In the Garden

Title: In the Garden, Chapter 8
Author: Sorsha
Fandom/Pairing: Elrond/OFC, others implied
Rating: R
Warning: AU (Story set several hundred years after ROTK in Aman); Het.
Feedback: Constructive feedback appreciated.
Archive: AFF.net; fanfiction.net
Acknowledgements: Thanks also to Lady Victoria for betaing this fic.
Disclaimer: Anything you recognize belongs to Prof. Tolkien. A quick check of my bank account should prove I’m not making anything off of writing my stories. Sigh!
Summary: Life in the Blessed Land has not been so blessed for Elrond. Can the happiness that has long eluded him be found in the words of a red-bound journal, the help of his scheming friends, and the granting of a wish that none thought possible?

A/N: Thanks MarBar. The journals will show up again, I promise!

Chapter 8 --- Making Beautiful Music

Meril let her hands fall into her lap, her flute clinched tightly between suddenly tense fingers. Taking a deep breath, she looked up to gauge the reaction to her performance from her audience of two. Seeing the pleased smile on Lindir’s face, she cautiously turned her gaze to the other elf.

To her surprise, she found him staring, lost in his thoughts, across the width of his garden at a statue of the Lady of the Stars. A cough from the first elf, one that sounded suspiciously like a choked off laugh, drew his attention back to the other two. Embarrassed and at a loss for words to excuse his seeming inattention, Elrond inclined his head to Meril, as he struggled to express his reaction. “I am overwhelmed, my lady. Your performance was without compare. I found myself lost in the images your music brought to my mind. Thank you for such a gift.”

A bright pink blush swept up her cheeks in response to his praise. A quick look in the direction of the Teleri conveyed the uncertainty she felt to his knowing eyes. “To have engendered such a response is quite a compliment, Meril. I have seldom seen Elrond as moved as he is now.”

Reaching over to pat her clinched hands, he added, “I felt much the same the first time you played during your audition for one of my classes in Lorien. The flute is most definitely your instrument, thought you are gifted too with harp and lyre.”

“Did you learn that piece from your Naneth?” Hearing her murmured assent, Elrond smiled wistfully. “She would play it for my twin and me before our minder forced us to bed in the evenings. Elros and I, as with most elflings, wanted to stay up with the elders and listen to the music played in the High King’s hall at Lindon. If your Naneth was among the players, she would make a point of playing us one of our favorite songs to soothe and make us sleepy. The other nights it fell to Lindir,” he added with an affectionate smile at his mentor.

“I guess that is where she learned the technique for she would do the same with my siblings and me. I would have stayed up all night had they let me. My twin and our brother would start falling asleep shortly after the sun set and be ready to rise at first light. I hated to be sent to bed so early, but was never easy to awaken in the mornings, even after a full night’s rest. My parents rarely let me stay up late as a consequence.” Grinning, she recalled, “Min and Sael would become quite outdone with me for being such a ‘lay-a-bed’, for it was their responsibility to make sure I was up in time for breakfast and our classes.”

“My twin and I were the same. Elros woke the roosters I suspect. Our minder often had to call the King… or worse yet, Lindir, to get me out of my bed!” Elrond laughed, lost for the moment in a memory he had not had in many years.

“May I ask why you speak in the past tense, my lord? You still prefer to stay up half the night reading, or playing your harp, or a game of chess than to retire at a respectable hour!” Lindir teased. “I do not recall the last time you rose in time to watch the sunrise.”

“Sunrises are nice, but overrated. Each is much like the other, so once you have seen one, you have seen them all!” the elf lord retorted. “Now, nighttime is special. All grows quiet and you hear the sounds of the world that are muffled by the chatter and noise of daily life. I feel my connection to Arda more keenly at night.”

“I know of what you speak, my lord. I love to sit on the porch off my bed chamber and feel the energy of creation… hear the whispers of the trees and the animals. I know the Song is being sung and it touches… sooths me to listen. I often fall asleep there rather than return to my bed. It is so… peaceful,” Meril mused.

