Hello everyone! This is the teaser of my Lord of the Rings story I will be starting after I finish my Dragon Age story- Al, Kal, and the Other Warden! (which, if you haven't read, then you should =]). If you HAVE read my other story, then you know by now, I have an intense love of Haldir. If not, well, there you go. My disclaimer is this. Tolkien owns it all, I just borrow it sometimes for my own ends.
Merenil walked slowly down the halls of Imladris, true, she should have been hurrying, but the beauty of the valley never ceased to amaze her. She cast one last glance around the valley before hurrying off to see Lord Elrond. Why he had summoned her was beyond her knowledge. Maybe Elledan and Elrohir had gotten her in trouble again, it wouldn't be the first time. With a sigh she continued on to her destination, stopping as she reached the large door leading to his study. Tentatively she knocked, waiting his declaration that she could enter. Instead of hearing his kind voice from the other side of the door it opened, and Lord Glorfindel opened it. Instantly Merenil was terrified, for she saw Lord Erestor behind him. What had she done to raise the ire of the three greatest lords in Imladris? Her mind was reeling as she stood there, rooted to the floor. Smiling gently Lord Glorfindel backed away and ushered her into the study. Lord Elrond looked up as she entered, and smiled at her
"Sit, Merenil, you have done no wrong" the breathe she hadn't realized she was holding came rushing out, making her lords chuckle. Elrond smiled at her again, and she felt much better.
"Merenil, obviously you do not know the reason you are here" A statement, not a question. She shook her head and he continued "Lady Celebrian and I have noticed you are unhappy here in Imladris, which greatly distresses us" she frowned, hoping he did not think she was ungreatful.
"My lord, it is not that I am unhappy, I just don't have much in common with the other elleth, I could never be unhappy in your halls my lord" behind her she heard Erestor and Glorfindel chuckle, and saw Elrond was as well
"My dear, I thank you for the sentiment, but please do not lie so you do not hurt my feelings" Lord Erestor came up and put a hand on her shoulder.
"I have been your teacher since you were an elfling, I have seen you grow sad over the years, and it wounds my heart, for you no longer reflect your name." She bowed her head, and nodded. She didn't get along with the other elleth, they were all older than her and they still thought her an elfling. The only one who treated her as something more was Lady Celebrian and Arwen, who was younger than she. She looked up as Lord Elrond spoke again
"We may have a solution to your problem, though it may be difficult for you at first"
Merenil leaned forward, wondering what could solve her problem. Elrond made a motion to Lord Glorfindel, who moved toward the door and opened it again, waving someone in. Moving aside a tall ellon walked in. He was obviously one of the Galadrim, his long hair, a beautiful silver. He was one of the wardens, the border guard, they sometimes were sent with messages. Merenil turned to Lord Elrond, how could an ellon from Lorien solve her problem?
"Merenil this is warden Haldir, he came with a message from the Lady Galadriel." waving his hand Elrond motioned for the warden to relay his message. The ellon bowed and recited the message from the Lady of Light
"The Lady sends her affections to Elrond of Rivendell and sends a request: Recently one of my maids has made the decision to sail, with her family, and I find a hole in my heart. I offer the position of ladies maid to one of your own, hoping she will bring me the joy I have lost" He bowed, and left the room, A bewildered Merenil staring at the spot he had just vacated. Were they really offering to send her to live with the Lady Galadriel? To live in the Golden Wood?
"Merenil, this is a big decision, but it is something I would wish for you, for I feel it would bring you great joy" Lord Erestor said, his soft voice piercing her heart. Since her parents had sailed for Valinor years ago, Lord Erestor had taken her under his wing. to her, he was the closest thing she had to an Ada. Nodding, she turned back to Lord Elrond.
"How long do I have to decide? I wish to think about this before I choose which path I take" Lord Elrond smiled, and nodded at her wisdom.
"You have three days, by that time warden Haldir must leave. If you choose to go we will make plans for your safety" Merenil stayed silent, deep in thought. Elrond looked her over one more time and stood, coming around his desk and grasping her hands
"Merenil, I wish you to truly think about this, we wish your happiness. Now go, and enjoy your day, we will see you at the evening meal" she smiled, said her farewells, and left the room, heading down to a small stream to think.
Once the door closed behind Merenil Glorfindel chuckled and shook his head, drawing a glare from Erestor
"What is so funny? She is possibly leaving Imladris, and you know how well I think of the child" Glorfindel shook his head, the mirth still in his eyes
"The way she spoke, the wisdom behind the words, it is like she is your own child, Erestor" Elrond smiled, knowing how Erestor loved her.
"She may as well be, I have been the one guiding her for the last 700 years, and she was only 200 when her parents left" Glorfindel simply smiled again, and took his seat by Elronds desk
"I know it will be hard for you to let her go my friend, I did not wish to offend, I merely cannot believe how like you she is" The golden haired lord turned to Elrond "Do you think she will go?"
"Aye, I think she will, and I have a feeling Galadriel knew that when she sent her warden" smiling he motioned out the door "would it make you more comfortable, Erestor, to learn that the young elleth you raised so well would be in the hands of the future marchwarden?" Erestor's eyebrows raised
"Why would she send him on such a simple mission? Surely he should be at the borders right now"
"I believe, my friend, she is hoping to ease your mind by sending the best of her wardens. Everyone knows you love her well, and will worry for her when she leaves" Glorfindel sighed, and stood, walking to the window. The other two following him with their eyes
"If it will ease your mind my friend, I will escort her myself if she goes, and return for confirmation she is safe" Erestor frowned, making his friend go to such great lengths for one that was not technically his child..
"Erestor I can practically hear you thinking, I won't change my mind, I have made my mind up" he turned from the window, a small smile gracing his features
"She may not be your child but you love her well, and if she goes I know you wish her to be safe, but remember, we don't have her answer yet" Elrond smiled at his advisors, and shook his head. He stood from his spot behind his desk, wanting to stretch his legs.
"I think we are done for the day, go and enjoy the sunshine. I know you are itching to get outside Glorfindel" The two lords smiled at Elrond, and with small bows, left the room.
Elrond looked out the window and smiled 'Now to find Celebrian' he thought, hoping to surprise his lady love with a midday visit. Striding out the door his thoughts turned to Erestor, he had taken the offer better than Elrond had expected...
Well? What do you think? I hope you will review, I would like your opinions as to if I should continue or not. Review please!