The Music in My Heart
folder
-Multi-Age › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
75
Views:
7,284
Reviews:
108
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
-Multi-Age › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
75
Views:
7,284
Reviews:
108
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter 9 Be He King or Peasant
Title: The Music in My Heart, Chapter 9 (betaed)
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; 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 9 --- Be He King or Peasant
"He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home."
- Johann von Geothe
*****
Elrond was tired, desperately wanted a hot bath followed by a hot meal, ached in places he had forgotten he could ache, and was heartily sick of waiting for answers. All these irritants were quickly forgotten as his horse rounded a bend in the trail through the high mountain pass and there, her waterfalls and rooftops gleaming in the late afternoon sun, lay Imladris. He felt his breath catch in his throat as the beauty of his valley washed over him, reawakening senses and stirring memories.
Reining in his horse, he let his hungry eyes drink in the longed for landscape of the only home that had ever truly been his, the only place he had ever truly belonged. /I had begun to think my memories exaggerated her beauty, but I failed to do her justice!/ A contented smile transformed his features as the Lord of Imladris felt the peace of the valley, a peace he had found no other place, wrap around his heart.
A single word slipped from his lips, “Home!”
To his left, Glorfindel seemed just as overwhelmed as he felt. A quick look at the party of elves in their company showed the feeling was universally shared. /If I did not already know which were the Imladris elves, I could tell from the looks on their faces!/ he thought, as he nudged his horse forward.
*****
A patrol of Imladris’s guardians appeared from among the trees midway between their location at the head of the pass and the main gate of the sanctuary. Elrond and Glorfindel shared a smile as they recognized Ermehtar, the captain of the guard. The Noldor had been Glorfindel’s protégée and had risen through the ranks to assume command of the guard upon Glorfindel’s decision to sail west with Elrond.
A cousin of the former High King Gil-Galad’s mother, Ermehtar had been born in Imladris in the first millennia of the Third Age. His parents had fled the destruction of Erégion and had sought the protection of the elven forces under Elrond’s command. Outnumbered by Sauron’s massive force, the army was forced to retreat, taking with them as many civilian survivors as they could find. They had been among those that had sought shelter in this protected valley and had helped build the new elven kingdom.
His father, Elear, had organized the many displaced artisans into a trade guild to meet the needs of Imladris’s population and provided the new kingdom with goods for export and sale both within and beyond its borders. Elrond had quickly recognized his talent and made him one of his advisors. Elear had frequently traveled on behalf of the kingdom, representing his lord on trade issues throughout Middle-earth. Voronwe, his mother, was a gifted healer and did much to help enhance the Last Homely House’s reputation as the preeminent place of training for all aspiring healers.
Ermehtar was one of a number of young elves born in the years after the final battle of the Last Alliance, the ‘Imladris baby boom’ which had been a blessing to the new kingdom; a boom that had included Elrond’s own children. A friend of the twins, Ermehtar had joined the young princes for their lessons and training. He had grown close to the three elder elf lords, particularly Glorfindel, after his parents had been killed in the yrch attack that so had devastated the mind and body of Lady Celebrian.
An unbreakable bond, born of shared grief and anger, had developed between the young elf and the twins. For many years, he had joined them in their quest to kill as many yrch as possible, but eventually the pleas of his younger sister, Nanderiel, had penetrated his wounded heart. Under the watchful eye of Elrond and Glorfindel, he had joined the Imladris guard.
Seeing the younger elf, Glorfindel’s eyes misted with tears as he studied the powerful, dignified elf heading the patrol. /He has grown into his command just as I had hoped he would. He carries himself with confidence and is keeping an appropriate awareness of all that is happening around him. From what our friends have been telling us since our return, it is clear he has had more than enough testing to know he can never let his guard down, even inside the gates of the city./
/Life is sometimes a hard teacher, ion-nîn. We thought we had left you with easier times once Sauron fell; it seems we were wrong,/ he thought as he moved his horse along side of Ermehtar’s mount so that the Elda could greet him with a quick embrace. Smiling into the dark blue eyes, he said with a smile, “Mae govannen, Ermehtar. It is good to be home, ion-nîn!” (my son) (Well met.)
*****
Seere had been waiting in the herb gardens near the front courtyard since shortly after the horn at the front gate had blown to alert Imladris that Lord Elrond’s party had been seen at the top of the pass through the Misty Mountains. She had known it would take the party at least two hours to descend the steep path into the city, but she was too excited to wait with her father in the study for the second horn to sound. She knew her ada would never believe she was actually gathering herbs for the Healing House, but she hoped to fool other casual observers.