Pleased to have someone to share this sensibility, Elrond nodded in agreement. /How refreshing! So few elves enjoy the night… the eldar are mostly morning people. I had always wondered if it was my mixed blood that drew me to the night. It seems it is not./

“In Imladris… and Lindon before, I often found myself seeking the gardens or a secluded balcony to enjoy the night sky, the sounds of Arda… the earthy dampness that perfumed the air. During my years as Herald, I often took the late watch when out on a mission because I had no difficulty staying alert and I relished the time to myself,” he reminisced.

“You traveled often as Herald to the High King?” she asked. “My Naneth always spoke of her Ada traveling for himself while king.”

“Ereinion traveled extensively, but for many centuries, I spent more time in the saddle than in Lindon.” A wistful smile bespoke the bittersweet quality of his memories of that time. “Even after we founded Imladris, I led our warriors into battle as soon as the siege broke. Those brief years following the War of Elves and Men and the return of Sauron was the only period I was able to stay in one place long enough to oversee the building of the Last Homely House and the other buildings that formed the original complex. Until then, our people lived in small huts and tents scattered around the valley.”

“You were the King’s emissary and standard bearer during a very difficult period in our history. You served our peoples well, my lord… then and later,” she offered.

“Indeed he did. You must get him to share his stories of his many exploits, Meril. He has more tales to tell than anyone I know, and many of them are largely unknown for he undertook them in secret!” Leaning forward in a conspiratorial fashion, Lindir mock whispered, “Did you know our friend here was a spy for the High King? He ventured into many a hostile place… including Mordor. Ask him to show you the maps and drawings he made on those trips. I still have nightmares of his stories of slipping into that dark land to detail the building of Barad-Dûr.”

Gasping, the elleth stared at the peredhel. Only the look of extreme embarrassment that tinted his cheeks a dull red, made her realize how rudely she was behaving. “Forgive me, my lord. Master Lindir is correct; you have not received the credit you deserve for such efforts on our behalf! I would love to hear these stories sometime, if you would be willing to share them with me. I have a great love of history.”

Still uncomfortable with the attention he was receiving, he sent Lindir a look that promised further words on the subject, he finally nodded his head. “If you would be interested in those old tales, I would gladly share them with you, Meril.”

“Indeed yes, I would be interested! I will look forward to hearing them, my lord. You can trust my discretion if that is a concern.”

Pleased by the earnest, yet enthusiastic expression on her face, Elrond found himself relaxing, already anticipating the opportunity to spend more time in her company. Deciding it was best to turn the conversation back their original topic, he began, “I never had reason to doubt that. But, you were telling us you too enjoy the night. I find that reassuring to know I am not the only night elf in Aman!”

“I am glad to reassure you then! I used to drive Min to distraction when we were still quite young with my need to play my flute to the night. Eventually, I took to climbing up into the mellyrn and played to my heart’s content… or at least until one of my parents found me missing and made me return to my bed. I was happy to pass my majority so that, within limits, they let me be.” Grinning, she recalled, “Some nights I was joined by others seeking a place to play. That, Master Lindir, is the origin of the quartet that auditioned for you --- Min, Rúmil, Cellaras, and me.”

Smiling in response to her story, Lindir commented, “You make a fine ensemble. Do you still play together?”

Meril’s face fell and she looked away. “Nay, Min lives with her family near Alqualondë. Rúmil and I have but recently begun to rebuild our friendship. We have not played together since… and dear Cellaras… we lost him during the final battle at Dol Guldur. His death took the heart out of our group. It is too soon to hope he has been rehoused.” A tear slid down her face as she finished.

Before Lindir could respond, Elrond reached over to cover her hands as they twisted in her lap with his, his long fingers easily encircling them both. “I am sorry we brought up such painful memories, Lirimaer. We both know the pain of losing friends to battle. The knowledge his sacrifice helped put an end to the evil that threatened all of Middle-earth is the only comfort we can take in such loss.” (Lovely one)

“I do not mean to be so emotional, my lord. As I told you earlier, I have only recently begun to play my flute again. I had not realized how much I missed the spiritual nourishment it gives me.” Forcing a smile back to her face, she added, “I also miss the camaraderie of playing with others that feel the same passion. I thank you and Master Lindir for inviting here me today to share our music.”

“Indeed, it is a pleasure for us, as well. Your talent is great and I enjoy playing with you both,” Elrond insisted. “And I believe you agreed to address me as Elrond, not my lord.”

