In the Garden

Title: In the Garden, Chapter 9 (betaed)
Author: Sorsha
Fandom/Pairing: Elrond/OFC, others implied
Rating: PG-13, but ratings will increase in future chapters
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?

Chapter 9 --- A Door Opens

Elrond stood in the doorway of his study, enjoying the bustling activity within. The day following the impromptu dinner party in his garden, Erestor and his father had formally presented a proposal for establishing a school. To his secret amusement, they had arrived armed with charts and several thick reports that analyzed the various aspects of their proposed venture, a preliminary budget, the facility needs, curriculum outlines, and a roster of possible teaching assignments.

He had not had the heart to tell them he had decided to support the project based on the discussion from the night before. Loath as he was to admit it, he was bored and he had always enjoyed teaching. With the number of tutors they had recruited, the class load was manageable even if they exceeded their enrollment projections. The combination of teaching a few advanced level classes for the older students…and story time with the little ones, the ongoing work on his histories of Middle-earth, his search for a place to nurture and grow the miruvor plants, and the enticing prospect of a musical collaboration with Meril… and Lindir, of course, was an ideal antidote to the idle life he had been drifting through since his arrival in Aman.

Once he gave his approval to the venture, his chief advisor had strung into action. Erestor was once again in his element with a seemingly endless list of tasks to oversee. He had organized his troops with the skill of a general preparing for battle. Elrond had accepted his mission to find a suitable building for the school with the same serious demeanor he had shown when Gil-Galad had sent him to spy on Sauron.

He had spent much of the last week touring available buildings. After looking at a number of dilapidated heaps, he had been pleasantly surprised to find one that met all of their needs in an area of the city that was both convenient to their homes and situated in a part of Valimar heavily populated with elves that had recently migrated to Aman. Satisfied with his find, he had gone to visit the owner and negotiated terms for its use.

Waiting for a break in the conversations flowing around the study, he reflected, /it would seem we have indeed found a niche that needs filling. The response I received to our proposal to establish a school in the old house confirms that the complaints about the way the Aman-born treat our returned kin… especially those with Noldorian blood, has been a problem for some time./

/Then too, the enthusiasm with which the elflings in the park now flock to hear my stories is another indication we have something to offer. It is indeed gratifying… and reassuring that the number of elflings… and adults, that gather to hear them has grown so quickly,/ he mused, the memory of Meril seated before him on a blanket surrounded by elflings brightened the smile on his face.

Erestor’s voice broke into his thoughts. “Elrond? I thought you were out looking for a building. Have you found us something, mellon nin?” (my friend)

Grinning, he advanced into the room in the manner he had adopted as Herald. Crossing his arm across his chest, he reported, “I have indeed, my lord counsellor. I am pleased to report I have not only found a suitable building, but have negotiated the terms for its use.”

Melpomaen traded a look with his father and the twins as he began to chuckle at the look of shock and displeasure that came to his older brother’s face. All other conversations in the room halted in mid-sentence as the expectant elves turned to watch the loaming battle of wills. Elrond was quite sure his sons were silently betting on the outcome of the coming exchange.

“You have… negotiated terms?” Erestor asked, his face crinkling into a frown. “I thought we agreed I would handle any negotiations, my lord. We will have a strict budget for the first few years and will not likely show a profit for some time. The best terms will be needed to help keep the budget as balanced as possible.”

“Indeed we did agree to that, but I have a very good relationship with the owner and decided to talk to him myself.” Grinning at the brisling elf, further irritating him, he added, “I think I managed to secure a fair price.”

“I am happy to hear that, but not having my most recent estimates of costs, how could you know if we can afford even this ‘fair price’?” Erestor demanded, trying hard to contain his tempter.

/I have missed baiting him! It is such good sport!?/ “I think I am sufficiently informed to know the price I secured is well within our means, meldir. Do you doubt my skills as a negotiator?” (friend)

Hearing laughter behind him he turned to see Taerad standing at the door, Meril just behind her. Pleased that the maiden had allowed herself to be swept into the planning of the school, he winked at them as he teased, “Should I take it from you mirth, my lady, you are of the opinion your son does indeed doubts my skill with matters that involve money?”

Shaking her head, she guided Meril across the room to join her grinning daughters-in-law who were working on the curriculum. “Do not think you will put me in the middle of the two of you… especially when budgets are involved! I have not lived to the ripe old age of 7542 years by being that foolish!”

Laughing, Elrond bowed in her direction. “Nay, you are the least likely person I would so name!”

Stepping closer to the table, he bent to study the parchments spread across the surface knowing his actions would goad his advisor yet further. “So, my ladies, how is the curriculum sharing up?”

“Do not think you will change the topic so easily, Elrond! This is a serious matter,” Erestor fumed. “How firm a deal have you struck? We will need to immediately seek to improve our position if the numbers are too high!”

