Imladris, mid-summer 2980 Third Age
"How are preparations for the Solstice celebration coming?" Gaudhúr asked politely. The chief engineer was thankfully not involved in such planning.
"Lord Erestor implied that all was proceeding according to schedule. But I do not know how he manages to keep track of everything." Torgil of the Dunedain returned. He was seated next to Sandor, a representative for the Edain who resided in the valley. They greeted Hannassiel, an irrepressible elleth who held the warriors seat on the council when Glorfindel and Cirulian were away.
"Oh, we are all here." Erestor's face was flushed. He had obviously hurried over. He addressed Lord Merwen, who was the leader of the council for this decade. It was a duty that circulated through the top Lords of Imladris, given how much extra work it inevitably required. "Please let me apologize for making your wait." Merwen waved off his apology as unnecessary and returned to studying the agenda list for this afternoons meeting.
"We are just waiting for Lord Elrond." Ithlathron returned. Erestor was perplexed as he looked over to the balcony and then back at the other councilors. He set the files on the table and walked over to the balcony. He stopped and placed his hand on the shoulder of a figure no one had noticed before. Indeed, Lord Elrond appeared rooted in place and stared out over the Valley. His dark hair floated like a curtain around him.
"My Lord Elrond?" Erestor called softly. Choked gasps filled the room behind him as the other members of the council now realized they had overlooked the Lord of the Valley. But Elrond was slow to react to his councilor. It was dazed gray eyes that finally turned to acknowledge the council.
"Is something amiss in the valley? Have you received word from Glorfindel?" Hannassiel approached them.
"Glorfindel should arrive back tomorrow." Elrond allowed Erestor to escort him to the table. The Peredhel's unusual aura drew everyone's attention. Their Lord sat down, rubbed his temple with his right hand, and took a deep, cleansing breath. "There have been several encounters with orcs and some rearrangement of the border patrol. He believes all is now secure; however, there are wounded and they travel with all speed."
"Should we postpone our festivities? My Lord, do you sense anything amiss?" Hannassiel persisted.
"I sensed no disturbances on my run through the valley this morning. The trees report all is well and the Bruinen is calm." Elrond looked towards Merwen, as it was his turn to lead the council. The elf smiled in acknowledgement.
"I call this council to order." Merwen tapped the gavel on the table. "The first item on the agenda is an update on the final solstice preparations."
Xxxxxxxxxx The evening meal, Imladris xxxxxxxxxX
Erestor carefully watched those at the head table. The Lord of the House sat with Merwen, Lindar and the visiting scholars from Lothlorien. It seemed a perfect blend of scholars and would usually have engaged the Master of Imladris. Although the conversation ran light and easy, he noted that Elrond's smile did not reach his eyes. Only his closest friends would recognize that the Master of the house was distracted and distant. That moment, Merwen's eyes met his own and in one glance his worries were transmitted.
"Our Lord is pensive." Gwidian whispered as she brushed his cheek with a kiss. "Do you know what is on his mind?" Erestor squeezed his wife's hand.
"He sensed enemies nearing our border."
"Glorfindel took a large patrol to investigate." Gwidian dismissed the explanation. "More is on his mind."
"There has been no word from Estel in several years." Erestor noted.
"Mithrandir seeking his aide in a quest." Cirulian informed them. The Captain had returned that afternoon from a training mission with the novices.
"Mithrandir summoning people for a quest." Gwidian whistled. "I would not want to be in that position. If Estel is in his right mind, he will stay away."
"Elladan and Elrohir forwent travel for several years, after spending a mere month carrying out tasks for Mithrandir."
"Speaking of Elrond's children, any news from them in Mirkwood?"
"Only that they arrived safely." Erestor looked back up to the head table and noted Merwen's efforts to draw their Lord into the conversation. "Perhaps he is worried about them."
"You can ask tomorrow." Gwidian raised her glass and gave a sly grin. "Tonight you have promised me a walk in the moonlight."
Xxxxxxxxxx Morning rounds, house of healing xxxxxxxxxxX
"You expect there to be wounded?" Silsilalda looked at the roster with this week's scheduled healers and aides. Mistress Silsilalda had moved to Imladris and helped found the now renown school of healing. She was its administrative head. It was not often that Lord Elrond joined them for the early rounds. Over the years, she had learned to trust his instincts, for he was seldom wrong.
"I would like to send a party of healers up to the main gate to assess the wounded when they arrive." Elrond acknowledged.
"How many injured?"
"I do not know." Elrond shook his head. "Glorfindel was worried and had undertaken some changes in the border guard."