Deciding to play innocent to the flirtatious quality of Elrond’s tone, Lindir suggested, “Meril, I promised that I would teach you the composition I debuted at your Uncle’s recital. Elrond… if you will play the harp sequences, I will show Meril the flute passages. Shall we begin?”

-----

The three had been lost in the music for several hours when a discrete cough drew their attention. A petite elleth with blue-black hair cascading to mere inches from the floor stood before them with a tray laden with refreshments. An indulgent smile lit her lovely face as she studied them for a few seconds before demanding, “Enough for now. Come and join us for a glass of juice and some sweetbreads the cook made earlier.”

Laughing, Lindir set aside his flute and rose to take the heavy tray. “My dear wife knows us too well, Elrond. How long have we been playing, melme… and who is this ‘us’?” (love)

Gesturing to a small group of listeners sitting on the steps of the house enjoying to the impromptu performance, she answered, “You have missed lunch entirely, so come take some refreshment.”

Seeing those gathered on the steps, Meril was embarrassed to find she had been oblivious to the fact they had an audience. Unbidden, unpleasant memories of the recital the night she learned of Haldir’s betrayal swamped her mind. Suddenly shy, she dropped her head and let her long hair sweep in front of her face.

Sensing her unease and guessing at the cause, Elrond rose and offered her his hand. “Meril, have you met Lindir’s wife and sons? No, then may I present the Lady Taerad. And, here are their sons, Erestor and Melpomaen. Of course, you already know Himiel and my sons. Last, but never least, I believe you have met Olórin, whom we still prefer to call Mithrandir… to his great amusement, I suspect.”

“Thank you, my lord… Elrond. I have indeed had the pleasure to meet all but the Lady Taerad during my years in Lorien. Master Erestor and his brother visited Lorien many times on your behalf. My father regularly corresponded with both and considers them dear friends. I did not, however, know you were Master Lindir’s sons. Mithrandir, tis good to see you again,” she replied, her hand clutching Elrond’s arm.

Within seconds she was engulfed in the hugs of her friends. Olórin stood to one side smiling. “I have missed hearing you play, Meril. You were well matched in your companions.”

Blushing, she reached up to press a soft kiss to the now ageless face of the Maia. “Were it not for your eyes, I would not have recognized you, Mithrandir.”

Laughing, he teased, “I extracted a promise from the Valar that I would be returned to my former appearance before I agreed to take on the ancient visage of the Istar. Vain I know… but I had all eternity to consider!”

Shaking her head at his teasing tone, she excused herself and walked over to assist Taerad with the refreshment. “Tis a pleasure to meet you, my lady.”

“I have been looking forward to meeting you, as well, my dear. Lindir has long sung your praise. Having heard you play, I can understand why. It is rare to see three play so naturally together without years of association and practice.” Smiling, she added, “While Elrond and my Lindir have that and more, it is still surprising to see a third meld so flawlessly with them.”

Elladan walked over and slipped his arm around her shoulders. “Nana Taerad is right. That was a very enjoyable performance… more so as it was natural, not rehearsed. It is a blessing to hear you play again.”

“You are sweet, Elladan. How, by the way, is the lovely princess of Mirkwood? I understand you have been keeping her company of late… or so your grandmother says,” she teased. The two ellith shared a grin at the slight blush that stained the cheeks of the normally unflappable peredhel.

“She is wonderful. She will be arriving within the hour for dinner. Please stay and join us. It will only be family and close friends, so you would enjoy yourself,” he suggested, trying to sound causal. The look he received from his twin and Himiel let him know he had been less than successful in that regard.

“Indeed, that would be most pleasant,” Elrond urged, having joined them to take a glass of raspberry infused water from Taerad. “I intended to invite you earlier, but we became so engrossed in the music, I was remiss. Galadriel and Celeborn will be here, as well, and your great uncle. They will be most disappointed if they miss you, especially as Cirdan will be leaving to return to his home tomorrow.”

“I would love to, my lord, but my parents are expecting me…” she began.