/I will never hear the end of Ada’s teasing I am sure, but I cannot sit inside when they are so near! I slept not at all after waking from that dream! I hope I can greet him without blushing like an elfling. I must try to properly shield my thoughts as I would be mortified if he saw them… all hope of a good first impression would be lost!/ she thought.
Forcing herself to concentrate on her self appointed task, she managed to gather a number of the herbs she knew were in short supply. A glint of sun on metal caught her attention and she looked up to see the party emerge into an opening in the trees sheltering the path to the mountain pass. /Ai! Elrohir, you block my view for that must be him to your left!/
Realizing her concentration was gone and fearing she might cause careless damage to the precious plants, she put her pruning knife back into her basket. Settling onto a sunlit bench, she began to bundle rosemary and lavender cuttings for drying, her eyes drifting from the basket to the hillside in a restless flow of emotions.
Her nerves jangled as the moment she had long desired drew near. /Soon, I shall finally meet him. Dear Elbereth, please do not let me make a fool of myself! Soon!/
*****
Unbeknown to her, another shared her garden vigil. Screened from her view by a several tall shrubs, another set of eyes marked the passage of the riders toward Imladris. They also noted the obvious distraction of the young elleth. /I wonder why she is so excited? She seems to be looking for something or someone in particular. I wonder what has so captivated Imladris’s ‘pen vuil’?/ was the bitter thought. /I must keep my eye on her. This could prove entertaining!/
Looking back as the approaching party disappeared behind the trees near the bottom the path, angry thoughts took hold. /Easy to pick him out from the company. So noble and commanding, sure of his place in this valley. He has much for which he must answer! And answer he shall!/ A drop of blood dripped onto the grass drawn by fingernails digging deep into a tightly clinched fist.
The second horn sounded startling both watchers back to the moment. The travelers had come home.
*****
A cheer rang out from the elves gathered in the courtyard as the party rode through the front gates. Elrond immediately sought the deep brown gaze of his beloved friend and found him waiting at the head of the crowd dressed in his signature dark robes. A bright flash of color to Erestor’s right attracted his attention and he looked to see what had caught his eye. A gasp left his throat as silver met gold. /Tis her! Who is she?/
Realizing Elrohir and Glorfindel had heard his gasp, he quickly shifted his eyes back to Erestor. /Wonderful! Erestor saw my reaction too./
Hoping to distract the three, he vaulted quickly from his horse and moved to embrace the now smiling elf. “Erestor, my dear friend! I have missed your company these many years!”
Pulling back to study his friend, Erestor smiled as he responded. “I randir tol bar! Tis good to see you as well.” (The wanderer comes home!)
Turning toward Seere, “It is my great pleasure, my Lord, to introduce you to my daughter, Seere.”
/So! My vision failed to capture the warm golden light of her eyes. He named her well for she radiates peace! It did not occur to me to think the beauty with that glorious auburn hair that I have seen in visions for millennia would be Erestor’s daughter. I dreamed of her for more than an age before she was even born! She seems to recognize me as well. How interesting!/
A discrete cough behind him jolted him back to the moment. Fighting his growing embarrassment that he was caught staring so openly at the daughter of his friend, Elrond inclined his head over the offered hand saying, “Tis a pleasure to meet you, Lady Seere. I have heard much about you since our arrival.”
The feel of her soft skin sent a tingling warmth curling through him as he pressed a brief kiss to her hand, the heady scent of fresh herbs… rosemary and lavender teasing at his senses. A barely noticeable shutter ran through her form at his touch. Glancing back up to her eyes as he released her hand, both were rocked to their core by the moment of absolute recognition, of complete awareness they both felt.
Shaking with shock, she felt her father tense next to her. Seere broke eye contact with Elrond and dropped a shaky curtsey. “Mae govannen, Lord Elrond. Welcome home.”
*****
In retrospect, if such a thing had to happen, it at least came at an opportune time. The awkward moment was snapped by the sounding of the warning horn. A group of refugees traveling to Imladris had been attacked along one of the southern approaches to the city. At the sounding of the horn, Ermehtar swung back onto his horse and called his patrol to accompany him in defense of the party. Glorfindel, Haldir, his brothers, and the twins quickly remounted and joined the patrol.
