Disclaimer: I only own the original characters. Everything else is Tolkien's and co.
Frost on Glass
Chapter One: Break the Surface
Memory is the treasury and guardian of all things.
- Cicero , De Oratore (I, 5)
Imladris, TA 2764
Tirnion took in a chest full of deep wintry breath as he rode into Imladris. He had just seen Lady Laeriel and Tholinnas off to the Havens, Thranduil having finally ordered their departure from Arda. Tirnion was tired, hungry, and, thanks to the snow, a little wet. There was nothing he needed more than a nice, warm, dry night in Imladris. Even if he was arriving unannounced on the day of the Mid-Winter festival, he had long ago been told with sincerity there would always be a bed for him in this house.
Even if, as Glorfindel had suggested at the time, it was a bale of hay in the stables. He would, at the very least, be warm and dry.
As he rode up past the guardians at the gate, giving them a nod in greeting, he remembered the first time he had spent a Mid-Winter in Imladris, undoubtedly his most interesting winter festival yet.
Imladris, Mid-Winter, TA 490
Tirnion was not one usually impressed by finery, he supposed it had something to do with living and working in close contact with King Thranduil and very few had finer things than him. Imladris wasn't so much dripping in wealth as it was…mystical. That was the only word Tirnion could think of as he looked out on the snow covered valley. The moonlight made the valley shine more than any veneer of material wealth and riches could. Tirnion looked back to the servants preparing the feast table. This was another thing that separated Imladris from any other realm he had been to, human or elven, here all the tables were on the same level.. While the supposed high table was where Lord Elrond and his family sat, it was not raised above the others. Tirnion jumped as a voice interrupted his musings.
"It is because he does not like to stand on hierarchal ceremony during such holidays."
He turned to find Lord Glorfindel standing behind him, obviously having watched him as he watched the servants.
"I found it curious myself when I had first returned to Arda, finding a great lord eating on the same level with his lessers." Glorfindel laughed, "I had never seen such a thing before. He has always been a little different, though considering his life, one cannot blame him."
"I would not blame him even if I did not know his life. He is a good and wise ruler, and this," Tirnion gestured toward the tables, "merely shows how much he respects his people."
"Indeed." Glorfindel said as he watched the chairs brought out and the candles lit.
Tirnion studied him, this great elf so revered in legends and song. This elf known as one of the best warriors Arda had the lucky fortune to see again after his death. Tirnion had always respected Glorfindel for how he treated his warriors. He could be both harsh and loving with them, he trained them to defend and to survive. But he also ingrained in them the knowledge that even the best could, and often would, lose. That victories were few and even those you won were drenched in the bittersweet. He was wise and knowledgeable, charming and full of self-respect. Tirnion only wondered how he could be such a fool in the matter of his own heart.
"Have you made a decision yet?" Tirnion asked him, not even bothering to hide the slight contempt in his tone.
Glorfindel glanced at him through narrowed eyes, "You have a way with words, did you know that?"
Tirnion smirked, "My mother and sister have taught me well."
Glorfindel nodded, "And what if I told you I was still bringing Tharien to the festival."
"I would think you even greater a fool than I imagined." Tirnion spoke with open honesty.
Glorfindel gave Tirnion an evil smile and made a tsking sound, "Oh, now, now, Tirnion you are hasty and have jumped to a conclusion. That is bad form in a commander. You must learn to gather all the information first before you make such a statement."
Tirnion narrowed his eyes at Glorfindel, "Indeed."
Glorfindel laughed and shook his head, he walked by Tirnion giving him a condescending little pat on the skull, "You will learn this lesson, I am glad to say. Now, if you must excuse me, I have yet another decision to make."
Tirnion watched Glorfindel walk off, not knowing whether he felt more disgust or admiration for the Elda.
Glorfindel had been correct about one thing, it was a lesson Tirnion had learned.
TA 2764
Tirnion patted his horse down one last time as he started to leave the guest stables. He gave a nod to the stable master and made his way towards the back entrance of the house. He glanced at the mighty pine tree ahead and only saw the light rope waiting in wait for him because of a breeze sent through the branches.
"If you two are planning on hunting wood elves, I suggest you do not go after one from Mirkwood. We've been known to react very violently when cornered."
Elladan silently dropped down from the tree, "Well, you were almost correct, there are three of us and we were trying to show the younger one how to catch a wood elf."