“Of course they are. It is still early enough. I will send a messenger to invite them to join us. It has been far too long since I had the pleasure of seeing either of them.” Satisfied he would have his way, Elrond signaled for an attendant to bring him parchment and writing tools. Within minutes, he had sent the young elf off to deliver the note.

The twins had wondered over to join Lindir and Mirthrandir in the cool, shady area next to a large splashing fountain. With their backs safely turned to their father, they traded a grin with their old mentors. It had been many years since they had seen their sire show so much interest in a social gathering. The autocratic manner with which he had dispensed with Meril’s half-hearted objections was something they had not seen since arriving in the Blessed Lands… nor had they seen so genuine a smile grace his face in many centuries.

A quick glance over their shoulders confirmed that Meril had taken on a glow that had been missing since the end of her betrothal. In truth, that glow had begun to dim long before Haldir’s disgraceful behavior became known to her. Both brothers privately believed she had begun to have doubts about her relationship with the warrior, but had felt incapable of voicing them.

Her family, as a whole, preferred to avoid disagreeable situations and would have been horrified to think she might have been considering ending the betrothal. Her mother lived in fear of scandal and was prone to using emotional blackmail to get her way. Her father was never likely to do anything that might upset his wife and her siblings, especially her twin, was very like their mother in personality. The twins secretly believed both knew more than they has as yet admitted about Haldir’s conduct, but had kept silent in deference to their mother’s obsession rather than their sister’s best interests.

Her closest friends were Haldir’s younger sister and brothers. They had secretly hoped she would say something that would have given them the chance to subtly encourage her to voice her fears without explicitly betraying their brother. Meril likely hesitated to confide in their grandparents in a matter such as this for fear of causing Haldir embarrassment or difficulties with those he served. It was doubtful she felt she had anyone with whom she could confide her fears and ask advice.

In retrospect, both blamed themselves for not taking her aside to tell her the truth once they became aware of the affair. At the time, they felt their reasons justified their silence, but had since come to realize how badly they had failed her… and their father. The guilty pair had been protected at the expense of their wronged partners. The twins had been relieved to discover they were not alone in their desire to help these two find peace and a new life… be it alone or together.

Seeing the shy glances passing between the two, they finally accepted the vision their grandmother had seen of the future. They had been shocked by the very idea of their Adar and their friend sharing a future when Galadriel first showed them the vision in her mirror… Meril held close in their father’s arms as they shared a passionate, loving kiss. After months of secretly watching the pair during their daily visit to the park, the twins had found it painful to see the awkward, hopeless way the two shared the space of the small garden… kept apart by a repressed society and the shattered vows of a marriage that had long ago failed.

Hearing their shared music had been the final proof the twins had needed to see the rightness of their match. While Lindir was a consummate musician and could quickly adapt to play with anyone, the rare harmony that had sprung up between Meril and their father had been telling. Their spirits already shared a connection; it was now their mission to help that connection deepen to a full bond.

In a low voice, Elrohir murmured, “He must petition the Valar. I feel in my heart they will have mercy on his situation given… the facts and with our support.”

“Indeed, my young friend. I begin to hope he finally sees there is a reason to try.” Smiling, Lindir greeted the approaching elves alerting the twins of they were no longer alone. Reaching out to take a glass of juice from his wife, he pulled her to sit on his knee. “Thank you, my beloved. Come and sit with me in the cool offered by the shade and the fountain.”

Looking around him as the others settled onto ledges and chairs, he gave a contented sigh. “Life is seldom better than time spent with those we love and cherish. My fondest wish would be an eternity of days spent thus.”

Seeing the pleased nods and grins that greeted his comment, he turned to the newest member of their group. “So Meril, Elrond tells me you are able to lose yourself in your music and create new passages… passages that you do not as yet know how to retain. We will work on that skill. Elrond had much the same habit and it took us some time to coax his spirit to commit the music to his memory. His lovely compositions are the result. Yes, we must make time to work on those skills immediately.”

Glancing at the smiling elf at his right, he asked, “What say you, ion, to a standing time for us to work together? I think I would benefit from your combined influence in my own music.” (son)

Without giving the peredhel a chance to respond, Lindir continued, “And since we are all together, Erestor and I have been thinking about a proposal we would like to make to you, Elrond. As you know, Mel is quite talented at the gittern and Erestor is a natural lute player. Ivorithil plays the dulcimer and the twins play the harp and the lyre with exceptional skill. As I think of it, among our family and friends are some of the most gifted musicians I have ever known including you two, of course.”

