with hers./

/And, if not, luckily tis only two weeks I must wait. What is two weeks in the elven scheme of things? Humph… who would believe that I subscribe to that silly old adage? If I did not know the seriousness of the situation, I might be tempted to wonder if they bait me… my impatience is well known!/ Sitting up at this thought, he reached for the shampoo to wash his hair.

/They make much of her gift and display a great love for her. I wonder what her relationship is with the twins? Elladan in particular seems quite fond of her. Erestor’s daughter would be a fine match for him,/ he considered, leaning back to rinse this hair.

/It is good both of my sons have remained close to each other and it appears they are great friends with Legolas and Gimli. Elrohir and Legolas seem especially close. Good friendships are often our greatest joys in life. They remind me of my younger days surrounded by the first stable family I had ever known --- Elros, Celeborn, Cirdan, Erestor, Glorfindel, and dear, Ereinion. If only Elros were not lost to the mortal path and Ereinion were here, we would all be together again… but tis not to be./

Realizing time was slipping away fast, Elrond finished his bath and rose to dress for the feast. /Yes, we will have much to celebrate tonight! Already, my heart feels lighter to be back among my family and friends, beating with a renewed sense of purpose for my life./

*****

Lindon, Second Age, Year 3401

/It has been a very long day, but the ones to come will be longer still. I slip in and out of light reverie catching glimpses of my life from long ago. They tantalize and torture me with equal skill/.

/My time as a carefree elfling, free of the cares of the world, seems so very brief --- the sweet sense of safety in my naneth's arms, the wild joy of running through the gardens with my sister, the pleasure of sitting on my adar's knee to hear a story. So brief, these innocent memories all too few./

/I know my ada loved me, but I knew even then that the burdens he carried would take him away from me. When they did, I was still shocked and hurt. I clearly remember that last time I saw him --- kneeling before me, hands grasping my small shoulders. "I am depending on you, my son, to look after your naneth and sister until it is safe for me to bring you home." A final crushing hug and he was gone, leaving us to Cirdan's care. I still feel the grief at receiving the news of his death./

/Looking back through the intervening millennia, I can now see a pattern --- of death, upheaval, and loss --- that has been the course of my life --- Ada, Naneth, Finduilas, friends, relatives, those that have served with me, for me. So many lost… their faces run together when I view them in succession. And all of them buried amid the memories of cities build and destroyed… wars and battles fought to ill or gain, and the endless press of duty, statecraft, and intrigue. Ai! --- politics!!! Give me an honest battle any day, where I can discern the enemy, wield my weapons, and understand the role expected of me./

/Maybe that is why I allow so few close to me, to guard my heart against more loss. I can count the number of my inner circle on one hand --- Cirdan, my mentor, Celeborn and Glorfindel, my trusted confidents, Erestor, my calm voice of reason, and Elrond, my Herald, my dearest friend, my anchor. I do not think I meant to care so deeply for this makeshift band of brothers, but they found their way into my heart. They make me strong …and they make me vulnerable. I would give my life to save any of them for surely I would not survive the loss of any one of them. Not a happy thought in the midst planning for war. /

/But then, so few of my thoughts are happy in these dark days and the one source of comfort I would seek I cannot have. He is far away from me and beyond my reach in so many ways./

*****

A/N Lhach means leaping flame (because of his vivid red hair).