Elrohir worked his way down from the tree as well, carefully helping a young boy at his side. The boy could not have been a day over seven. Tirnion gave him a warm smile, "Well, hello, who might you be?" Tirnion asked as he spied the rounded ears and the slight elven grace, obviously this was a child of the Dunedain.
The boy seemed torn between clutching to Elrohir's side and wanting to appear brave. Elrohir decided to intervene, "Tirnion, seneschal of Mirkwood, I would like you to meet Argonui of the Dunedain. He has just come to stay with us."
Argonui nodded and held out a hand in greeting, "Pleased to meet you."
Tirnion smiled, "You as well. Do you like Imladris so far?"
Argonui smiled, "Yes, Elladan and Elrohir have taught me lots."
Tirnion laughed, "I am sure they have and at the cost of Erestor's nerves no doubt."
Elladan snorted, "Obviously he has been far speaking with you, again."
Tirnion shook his head, "Hardly, I just know you two that well. Why are you not ready for the feast and festival?"
Elrohir laughed, "We are waiting on Thalion and his children to show. Most are in the Hall of Fire right now, but we were all getting so bored we decided to lay in wait until you arrived. Alas, you proved far too wise for us to capture you."
"This time." Elladan warned, Argonui laughing at the words.
The elves and the little Dunedain started to walk inside, all enjoying the calm before the chaos of the festival. As they passed the main dancing hall Tirnion peaked inside at the familiar room, only minstrels currently in residence tuning their instruments and practicing their songs. In mere hours it would be full of elves and humans and whatever other guests were present. While now one could easily walk across the room, soon the crown would spill out into the hallways.
TA 490
Tirnion stood against the wall, a smile on his face as he watched Elladan attempt to dance with Rian, trying not to step on her toes and not noticing the pace of the dance had changed.
"You should go do the honorable thing and rescue her." Lady Laeriel said.
"I fear Elladan would not like that very much." Tirnion protested, remembering the elder twin's glares after Tirnion had dared to speak with Morwen.
"I could ask Legolas to do it." Lady Laeriel offered.
"That would start a war, I am afraid." Glorfindel said from his seat next to her. "You obviously forgot the glares sent in Legolas's direction the last time he spoke with a lady one of the twins was infatuated with."
"Ah, yes, that was a memorable Mid-Winter." Laeriel said. "What every happened to her?"
"She is still being chased by half the archers in Imladris." Glorfindel answered.
Laeriel laughed, "Oh, to be young again."
Glorfindel scoffed at her, "Do you complain? You are married to a king."
"I am not married to a king. I am married to a warrior who, on occasion, becomes a king." Laeriel protested.
"Considering you first thought of him as nothing but another warrior's son, your fortune did turn out great." Glorfindel murmured.
An evil smile appeared on Laeriel's face, "Speaking of fortunes, I noticed the chain around Morwen's neck, it is new."
"Yes. A lovely gift, is it not?" Glorfindel asked as his eyes briefly rested on a laughing Morwen being lead in a dance by Elrohir.
"But of course, since the weave of the chain means…" Laeriel started.
Tirnion had to hold in her very inappropriate laughter as Glorfindel shoved a piece of bread into Laeriel mouth to impede her speech.
"Have you tasted the sweet bread, cousin?" Glorfindel asked, "It is one of our specialties."
Laeriel, doing her best not to choke, gave Glorfindel a decidedly dark look.
Thranduil came over to them having finished a dance with a tired Faeleth, "Glorfindel, you have managed to render my wife speechless, quite a task."
Laeriel swallowed and took a very slow sip from her glass, "I would not upset my mate if I were you, Thranduil."
Thranduil, looking like a lovesick young elf rather than a king, pressed a soft kiss to Laeriel's lips. "Of course." The King took his daughter's former seat, next to his wife.
He took her hands in his own, "Glorfindel, do you not have quite a few she-elves to dance with?" he asked.
"I am here merely to make sure Tirnion does not die from boredom. He is doing a marvelous job imitating a stature."
Thranduil looked at Tirnion, "Yes, he is. Tirnion, why do you not go dance?"
"I am perfectly fine." Tirnion answered, truly amused by watching his King and Lady act so carefree.
Thranduil smiled at him, "Tirnion, go, and save Rian or tell Elrohir to go save Rian."
Glorfindel nodded, "Yes, Morwen is quite used to having her feet stomped on by Elladan. It would be better to save Rian at the sacrifice of Morwen's feet."