“Ereinion, Glorfindel, and Gwing are exceptional artists, as are you.” Pausing to sip his juice, he continued. “Also among us are some of the most learned of our kind. We have spent the time since our arrival reading and discussing the history of Aman since Mithrandir’s arrival in Middle-earth. We have experienced tutors and loremasters… indeed the preeminent loremaster of Middle-earth in our numbers.”

Fixing Elrond with a firm stare, he concluded, “I would propose we give serious consideration to offering classes. The requests we regularly receive from those that migrated here from Middle-earth seeking our help in the schooling of their off-spring indicate a clear opportunity. I think we need to found a school as we did in Imladris. I for one have grown tired of this idle life.”

Grinning, Elrond asked his mentor, “Are you seriously proposing we open a school, meldir? There are many schools already open in Aman.” (friend)

“Indeed there are, Elrond, but they are all run by those that never set foot on Middle-earth. I was appalled by the inaccuracies in the lessons my grandson, Thelion, has shared with me based on the teaching of his tutor… an arrogant Vanyar that never saw an orc or knew the sacrifices of the good peoples of Middle-earth,” Erestor ranted. “The entire lecture made light of the suffering we endured and dismissed the second-born out of hand, as beneath consideration.”

“I have heard several of my friends, some who lost family to the fight against the dark, say the same thing. If we do not attempt to right the history, soon there will be none among the youth of Aman that know the truth of our history,” Himiel inserted. “I think a school would be well received by many of the families new to Aman…and perhaps by some of those born here. If the curriculum included musical training with Master Lindir and the rest of you and art classes with such legendary tutors… I think it would be very well received.”

“I know of several families that have taken their children out of those established schools and are attempting to teach them at home. They are struggling to give their children a well-rounded education, but feel strongly they cannot send them to a school that shows such a glaring lack of respect for those of us born in Middle-earth.” Looking at his father, Elrohir urged, “I think Lindir’s proposal has real merit. There is a clear need for the balanced and knowledgeable curriculum we can offer. It would offer our people a choice. And, it gives us a meaningful occupation. I too am tired of having no real duties or obligations.”

Surprised, Elrond looked around the small group sitting around him. “I had not realized… Do the rest of you think a school is a good idea? Mithrandir?”

“Since our return, I have seen the utter lack of respect many that have lived quiet, safe lives here in Aman show to those from Middle-earth. Despite this attitude, I believe there are many of the Aman-born that would jump at the opportunity to further their children’s educations… even their own with accurate information. I suggest you give this idea serious consideration, my old friend,” Olórin urged.

Shyly, Meril offered, “Like Elrohir, I know of several friends, including my twin, that have been disappointed with the way the schools treat the children who were born in or to elves of Middle-earth… there is a certain degree of snobbishness, for want of a better term, among segments of the Aman-born population. They too have decided to teach their elflings themselves rather than subject them to this attitude. My brother and his wife are already wondering where they will send their daughter when she is a little older.”

“Surely, you have heard Gwing and me make these same complains when dealing with the schooling of our sons… and about the general attitude displayed by the natives to those of us from Middle-earth?”

Looking up, Elrond smiled to see his friend and former Seneschal had arrived, his tall, willowy wife at his side. “Welcome, my friends. Join us. There are refreshments by the door. We are discussing Lindir’s proposal that we open a school such as we had in Imladris.”

“Wonderful! When shall I bring the boys?” Gwing exclaimed. “Suilad, Meril! It has been far too long since I last saw you.” (Greetings)

Rising to give her cousin a hug, Meril grinned, “I spoke with your father at my Uncle’s the other evening and he told me all about your sons! No wonder you cannot wait to find them a school!”

Smirking, the elleth looked over at her equally amused husband. “You have met my husband have you not? They take after there Ada!”

“How odd… Uncle Cirdan was telling me they reminded him of you when you were an elfling!” Meril laughed, a mischievous smile lighting her features.

Elladan began to laugh. “You are not helping our arguments!”