Seere turned to run back inside to assist in readying the healing rooms. Slowing only long enough to snag the handle of the basket containing the collected herbs, she went directly to the apothecary and put a large cauldron of water onto the fire to heat. With skill of long practice, she began to assemble the ingredients for the most critical potions and poultices so that she could quickly complete any required. As the heating water began to simmer, she ladled the hot water over the herbs for her preferred mix of a strengthening tonic and set the pot aside to allow the tea to steep.
Once this was done, she walked back into the main room and was surprised to find Elrond working with the other healers. /Why this should surprise me I do not know. He built these rooms and is reputed to be one of the greatest healers ever to walk in Middle-earth./ Seeing that preparations were well in hand, Seere stepped back quietly into the apothecary to study the elf lord.
His long black hair gleamed in the late afternoon sun, washing his hair with the mahogany highlights. Simple, practical braids suitable for travel kept the thick mass contained and out of his face. They also had the effect of highlighting the high cheekbones that gave his face a slightly exotic quality missing in the faces of his sons. His travel attire consisted of a cinnamon brown suede tunic over a cream colored shirt and black leggings. The latter, paired with supple black leather knee-high boots, emphasized the long length of his muscular legs.
He presented an overall impression of a lean, powerful male possessed of a warrior’s physique and reflexes. His quick and decisive actions to assume control of the situation betrayed an elf used to being in command and also used to others accepting that fact. The few questions he asked were short and to the point yet never less than respectful of the other healers. His observations and opinions clearly showed an agile, brilliant mind focused on the task at hand, but also a healer committed to his calling.
Enthralled by the living image of the elf that had long haunted her dreams, Seere’s mind drifted back to their meeting in the courtyard. /He is magnificent! I did not realize the impact of those silver eyes, not the grey of my dreams. He seems to radiate the power of his inner light. I can still feel the heat of his hand and lips when he kissed my hand in greeting! It seemed for a moment that he knew me and my fëa felt connected to his. How is that possible? I know Adar sensed something unusual happened and will surely ask, but how do I explain what I do not understand myself? What happened in that moment?/
Startled, she became aware that the object of her scrutiny was looking at her, directly at her, directly into her eyes. Her blood seemed to freeze in her veins only to blaze white-hot, heated by the molten silver gaze. Stunned by the intensity of her reaction, her eyes locked with his.
*****
Elrond had been so focused on the necessary preparations of the healing rooms that his confusing and inexplicable behavior in the courtyard had been temporarily pushed to the back of his mind. As the patrol had galloped off in response to the urgent call for help, the healer in him had taken charge and he had turned automatically in the direction of the medical wing of the house.
As he had been told by Elrohir that Seere was a gifted herbalist and potions-maker, it came as no surprise to see her entering the apothecary as he arrived. Now that they had done all they could do but wait, he had found himself looking in her direction to see what she was doing.
The intense scrutiny turned in his direction took him by surprise. Seeing that she was unaware he was watching her watch him, he took the opportunity to study her a little more closely. /Her eyes are breathtaking!/ He had never seen such a pure golden color, the intensity making him feel he was staring directly into the sun. In many ways, she looked so like her father, yet the delicate beauty of her features bespoke her mother’s contribution. /Ai! - a fine mix of the two!/
Her figure was slender, but more rounded, nay voluptuous than most elleths. The lovely purple dress she wore discretely highlighted that fact while complimenting the pale cream of her skin. Her crowning glory was, however, her rich mane of long wavy auburn hair. Red hair was a rarity among elves and Seere’s rich red-brown was rarer still. The wavy quality hinted at her mother’s heritage.
/I can see Mithrandir in her inquiring expression. Fortunately, she got her looks from her parents!/ he thought, a smile teasing at his lips.
The smile deepened as he watched her become aware of his regard. The blush that stole up from her neck stirred his senses. /The elleth of my dreams in the flesh! Humm… I had better take care not to let Erestor catch me noticing her ‘flesh’ or friend or no, he will have my head … my head, that is if I am lucky! Still, how can this young elleth be the one so long in my dreams, my soul mate? And, I feel she knows me too. I wonder …?/
Silver remained locked with gold until a guardian burst into the room carrying a wounded woman and the healers turned to lend their skill to aiding the victims of this latest attack.
*****
The Healing House swarmed with activity late into the night. All were kept busy tending the wounded and lending help where they could. The celebration of the return of Imladris’s own had to wait for another night. The realities of Middle-earth took precedent. Still the master of the valley found a long absent sense of peace in having purpose, being useful, and being home.
