They reached the entrance of Rivendell in the early hours of October 21. Eylra froze when she saw the gates. Any other time she would be awe-struck by the likes of the Last Homely House, but this place: it caused all kinds of strange feelings of half-remembering; like a dream of which the memory lingers, but you cannot remember any details.
Boromir drew in a sharp breath next to her. "So it does exist," he murmured.
Eylra shivered. He put an arm around her shoulders and stroked her back. After some time, he leaned down to kiss her forehead and tugged her hand.
"We need to go, Eylra."
She gave him a smile, though inside she was a ball of nerves. Had she known this was where Boromir was headed, she would most likely never have put up such an enormous fight to convince him to take her along. If only Rundil had refused to let her go. But both she and Denethor had been strangely compliant. Right now she wished her sister still had the protectiveness of their early years in Rohan.
They encountered elf-guards. Boromir did the speaking. Eylra could not have opened her mouth if she tried. The presence of so many elves were suffocating.
A tall, dark-haired ellon met them in the courtyard.
"Welcome, my friends, to Rivendell, the House of Elrond. I am Lord Elladan Elrondion. I apologise that my Lord Father cannot see you now. However, you are invited to partake in a council where we believe all your questions will be answered. But come; you have travelled a long, weary road. Let us give you breakfast."
Lord Elladan led them to a big dining hall where a few people were milling about, eating and chatting. He sat down across Eylra, studying her intently. She was getting more uncomfortable by the minute. "Forgive my scrutiny," he said as if he could read her thoughts. "I am very curious as to why an elf Lady is travelling with the heir of the Stewardship of Gondor."
Boromir choked. Eylra's hands automatically went to her ears. They were still glamoured.
Elladan's eyes lit up amusedly. "Ears are not the only distinguishing feature of our kind, my Lady. And names not the only way to identify a man."
Before either of them could reply, a whirlwind swept through the door of the dining hall, hurtling straight towards Lord Elladan. He jumped out of his seat, his robes flying about him. Eylra felt her eyes widen in shock. There was now two of Elladan. Only, one was dressed in what seemed to be a night-shirt that hung to his knees.
His eyes widened and he pointed at them. "Look, Elladan, it's an elleth and a Gondorian noble man! We need to hide Estel." He swung around, finger still in the air. "But first, you need to help me find that insufferable elfling. He took my robes, I am certain of it! You know how he cannot resist anything pretty."
Elladan in robes sighed. "I was making such a good impression and then you came. At least greet our guests."
Elladan in a night shirt flushed. "Sorry about that. I am Elrohir. And the elfling stole my robes. Now father is going to have a fit and ban me from hunting for a decade. That bread is really good, do try it. Elladan, where is he?"
Elladan sighed again. "I have not seen him since yesternight. He has been quite... subdued lately."
"He has been planning this all along! Disrespectful orc."
An elleth waltzed into the dining hall and Eylra almost forgot to breathe. All elves loved beauty. This must be the most beloved creature of all: the paragon of elvish fairness.
She reminded of midnight and twinkling stars, something too subtle to put your finger on, but undeniable, gentle and mystic.
"Elrohir," she said with a hint of mirth in her liquid voice. Then she noticed Eylra and Boromir. "Ah, good morning. I am Arwen Elrondiel."
"What?" Elrohir asked before Eylra could reply, almost hopping up and down.
"Brother mine, what are your robes doing in the tree outside my room?"
Elrohir gasped. "That is where I left it!"
"Well, hurry up and find it. We need to escort all the guests to Father's council," Ellandan frowned.
Arwen turned to Eylra, "Are you attending the council, Lady? For if not, I would love to show you the gardens."
Boromir looked at her. "I do not mind going alone," he said softly.
Eylra nodded. "Do not do anything stupid."
"Do not worry, I will keep him out of mischief," Elrohir said, grinning like a maniac.
It was in the gardens where Glorfindel and his companion found her that afternoon. "My, my," the warrior said. "The Steward's son did not say his companion was a Lady of Gondor."
"Glorfindel," she nodded.
"So tell me, how has Denethor allowed a mere woman to accompany his oh-so-strong son?"
Eylra smiled. Glorfindel had always been able to lighten her spirit. She had missed him since he stopped travelling with Mithrandir. It was must have been almost two centuries since she last saw him.
"You know he is stubborn, but not stubborn enough to deny logic. Yet."
"You forget that I have never met the current steward."
"Well, you would not let that keep you from knowing, now would you?"
Glorfindel smiled widely. "Allow me to introduce you to his Highness, crown prince of Mirk... the Woodland Realm." He motioned to his companion, an elf in simple clothes of earthy colours. He wore it like a king, though. Eylra's breath struck in her throat. If Arwen was the embodiment of the best parts of midnight, he was a bright summer's day. He stepped forward and bowed over her hand. "Well met, my Lady. But please, call me Legolas. Glorfindel is too fond of fanfare."
"Eylra," she managed to get out, desperately trying to fight her blush.
"How is your esteemed sister, Eylra?" Glorfindel asked with a smirk into the awkward silence that followed.
Eylra swallowed, dragging her eyes away from the golden prince to the first elf she could remember meeting. "Rundil is as good as ever. She has been posing as a soldier again for the last decade or so. She is a commander now."
He grinned. "Good for her, running around under the steward's nose."
"It is not the steward we are worried of these days," Eylra told him.
Glorfindel frowned. "Ah, yes. The shadow of Mordor. Boromir told us about it."
"And your treacherous journey," Legolas interjected. "You must be exhausted."
Eylra met his eyes with a shy smile. "It was quite taxing, but I was able to get some rest while you were busy with the council."
"Good, good," he smiled at her and she noticed how his smile was perfectly symmetrical, warm and genuine.
"Well then," Glorfindel grinned, amused. "You two seem to not need me anymore. Have fun," he winked at Eylra and disappeared down a trail. Eylra blushed again and chanced a look at Legolas. His smile widened and he held out his arm to her. She took it, eyes lowered.
"So," he said as they started down a trail.
"So," Eylra repeated.
He shot her an amused look. "Lady Eylra. How did you meet the legendary Lord Glofindel? And why is he so interested in your sister?"