Picking up a schedule, Elrond pretended to study it, hoping to hide the mischievous glint in his eyes from his friend. “Do you not first wish to know the terms I have secured… quite firmly secured I should say, for our new school? Our landlord was most pleased with the deal I offered him,” Elrond proudly stated, biting his tongue to keep from commenting on the vein that was now visibly throbbing on Erestor’s forehead.

“Fine… how much?”

Reaching over to lift another document from in front of Meril, he gave the maiden a sly grin before looking back at Erestor. “We can use the building for as long as we desire for a yearly fee of… nothing.”

Erestor’s face went slack with surprise. “Nothing? We get to use the building for free?”

“Indeed, yes. Did I not just say this?”

“Free? What is the catch? There must be other terms you accepted,” the advisor demanded, a suspicious frown clinging to his features.

“Ah, yes… there is that matter. It seems the owner wants to teach. Not on a regular basis, mind you, but he wants to come and lecture at appropriate times in the year… to the classes we feel would benefit from his time,” Elrond responded, the twinkle in his eyes now too strong for Erestor to miss, even in a snit.

Expelling a huge sigh of frustration, Erestor shook his head. “Tell us the rest, mellon nin. Who is this benefactor that wishes to teach? Will he have knowledge that will benefit our students?” (my friend)

“Did I fail to say? I am sorry for my oversight.” Grinning unrepentantly, Elrond continued. “I believe he will have useful material to offer, but I will gladly leave it to you to tell him if you think otherwise.”

“His name, Elrond… his name?”

“My great-great grandfather on my father’s side. You may have heard of him. He goes by the name of Fingolfin.” Smiling he added, “I do believe Adar’ra was pleased by my suggestion he tell the story of his battle with Morgoth. I will be there for that, for it enthralls me no matter how many times I hear them! I wonder if others of our heroes would be likewise inclined to share their experiences?”

“I can only say I would suspect we might be able to arrange that as you are related to most of them!” A smile finally found its way to Erestor’s face as pleased grins and chuckles broke out around the room. “I am never going to hear the end of this, am I?”

Amid the ensuing laughter, Elrond’s only comment was, “What do you think?” None missed Erestor’s overly dramatic groan.

-----

“Well, does it past muster, chief counsellor… or do I now need to call you headmaster?”

A snort of laughter was his only response. “We will need to arrange to have the carpenters and painters begin work within the next few weeks. Several of these rooms will need to have significant modifications made, though I do not see any sign of serious damage that will require costly repair.”

Glancing over at the self-satisfied peredhel, Erestor asked, “Did you remember to negotiate the right to make structural changes when you negotiated your deal?”

“Adar’ra said we could do whatever we needed to do to make the house serviceable for a school. From that, I would say I did,” Elrond replied, a smirk lighting his face.

Leading the way back into the main reception room on the first floor, Erestor sighed. “You plan to be quite insufferable about this, I see.”

Laughing, Elrond clasped his hand to his friend’s shoulder. “Allow me this brief moment of triumph. I am quite sure I will soon do something you think a poor decision or for which you had a better solution had I but asked and our world will be back to normal.”

Brightening, Erestor nodded in agreement. “This is true. All should be well by day’s end if the patterns of a lifetime hold!” He began to laugh at the indignant huff his words produced.

“If he does, I beg you to please let it pass, my dear Erestor. It has been far too long since I have seen Elrond so enthusiastic about anything! I want to relish the pleasure this sight gives me.”

Turning, they found they had been joined by their former High King. “I should have known, however, he would find a way to make sure the House of Fingolfin was the most prominent. They lack subtly, as we all know.”

“This from an elf that repeatedly tried to seduce ellith to his bed with the line, ‘I have a very big spear; can I show it to you?’ Yes, the House of Finrod is far more adept at subtly!” Elrond quipped as he greeted his foster father with a hug.

“Subtle or not, it worked!” the rehoused Noldor responded, ignoring Erestor’s laughter.

“If I may say, my King, ‘Suilad, I am Ereinion Gil-Galad, High King of the Noldor,’ would have worked as well, if not better,” Lindir proposed, walking into the room in time to hear the exchange.

“You missed the point, Ada. He was attempting to be subtle in his seductions,” Melpomaen countered, as he followed in his father’s wake, his head bent as he added notations to drawings of the existing floor plan of the house for use in planning the renovations. “Forgive him, sire. He is Teleri and has no true understanding of the concept.”

“Shall I point out that you are half Teleri, you ungrateful whelp, or shall I move on to a discussion of the virtues of the Noldor? Perhaps…” Lindir began.

“Perhaps, you will stop there… unless you have some desire to sleep in the garden tonight, melme, rather than in your Noldorian wife’s bed.” The assembled ellyn began to laugh as Taerad walked into the main reception room followed by her daughters-in-law and Meril. (love)

Grinning, Meril slipped over to stand between Lindir and Elrond. “Master Linder… my lord, have you had time to consider the large chamber and the rooms on the third floor? The acoustics are nearly perfect and would be ideal for music rooms and a performance space.”