*****
A/N --- the names mean:
Ermehtar --- warrior
Elear --- visionary
Voronwe --- steadfast
Nanderiel --- valley maiden
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; 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 9 --- Be He King or Peasant
"He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home."
- Johann von Geothe
*****
Elrond was tired, desperately wanted a hot bath followed by a hot meal, ached in places he had forgotten he could ache, and was heartily sick of waiting for answers. All these irritants were quickly forgotten as his horse rounded a bend in the trail through the high mountain pass and there, her waterfalls and rooftops gleaming in the late afternoon sun, lay Imladris. He felt his breath catch in his throat as the beauty of his valley washed over him, reawakening senses and stirring memories.
Reining in his horse, he let his hungry eyes drink in the longed for landscape of the only home that had ever truly been his, the only place he had ever truly belonged. /I had begun to think my memories exaggerated her beauty, but I failed to do her justice!/ A contented smile transformed his features as the Lord of Imladris felt the peace of the valley, a peace he had found no other place, wrap around his heart.
A single word slipped from his lips, “Home!”
To his left, Glorfindel seemed just as overwhelmed as he felt. A quick look at the party of elves in their company showed the feeling was universally shared. /If I did not already know which were the Imladris elves, I could tell from the looks on their faces!/ he thought, as he nudged his horse forward.
*****
A patrol of Imladris’s guardians appeared from among the trees midway between their location at the head of the pass and the main gate of the sanctuary. Elrond and Glorfindel shared a smile as they recognized Ermehtar, the captain of the guard. The Noldor had been Glorfindel’s protégée and had risen through the ranks to assume command of the guard upon Glorfindel’s decision to sail west with Elrond.
A cousin of the former High King Gil-Galad’s mother, Ermehtar had been born in Imladris in the first millennia of the Third Age. His parents had fled the destruction of Erégion and had sought the protection of the elven forces under Elrond’s command. Outnumbered by Sauron’s massive force, the army was forced to retreat, taking with them as many civilian survivors as they could find. They had been among those that had sought shelter in this protected valley and had helped build the new elven kingdom.
His father, Elear, had organized the many displaced artisans into a trade guild to meet the needs of Imladris’s population and provided the new kingdom with goods for export and sale both within and beyond its borders. Elrond had quickly recognized his talent and made him one of his advisors. Elear had frequently traveled on behalf of the kingdom, representing his lord on trade issues throughout Middle-earth. Voronwe, his mother, was a gifted healer and did much to help enhance the Last Homely House’s reputation as the preeminent place of training for all aspiring healers.
Ermehtar was one of a number of young elves born in the years after the final battle of the Last Alliance, the ‘Imladris baby boom’ which had been a blessing to the new kingdom; a boom that had included Elrond’s own children. A friend of the twins, Ermehtar had joined the young princes for their lessons and training. He had grown close to the three elder elf lords, particularly Glorfindel, after his parents had been killed in the yrch attack that so had devastated the mind and body of Lady Celebrian.
An unbreakable bond, born of shared grief and anger, had developed between the young elf and the twins. For many years, he had joined them in their quest to kill as many yrch as possible, but eventually the pleas of his younger sister, Nanderiel, had penetrated his wounded heart. Under the watchful eye of Elrond and Glorfindel, he had joined the Imladris guard.
Seeing the younger elf, Glorfindel’s eyes misted with tears as he studied the powerful, dignified elf heading the patrol. /He has grown into his command just as I had hoped he would. He carries himself with confidence and is keeping an appropriate awareness of all that is happening around him. From what our friends have been telling us since our return, it is clear he has had more than enough testing to know he can never let his guard down, even inside the gates of the city./
/Life is sometimes a hard teacher, ion-nîn. We thought we had left you with easier times once Sauron fell; it seems we were wrong,/ he thought as he moved his horse along side of Ermehtar’s mount so that the Elda could greet him with a quick embrace. Smiling into the dark blue eyes, he said with a smile, “Mae govannen, Ermehtar. It is good to be home, ion-nîn!” (my son) (Well met.)
*****
Seere had been waiting in the herb gardens near the front courtyard since shortly after the horn at the front gate had blown to alert Imladris that Lord Elrond’s party had been seen at the top of the pass through the Misty Mountains. She had known it would take the party at least two hours to descend the steep path into the city, but she was too excited to wait with her father in the study for the second horn to sound. She knew her ada would never believe she was actually gathering herbs for the Healing House, but she hoped to fool other casual observers.