Tirnion laughed quietly and pushed off the wall, "Whatever my King and his Lady bid." he said as he made his way through the crowded dance hall. He walked over to Morwen first, Elrohir looked at him giving a nod of understanding and proceeded to push Morwen into his arms, Tirnion's reflexes the only thing saving them both from an accident.
She smiled, "Well, consider yourself honored, you've just had a member of the family thrown at you."
"Honored?" Tirnion asked.
"It is a tradition." Morwen explained.
Tirnion laughed in disbelief, "You are an odd group and I have been told your feet are a worthy sacrifice for Rian's sanity."
"Ah, Elladan. Well, let us go over to them…" Morwen stopped as Elladan was thrown into her. "See, Tirnion, tradition." She smiled and took Elladan's arm. Elladan gave Tirnion a smile and said, "Please, make sure Rian has a nice night. I figure it's the least I can do for her now."
"But Morwen's night can end with her sore feet?" Tirnion asked.
"I doubt even sore feet will put a damper on Morwen's night." Elladan murmured as he dodged Morwen's elbow.
Tirnion shook his head and turned to Rian, "Well, would you honor me with this dance?"
Rian gave him a sweet smile, "Of course I will. I remember our few dances in Greenwood the Great. Have you enjoyed the night?"
"I have been quite entertained. Imladris is quite a…." Tirnion searched for the best wording, "…spirited place. I have never heard so much laughter at a Mid-Winter festival."
"Yes, well, we are normally such a quiet bunch, I believe we save it all for nights such as this."
Tirnion nodded as he pulled Rian into one of the group dances.
The rest of the night had been spent in laughter and dances, light and warmth.
TA 2764
Cleaned and fed and most importantly, dry, Tirnion made his way to Morwen's office walking in through the open door. He smiled at the stray ink stains over her face and the loose hair, obviously having been pulled on in frustration. The ever present necklace, one always hidden beneath Morwen's dresses, laid out in the open for once, the evidence of another nervous habit. Morwen usually took the pendant out and ran her fingers over it a manner of calming herself when she felt frustration and anger and the need to write threatening letters to other realms.
"Are you going to stand there silently laughing at me or will you come in?" she asked.
Tirnion walked into the room at a lazy pace, "I was just wondering if you were going to grace us all with your lovely presence tonight or if I have to morph myself into a book in order to get your attention."
"What?" Morwen asked, utterly confused.
Tirnion gestured to the window. Morwen's face turned to shock as she realized night had, indeed, fallen. "Oh, damn. What time is it? Have they started the feast?" She stood up, starting to shovel papers into her desk, capping an ink well before she spilled it over everything, "They've already started haven't they. Oh, and Thalion is going to call me a neglectful aunt and I need to go change and…what?" Morwen asked at Tirnion's laughter.
"You." Tirnion answered and then sighed, "Morwen, you are far too stressed for a holiday. They have not started the feast yet, Thalion and his family have not yet arrived." Tirnion walked over to her and used a loose rag to rub some of the ink off her face, "You are such a sloppy scribe."
"I do not always get ink on my person." She grumbled as she took the rag from him and cleaned off her fingers. "Only when I write hastily and am more concerned about getting a point across than my handwriting."
"And your clothes."
"Did you come here simply to annoy me?" Morwen asked, the smile taking the sting out of her words.
Tirnion gave an exaggerated gasp, "You obviously love me no longer. I come to visit you after sending my Lady and one of her sons off to the West and I get no comfort. I rode through darkness and snow and ice, miles unknown, uphill simply to see you and all I get is grief. If I wanted such treatment, I'd have gone to Glorfindel."
Morwen gave him a dark look, "I have missed you and I would hug you but then I would be spreading the proof of my sloppy writing all over your clean clothes. Now, if you will excuse me." Morwen moved past him.
"Morwen?" Tirnion asked.
Morwen sighed and turned around. She gave him a chaste kiss, "I am glad you are here."
"I am honored." Tirnion told her, "but you might want to tuck your necklace in."
Morwen looked down, "Damn. Thank you Tirnion, you are a gift."
Tirnion shook his head at her and finished cleaning up her desk, "I shall see you at the feast." He yelled after her.
TA 490
Tirnion walked with Morwen on one side and Merileth on the other. The gardens looked ethereal covered in snow and under the moonlight.