“I had the same though, my dear. Did you note these chambers, Elrond? I too would hope we might have them set aside for the music program,” Lindir affirmed.

“I know the ones you mean, but, by that point in my initial tour, I knew this was our school and was only looking for signs of damage that might require time-consuming and costly repairs. Yes, Erestor, I made sure that issue was one of my main criteria. Costs, budgets… they are not beyond me, you know. I simply prefer to leave them in your capable hands whenever possible.” Leaning down to whisper in Meril’s ear, he added, “I also find the whole matter of budgets tedious and boring at best, but…”

Giggling, she shared a smile with the peredhel. “Perhaps, we should go and look at these rooms,” he offered. “Maybe part of it can also serve as classrooms for art classes as I remember the sunlight being quite good on one end of that floor.”

“Glorfindel and Gwing are already up there, beginning to mark off the area they would like to use for their classes,” she reported, a mischievous smile betraying her motives. “I was hoping we might secure a goodly portion for the music program before they have commandeered the whole floor. I know my cousin well!”

“And, I know Glorfindel! You are right; we must move quickly or all will be lost.” Cutting his eyes to watch his mentor out of the corner of his eyes, he suggested, “Let us send Lindir in to do battle for our territory. We can stand behind him and nod our heads at appropriate times.”

“What… send in the unsubtle Teleri when we have the great peredhel negotiator! Surely, you are capable of handling a simple balrog slayer and the former captain of the guardians of the Havens,” he retorted.

“You misunderstand, meldir. I was not suggesting subtly or negotiation in this matter, but rather that you bluntly tell them what shall be. I have seen all three of you in battle and would always choose to stand behind you!” Elrond responded, his attempt at keeping a straight face spoiled by his twinkling eyes. (friend)

Before her husband could respond, Taerad interjected, “I am afraid you will have to try your hand at negotiation… or intimidation without his aid, Elrond, for Lindir and I must leave shortly to run an errand.” Discretely stepping on her husband’s foot under the cover of their robes to keep him from asking the nature of this errand, she concluded, “I am sure you and Meril will do an admirable job in winning sufficient space for the music program.”

“You had better move quickly, Ada, for they have begun to discuss options for classroom space and the rest of the floor as an exhibit hall,” Elladan reported as he and his twin descended the central stairs from the floors above. “Mel, here are the measurements for the third floor rooms… or as Gwing now calls them, the gallery.”

Grinning, Elrond offered his arm to the equally amused elleth. “It seems we must do battle on our own. You take your cousin… she scares me!”

“Gwing scares everyone, including Glorfindel. I suggest we combine forces against her while he ducks for cover.”

Once the two had disappeared up the staircase, the remaining elves traded pleased smiles. Ereinion commented, “I had begun to despair we would ever see that mischievous side of his personality ever again. This school will be good for him, but I suspect his partner in battle may be an answer to our prayers.”

“Indeed… but was it really necessary for you to crush my toes, my love?” Lindir demanded.

-----

The day had grown late as the time slipped away for the four talking merrily in the bright, sunlit rooms at the top of the house. It had taken only a few minutes for a reasonable plan for sharing the floor to be devised. They had lingered, however, enjoying each others company and discussing their ideas for the various programs and the school as a whole. Exploring the house had given the school a sense of reality it had not had until then and had sparked their enthusiasm to new heights. Blank sheets of parchment from Gwing’s sketchbook were quickly filled with drawings of the reorganized space, breathing life into the vacant rooms.

The large reception area in the center was an ideal performance space and the vast expanse of walls made the area equally suitable as a gallery for the display of artwork created by their students and other artists that might benefit from the exposure. Elrond had quickly agreed with Meril and Lindir’s assessment that the acoustics were outstanding. Glorfindel suggested the large central area be sectioned into smaller classrooms by the use of screens or panels that could be folded away when the full dimensions of the vaulted space were needed for special events.

The southern portion of the floor had been cut into three smaller rooms sometime in the past and Elrond had no trouble visualizing them as practice rooms for music lessons. Their windows overlooked the broad expanse of a grass lawn ringed by tall oaks, creating a sheltered yard that would be ideal for outdoor activities. As he had remembered, the northern end of the floor was flooded with light from the massive windows that covered three walls and was closed off from the rest of the floor by large double doors. The open, cheery space that had once been Fingolfin’s private study seemed designed to encourage the artistic talents of those that entered it.

Pleased by their ideas, they had left for home in high spirits. Talking in animated tones, they entered a large city park had been developed millennia ago adjacent to their new school building. Their homes were but a short walk through a section of formal gardens that surrounded a small pond at the northern end of the park. Gwing and Meril had linked arms to chat about family, leaving the two ellyn free to discuss options for constructing the dividing screens or sliding panels.

As they rounded a bend in the landscape, their conversations came to an abrupt halt. A few feet further down the path a couple blocked the way. To the discomfort of all four, that couple was Celebrian and Haldir.

-----

Thanks MarzBar! Glad you're enjoying the story!