/I will never hear the end of Ada’s teasing I am sure, but I cannot sit inside when they are so near! I slept not at all after waking from that dream! I hope I can greet him without blushing like an elfling. I must try to properly shield my thoughts as I would be mortified if he saw them… all hope of a good first impression would be lost!/ she thought.
Forcing herself to concentrate on her self appointed task, she managed to gather a number of the herbs she knew were in short supply. A glint of sun on metal caught her attention and she looked up to see the party emerge into an opening in the trees sheltering the path to the mountain pass. /Ai! Elrohir, you block my view for that must be him to your left!/
Realizing her concentration was gone and fearing she might cause careless damage to the precious plants, she put her pruning knife back into her basket. Settling onto a sunlit bench, she began to bundle rosemary and lavender cuttings for drying, her eyes drifting from the basket to the hillside in a restless flow of emotions.
Her nerves jangled as the moment she had long desired drew near. /Soon, I shall finally meet him. Dear Elbereth, please do not let me make a fool of myself! Soon!/
*****
Unbeknown to her, another shared her garden vigil. Screened from her view by a several tall shrubs, another set of eyes marked the passage of the riders toward Imladris. They also noted the obvious distraction of the young elleth. /I wonder why she is so excited? She seems to be looking for something or someone in particular. I wonder what has so captivated Imladris’s ‘pen vuil’?/ was the bitter thought. /I must keep my eye on her. This could prove entertaining!/
Looking back as the approaching party disappeared behind the trees near the bottom the path, angry thoughts took hold. /Easy to pick him out from the company. So noble and commanding, sure of his place in this valley. He has much for which he must answer! And answer he shall!/ A drop of blood dripped onto the grass drawn by fingernails digging deep into a tightly clinched fist.
The second horn sounded startling both watchers back to the moment. The travelers had come home.
*****
A cheer rang out from the elves gathered in the courtyard as the party rode through the front gates. Elrond immediately sought the deep brown gaze of his beloved friend and found him waiting at the head of the crowd dressed in his signature dark robes. A bright flash of color to Erestor’s right attracted his attention and he looked to see what had caught his eye. A gasp left his throat as silver met gold. /Tis her! Who is she?/
Realizing Elrohir and Glorfindel had heard his gasp, he quickly shifted his eyes back to Erestor. /Wonderful! Erestor saw my reaction too./
Hoping to distract the three, he vaulted quickly from his horse and moved to embrace the now smiling elf. “Erestor, my dear friend! I have missed your company these many years!”
Pulling back to study his friend, Erestor smiled as he responded. “I randir tol bar! Tis good to see you as well.” (The wanderer comes home!)
Turning toward Seere, “It is my great pleasure, my Lord, to introduce you to my daughter, Seere.”
/So! My vision failed to capture the warm golden light of her eyes. He named her well for she radiates peace! It did not occur to me to think the beauty with that glorious auburn hair that I have seen in visions for millennia would be Erestor’s daughter. I dreamed of her for more than an age before she was even born! She seems to recognize me as well. How interesting!/
A discrete cough behind him jolted him back to the moment. Fighting his growing embarrassment that he was caught staring so openly at the daughter of his friend, Elrond inclined his head over the offered hand saying, “Tis a pleasure to meet you, Lady Seere. I have heard much about you since our arrival.”
The feel of her soft skin sent a tingling warmth curling through him as he pressed a brief kiss to her hand, the heady scent of fresh herbs… rosemary and lavender teasing at his senses. A barely noticeable shutter ran through her form at his touch. Glancing back up to her eyes as he released her hand, both were rocked to their core by the moment of absolute recognition, of complete awareness they both felt.
Shaking with shock, she felt her father tense next to her. Seere broke eye contact with Elrond and dropped a shaky curtsey. “Mae govannen, Lord Elrond. Welcome home.”
*****
In retrospect, if such a thing had to happen, it at least came at an opportune time. The awkward moment was snapped by the sounding of the warning horn. A group of refugees traveling to Imladris had been attacked along one of the southern approaches to the city. At the sounding of the horn, Ermehtar swung back onto his horse and called his patrol to accompany him in defense of the party. Glorfindel, Haldir, his brothers, and the twins quickly remounted and joined the patrol.
Seere turned to run back inside to assist in readying the healing rooms. Slowing only long enough to snag the handle of the basket containing the collected herbs, she went directly to the apothecary and put a large cauldron of water onto the fire to heat. With skill of long practice, she began to assemble the ingredients for the most critical potions and poultices so that she could quickly complete any required. As the heating water began to simmer, she ladled the hot water over the herbs for her preferred mix of a strengthening tonic and set the pot aside to allow the tea to steep.