"You should not go." Silsi blurted out, immediately regretting it when she thought she caught a pained look in the Master's eyes. It was gone in an instant. Perhaps she had imaged it.
"We will stand ready here to treat the wounded." Elrond continued smoothly.
"I think you will be busy taking care of business at the house." Silsi laughed. "Your chief councilor is already seeking for you." Elrond turned just in time to see Erestor enter.
"Elrond, there are several issues that need your attention should your healing skills not be required."
"Lead on." Elrond sighed as Silsi squashed a laugh and waved goodbye to the overworked Peredhel. Indeed, most of the morning was spent dealing with supposed 'emergencies' for the solstice festival as well as several diplomatic questions that arose from recent trade agreements. It was nearly mid morning when Elrond first sensed the reborn warriors bright soul cross the banks of the Bruinen.
"Glorfindel," Elrond called to his age-old friend.
"Elrond?" Erestor crossed behind the large desk and placed his hand on Elrond's shoulder. Years of experience taught him to recognize these acts of far-speak.
"We have returned." Glorfindel confirmed. "But," He hesitated.
"How many are wounded?"
"Ten altogether. Four seriously. How did you know? Your healers are making assessments." Glorfindel returned.
"Fresh horses are there to aid transport of the wounded down to the valley."
"Thank you. I fear most for Amatheir, we dare not remove the arrow for fear he would bleed to death." There was a pause and Elrond could hear Glorfindel speaking with one of the healers. They had determined it more prudent to send several of the wounded ahead for emergency surgery.
"We will prepare for their arrival." Elrond returned as Glorfindel carefully repeated the healer's assessment.
"Elrond?" Erestor looked on anxiously as Elrond blinked and slowly returned from far-speak. The silver eyes held concern.
"Wounded are on their way." Elrond abruptly dropped everything and rose, but looked uncertainly back at papers. "I must go to the infirmary."
"Leave these to me." Erestor took Elrond's seat at the desk as the healer hurried out of the study.
Xxxxxxxxxx Evening xxxxxxxxxX
"Monitor Amatheir's pulse and check for signs of bleeding." Elrond ordered as he threw the blood-specked apron in the basket and moved to the sink. Areder, an apprentice who had switched careers, wrote the orders on the patient's chart while Daintárien, Elrond's assistant for the surgery stood patiently waiting for his turn at the sink. The abdominal surgery was fraught with risks and had taken many hours. "Send word if his condition changes."
"Send word to me." Mistress Silsilalda clarified as she joined him at the sink. "I will notify you as the situation requires."
"How are the others?" Elrond worried. He and Silsilalda had handled the most dire cases but with four very serious wounded warriors, the dozen or so less serious and mild cases were seen to first by junior healers.
"Our teams performed satisfactorily. You will receive the full report tomorrow. I would guess there are at least twenty issues that require your attention at the House my Lord. You have been in the healing halls for the better part of the day and night. I see Cirulian is waiting for you." Elrond turned in surprise to see his Captain of the Guards extending a towel for him.
"Is something amiss?" Elrond was immediately concerned and would have reached out to Vilya to check the safety of the Valley had not Cirulian preempted him.
"No, my Lord." The warrior quickly assured him. "Glorfindel gave me a report and will give us a full briefing tomorrow. Cook noted that you missed both the mid-day and evening meals." He handed Elrond an apple and motioned for the door. "He planned to send food to your rooms."
"Cook pays far too much attention to my diet." Cirulian swore that he heard Elrond huff.
"Allow me to update you on the state of our defenses as we walk." Elrond nodded and followed the Captain from the halls of healing. The Peredhel Lord asked few questions, a sure sign that he was weary. The warm breeze whirled around them although the trees seemed to be still. Cirulian felt the air crackle around them and the wind ceased. His voice faltered and his heart filled with foreboding. "How dangerous were the powers of Celembrior's treasure?" He mused as the crossed Celebrian's gardens. Light from the private entrance to the family wing lit their way. The stationed guard lit another lantern and carried it towards them.
"Greetings my Lord."
"Good Evening Coldol. How is your son?"
"His arm is healing well, but we are at our wits end at how to keep him safe. The things he comes up with!" The eight year old was far too well known to the healers.
"Hopefully he will grow out of it." Elrond smiled as the guard opened the door.
"Your rooms are secure and Iesten will be on guard tonight."