"Did you both enjoy the night?" Morwen asked.
Merileth nodded, "Yes. Elrohir is a very spirited dancer, though I was a little confused when he was thrown into my father by Glorfindel."
Tirnion shook his head, "Tradition."
Morwen laughed, "Yes, that tradition is of a wholly different kind. And you, Tirnion?"
"I fear Rian has worn me out, I should have left her with Elladan." Tirnion shook his head, "You would think she never had a chance to dance."
"You did see Elladan dance?" Morwen asked.
"I did and he did quite well with you." Tirnion said.
"Yes, well, he learned with me and I do not make him nervous. He dances well with Arwen, they are always a sight to see, others tend to stop dancing so as to watch them."
"Truly?" Merileth asked.
Morwen nodded, "Though, Elladan does always look like a chastised elfling when dancing with his mother and grandmother. It is the only good thing I can say about going to LothLorien, seeing the twins dance with their grandparents."
"They dance with Lord Celebron?" Merileth asked, clearly surprised.
"Of course they do." Morwen said as she reached a hand out to trace a pattern in the snow, "They normally dance with their father as well, but I fear Elrond did not want your father to see him dance a true jig. It is quite an experience."
"That humorous?" Tirnion asked as he tried to picture the stoic Lord of Imladris hiking up his heavy robes to do such a dance.
Morwen smiled, "Quite heart-warming, actually. No, humorous is when the twins get drunk on dwarven ale and lead each other in a group dance, Glorfindel leading them all. Though, those have been forbidden sine the last instance resulted in a small bonfire and many elves dancing nude under the full moon in plain sight of our human inhabitants."
Tirnion and Merileth stared at Morwen.
Morwen grimaced, "I probably shouldn't have said that."
Merileth broke off from Tirnion's side, "I must go tell mother this!" She gave a small curtsy to Tirnion and Morwen as she hurried off.
Tirnion followed her with his eyes until she was in the house.
"Was that a true story or an attempt to get Merileth away?" Tirnion asked, Morwen clearly having sensed his own sadness at another Mid-Winter gone by and nothing but a smile from Merileth.
"A little of both." Morwen admitted, "The story is quite true. Erestor went on and on about it for weeks after the event and the complaints that had poured into his office. Lord Elrond, bless him, could not even enforce punishments because he was far too amused. As for getting Merileth away, well, consider it your Mid-Winter gift."
"I quite like the dagger you bestowed upon me, that was gift enough." Tirnion said.
"Then it was a simple act of friendship. Though, I thank you for the books and the very beautiful hair clasp, I have never had something quite like it before."
Tirnion shrugged, "I knew you would enjoy the books, the hair clasp was just something I saw while searching for Merileth's gift. I thought it would contrast well in your dark hair."
Tirnion studied the chain on Morwen's neck, "Lady Laeriel was correct, that is a different chain."
Morwen froze, a smile on her face. "Oh, yes, it is a new necklace." She delicately pulled it out and show the pendant, a nicely wrought blue and gold flower.
"Who gave this to you?"
"Glorfindel." She answered.
"Does it mean anything?" Tirnion asked, wondering why a simple necklace would catch Laeriel's attention and Glorfindel's sudden need for her silence.
"It is a vow fulfilled and one yet left open," Morwen took a breath, "one day I may explain the whole story to you. Suffice to say, Glorfindel has made a decision."
"He was with Tharien tonight." Tirnion said.
"Yes, he was. You will see if he is or not tomorrow." Morwen smiled. "Now, let us talk of what you shall do tomorrow being relieved of all of your duties."
TA 2764
Tirnion smiled to himself as he remembered that first Mid-Winter in Imladris, bittersweet upon retrospect now that Merileth was off and married and Rian and Elladan were just now taking a chance on their relationship again when, by all accounts, they should have been at the least betrothed by now. The twins had been so innocent, so full of youthful ignorance, now a darkness in their eyes, in all of their eyes.
Tirnion pulled the door to Morwen's office shut and made his way towards the Hall of Fire, drawn in by the sound of laughter and music. While his first Mid-Winter in Imladris was bittersweet, it was not his most memorable, or his most happy, or even his most misery filled one. No, those were to come in later years.
A/N 1: This story will have four chapters, all from Tirnion's point of view.
A/N 2: Triss and Renna, since I can't e-mail the thanks, thank you both for the reviews.