Once this was done, she walked back into the main room and was surprised to find Elrond working with the other healers. /Why this should surprise me I do not know. He built these rooms and is reputed to be one of the greatest healers ever to walk in Middle-earth./ Seeing that preparations were well in hand, Seere stepped back quietly into the apothecary to study the elf lord.
His long black hair gleamed in the late afternoon sun, washing his hair with the mahogany highlights. Simple, practical braids suitable for travel kept the thick mass contained and out of his face. They also had the effect of highlighting the high cheekbones that gave his face a slightly exotic quality missing in the faces of his sons. His travel attire consisted of a cinnamon brown suede tunic over a cream colored shirt and black leggings. The latter, paired with supple black leather knee-high boots, emphasized the long length of his muscular legs.
He presented an overall impression of a lean, powerful male possessed of a warrior’s physique and reflexes. His quick and decisive actions to assume control of the situation betrayed an elf used to being in command and also used to others accepting that fact. The few questions he asked were short and to the point yet never less than respectful of the other healers. His observations and opinions clearly showed an agile, brilliant mind focused on the task at hand, but also a healer committed to his calling.
Enthralled by the living image of the elf that had long haunted her dreams, Seere’s mind drifted back to their meeting in the courtyard. /He is magnificent! I did not realize the impact of those silver eyes, not the grey of my dreams. He seems to radiate the power of his inner light. I can still feel the heat of his hand and lips when he kissed my hand in greeting! It seemed for a moment that he knew me and my fëa felt connected to his. How is that possible? I know Adar sensed something unusual happened and will surely ask, but how do I explain what I do not understand myself? What happened in that moment?/
Startled, she became aware that the object of her scrutiny was looking at her, directly at her, directly into her eyes. Her blood seemed to freeze in her veins only to blaze white-hot, heated by the molten silver gaze. Stunned by the intensity of her reaction, her eyes locked with his.
*****
Elrond had been so focused on the necessary preparations of the healing rooms that his confusing and inexplicable behavior in the courtyard had been temporarily pushed to the back of his mind. As the patrol had galloped off in response to the urgent call for help, the healer in him had taken charge and he had turned automatically in the direction of the medical wing of the house.
As he had been told by Elrohir that Seere was a gifted herbalist and potions-maker, it came as no surprise to see her entering the apothecary as he arrived. Now that they had done all they could do but wait, he had found himself looking in her direction to see what she was doing.
The intense scrutiny turned in his direction took him by surprise. Seeing that she was unaware he was watching her watch him, he took the opportunity to study her a little more closely. /Her eyes are breathtaking!/ He had never seen such a pure golden color, the intensity making him feel he was staring directly into the sun. In many ways, she looked so like her father, yet the delicate beauty of her features bespoke her mother’s contribution. /Ai! - a fine mix of the two!/
Her figure was slender, but more rounded, nay voluptuous than most elleths. The lovely purple dress she wore discretely highlighted that fact while complimenting the pale cream of her skin. Her crowning glory was, however, her rich mane of long wavy auburn hair. Red hair was a rarity among elves and Seere’s rich red-brown was rarer still. The wavy quality hinted at her mother’s heritage.
/I can see Mithrandir in her inquiring expression. Fortunately, she got her looks from her parents!/ he thought, a smile teasing at his lips.
The smile deepened as he watched her become aware of his regard. The blush that stole up from her neck stirred his senses. /The elleth of my dreams in the flesh! Humm… I had better take care not to let Erestor catch me noticing her ‘flesh’ or friend or no, he will have my head … my head, that is if I am lucky! Still, how can this young elleth be the one so long in my dreams, my soul mate? And, I feel she knows me too. I wonder …?/
Silver remained locked with gold until a guardian burst into the room carrying a wounded woman and the healers turned to lend their skill to aiding the victims of this latest attack.
*****
The Healing House swarmed with activity late into the night. All were kept busy tending the wounded and lending help where they could. The celebration of the return of Imladris’s own had to wait for another night. The realities of Middle-earth took precedent. Still the master of the valley found a long absent sense of peace in having purpose, being useful, and being home.
*****
A/N --- the names mean:
Ermehtar --- warrior
Elear --- visionary
Voronwe --- steadfast
Nanderiel --- valley maiden