"Thank you." Elrond and Cirulian continued up the stairs and into the quiet family wing. Lords Elladan and Elrohir left for Mirkwood in April and had planned to stay in the woodland realm for a year. Lady Arwen spent most of her time in Lothlorien and had been away much of the last decade. Estel returned sporatically, always soaking up his foster-father's care and enjoying the comforts of home. Cirulian was one of the many who worried for the Master of Imladris. Few elves remained so long in these lands once their spouse had sailed, especially once the sea longing took hold. A feisty elleth with rich brown hair met them at the doors to Elrond's chambers.
"My Lord, Silsi sent word you would be here soon. I have drawn a bath for you and turned down the bed. Is there any thing else I can do?"
"Thank you for your care Bredeli. I will be fine. Have a good night." Elrond returned.
"Good night my Lord." Bredeli bowed and exited, however, Cirulian followed him and settled in chair in the sitting room.
"There is no need for you to remain, Cirulian. I am just going to bathe and go to bed." Elrond raised an eyebrow in question when the warrior made no move to leave.
"Cook will be sending up a tray of food, which will surely be too much for one." Cirulian stated unequivocally. Elrond laughed.
"Then, by all means stay. But I am tired and I need a bath."
"I will keep guard here of the food." Cirulian added cheekily. Elrond was still laughing as he closed the door to the bathing room. It was not twenty minutes later when Erestor and his wife arrived with refreshments.
"Did you discuss Glorfindel's findings?" Erestor asked as they prepared the table. Gwidian moved another chair around the table as Erestor put out the place settings.
"Yes," Cirulian answered but did not elaborate. Gwidian laughed and kissed her husband.
"Enjoy your evening with our very talkative captain. He is sure to be very forthcoming." She teased as she left the room, laughing at Cirulian's grunt of displeasure. They did not need to wait long before the Lord of Imladris emerged from his bath. He wore navy sleep pants and a light tunic. His wet hair was combed and gathered by a slip knot.
"Come eat something before you collapse." Cirulian ordered.
"Am I a child to be ordered about?" Elrond's brow creased upwards in mirth. He paused and stood near the chair. "I have had a long day in surgery and am planning on going to bed." Cirulian rose and bowed low. Elrond's eyes sparkled with amusement at the Teleri's uncharacteristic display.
"My Lord, Cook sent some of your favorites. Would you grace us with your presence?" Then Cirulian uncovered a plate filled with delectable cheeses, strawberries and apples, while Erestor passed a basket of bread still warm from the oven. They were heartened when Elrond cut a hearty slice of the warm silky cheese and spread it on the dark rye. Erestor poured glasses of rich red wine for everyone as he updated them on the final preparations for tomorrow's festivities. The light conversation was designed both to give the harried Lord time to relax and eat while also allowing Erestor to gage if Elrond was more at ease.
"Has the return of Glorfindel's patrol done anything to ease your worry?" Erestor felt it better to get to the heart of the matter, since it was so difficult to read his friend's demeanor.
"You are worried?" Cirulian immediately straightened.
"There is no use denying it. We have been friends for too many ages for me not to notice."
"What causes these feelings of foreboding to remain, especially now that Glorfindel's patrol has evidently rooted out the orcs at our borders?" Elrond did not reply and instead took a slow sip of wine.
"You are not convinced that our borders are safe?" Elrond looked away for a few moments. They knew from experience that he was checking the security of their borders.
"It may not stem from the Valley's safety." Elrond admitted slowly.
"Are Arwen and the twins well?" Erestor pressed on.
"What I sense from them leads me to believe that they are well and contented."
"And Estel?" Erestor questioned.
"I have had no word from Estel." Elrond paused. "He wanted to interact with and learn first hand about the people who dwell in to Rhûn and in Harad. Neither area is likely to be safe for one of the Dúnedain."
"Many of us have traveled there safely – most recently your sons. They taught Estel much about those cultures."
"Elladan and Elrohir traveled through Harad two hundred years ago. I am sure much has changed in that time." Cirulian refilled their glasses then passed Elrond the plate of cheese.
"Still Estel can well take care of himself." Erestor soothed as Elrond spread some cheese over a slice of apple. "Can you sense anything?" Elrond put down the knife and seemed to focus on the ceiling for a time.
"I cannot sense much. But I believe that he is happy." Elrond sighed and rubbed his temples.
"But still you feel this foreboding?" Erestor prodded. Elrond returned the probing gaze but his expression gave nothing away. Finally though, he nodded.
"Yes, my heart is ill at ease. There is something brewing."
"In that case, I will reevaluate the deployment of our warriors around the valley." Cirulian rose.
"It could be nothing." Elrond sighed. But Cirulian bowed.
"If it worries you, Ernil-nin, then it is not nothing." The guard paused. "Please get some sleep. For tomorrow's festivities demand much of your time."