“If his memory of you and your brother is not enough to end this discussion, I still have hope he may not have noticed what handfuls the little balrogs can be,” quipped Erestor.

“I will remind you that you are speaking of my grandsons!”

Laughing, Elrond rose to greet the newest arrivals. Cirdan, Ereinion, and his in-laws stood at the entrance to the garden. Maidhlos, Elladan’s love, slipped around the elder elves and moved to join her beloved.

Seeing her, Celeborn walked over to hug Meril. “Twice in one week! Tis a great pleasure to see you among your family and friends again!”

-----

Looking around the garden as his family and friends continued to assemble, Elrond felt a sense of peace and contentment he had not know in many years settle into his spirit. Smiling, he moved to the door leading into the house. Motioning to a servant, he asked that the evening meal be served in the garden.

Lingering in the doorway to consider Lindir’s proposal of establishing a school, he mused, /maybe he has a valid point. We are in need of an undertaking to give purpose to our lives. Unlike so many that are Aman-raised, we are used to having daily obligations. If what they say is correct, we have much to offer and a duty to see that the truth of our history in Middle-earth… the truth of the other peoples, is told and taught fairly./

Seeing Gildor and Silael arrive, he remained in the shadows of the porch, noting that Taerad and Lindir had risen to welcome them. It pleased him to see Meril’s parents enter the garden behind them. He had come to realize they, like their daughter, had withdrawn into the security of the family home and had not socialized much in recent years. It was time the entire family was freed of the burden they had unfairly borne in the wake of the scandal.

Glancing at their daughter, he considered, /Meril needs to be among friends until she regains her confidence. I fear Haldir’s betrayal wounded her on many levels. She needs music to free her spirit… as I do./

Thinking of their morning together, a pleased smile returned to his face. /Perhaps, Lindir is also right that we should set times to explore our music… help her learn to commit her compositions to memory. She is supremely gifted and I find her company quite pleasurable. Propriety would otherwise prevent me from freely spending the time getting to know her as I would wish./

For the first time, Elrond faced the full extent to which his failed marriage imposed limitations on his life. In the past, his wounded pride and self-confidence had dulled any interest he might have had in the company of another elleth, even an interest he knew he could not pursue. /I feel the constraints binding me, for I wish I were free. Lindir and my sons have been urging me to reclaim my life. Maybe I should consider a petition to be released from my vows. Not that Meril would be interested if I were free… would she?/

Moving over to greet her parents, he considered, /would they accept me as a possible suitor for her hand? I am much older than Meril and will always be tainted by scandal. Not that it matters at this point… tis only idle speculation, for it is doubtful the Valar would grant a petition… but should I try? Do I truly wish to court her… or am I simply lonely and seeking a companion?/

Catching sight of Meril as she was introduced to Erestor’s wife, Glaurlas, he felt his heart begin to beat in a little faster. /I think I would very much like to have the opportunity to answer that question./

“My friends, welcome! I am so happy you could join us…”

-----

Cast of new characters:
Cellaras (Running deer) --- Meril’s friend and fellow musician that died at Dol Guldur
Taerad (Straight path) --- Lindir’s wife, a Noldorian lady he met and fell in love with after the fall of Eregion as Elrond led the survivors into the Misty Mountains to the founding of Imladris
Ivorithil (Crystal moon) --- Melpomaen’s wife, a Teleri healer from the Havens that came to Imladris to train with Elrond and found her love
Thelion (Dedicated one) --- Erestor and Glaurlas’s grandson, the child of their oldest daughter
Gwing (Sea spray) --- Glorfindel’s wife, who is the daughter of Cirdan and Aerel; in ME, she was the captain of the guardians of the Grey Havens under her father’s rule. Though the two warriors had known each other for many centuries, they fell in love on their voyage to Aman and married one-year after their arrival. They have two young sons.
Glaurlas (Golden leaf) --- Erestor’s wife and Glorfindel’s niece whose mother escaped the fall of Gondolin with Elrond’s grandparents; while she was still an elfling, her parents died in an orc attack near the end of the Second Age and she was sent to live with her uncle in Imladris. When she was only a few hundred years of age, she managed to convince her former tutor to admit he loved her as she loved him. Four children and seven grandchildren later…