Disclaimer: Still not mine, with the exception of the original characters, still all Tolkien's and company.
Loss and Hope
Chapter Two: This Is The Time
This is the time to remember
Cause it will not last forever
These are the days
To hold on to
But we won't
Although we'll want to
This is the time
-Billy Joel, This is the Time
Imladris, TA 2933
Gilraen felt a gasp catch in her throat as Imladris was revealed to her, the sanctuary appearing out of what had seemed nothingness. Aragorn had been sleeping, curled up into his mother's side but awoke at the sound of the rushing water of the valley below. The voices of elves were singing to them in greeting.
Elrohir leaned his head down and whispered, "We long ago found it more comforting to our visitors if we greeted them by song than any other way."
Glorfindel continued, "Yes, tired travelers rarely like surprises."
Gilraen nodded, still in an odd state of shock, her mind not truly comprehending the amount of change her life had gone through in the past few days.
The group of young elves were huddled together and hidden on a balcony, looking for the new arrivals. Elrond had forbid a large crowd to greet them, not wishing to scare Gilraen and her young son. Rian had calmed when she had been assured by Elrond both twins were as well as could be expected. She was now eager to see the young child. No heir of Isildur had ever come to Imladris so young. It had been many years since such a young child had dwelled within the actual halls of the house, brining a certain level of excitement to all gathered.
"I hear Glorfindel's bells." Tirnion remarked, a small smile on his face.
"Perhaps would should tie them around his ankles so he will not be able to sneak up on us anymore." Eluialeth said.
"Oh, he would probably know how to step without such things making a sound." Rian said as three sets of eyes turned to Morwen.
Morwen however was not so concerned about her friends as she was about the new arrival.
"Is it so safe to…" she started but was cut off by Erestor, who had silently joined them on the balcony.
"Few in the house know who our guests are, they assume it is merely a great lady of the Dunedain, traveling with her son now that the Chieftain has been brought down." Erestor leaned on the railing, spotting their guests, "Are those bells on Glorfindel's horse?" he asked, laughter in his voice.
Tirnion nodded, "Despite how he is, none felt it would do well for morale if Glorfindel was shot by friendly fire."
"That would certainly be a problem." Erestor agreed.
A hush came over the group as the riders came into sight. Elrohir was first, his horse carrying him and a dark-haired woman carrying an equally dark haired child.
"There is Gilraen." Rian breathed.
"The boy must be the son, then." Eluialeth said.
Both mother and son were looking around the river valley, Gilraen with caution and Aragorn with delight. Elrohir looked calm and in control to any who did not know him so well as to see him completely laid bare of all pretense, but both Erestor and Morwen saw the weakness in him, the control on his mask of indifference starting to slip. As Glorfindel came behind them, shinning on his horse much to the amusement of the others, Erestor placed a hand on Morwen's shoulder and whispered into her ear, "Go to the healing halls and set up a room for Elrohir. Do not alert any others of your presence. Also, set up a room for Gilraen and her son, I will send Faeleth to you."
"We have rooms…" Morwen started.
"Not for this night, this night they must have a peaceful rest in a very calm atmosphere. Go." Erestor urged. Morwen nodded and the order and hurried off. Erestor leaned on the balcony railing again as Elrond greeted the group, the tone of his voice, though not his words, being carried on the wind. As Erestor had suspected, the tone was comforting and cajoling, Elrond already working his healing on Gilraen and Aragorn and whether or not he realized it, Elrohir as well.
Though their reason for coming was dark indeed, Erestor already felt the renewed sense of life coming to the valley, awakened by the young bright eyes of Aragorn as he took in the new world around him.
Erestor watched as Gilraen sat in Elrond's study, her eyes wandering around the room, noting the books and the banners, the maps and the papers. Aragorn stood on her lap, laughing as Elrohir tickled his face, distracting him from the discussion they were about to have.
Elrond gave the poor woman, so obviously soul tired, a very warm smile. "Gilraen, please, be at peace, for you are safe here. Those of the Dunedain have always been welcome in Imladris and they always shall."
Gilraen nodded, "I thank you." she said softly. "I do not know where else I could go, at least for Aragorn's safety. Elrohir insisted we come here."
"As he should have." Elrond came around from behind his desk, crouching down in front of Gilraen to make himself level with Aragorn. "For you see, here in Imladris the heirlooms of Isildur lie and here too are the heirs of Isildur reared." Elrond smiled, "More often than not, that is."
Gilraen weakly smiled and asked, "Are they truly after my son because…."
Elrond looked up, staring intently into her eyes, "They are indeed. Therefore, for the safety of both you and Aragorn, I ask you to allow us to hide his heritage until it is time."
Gilraen shook her head, "Hide…but…why?"
"Only the Dunedain, one of the wizards and some of the elves know the true line of the kings. They know the name Aragorn is for the next chieftain, but none save your people, the twins, and a very few select know how old Aragorn is, who Aragorn is and who Arathorn's wife was." Elrond answered.
"To hide ourselves would be the safest thing." Gilraen murmured. "To hide his name…I…I do not know what else to call him." Gilraen let out a small laugh as a tear fell down her cheek, "It took us so long to settle on Aragorn." she said as Elrohir continued to distract Aragorn from his mother's own sadness.
Elrond placed a comforting hand over Gilraen's own, "I am sure he will have many names as he grows in this world, as we all do."
Erestor smiled as he remembered some of Elrond's more colorful names, the elf lord giving him an amused look as he spied the smile.
"Surely, you can think of something to call him, at least for now." Elrond said.
Gilraen nodded, "It should be elvish, should it not? As if he has been raised here from the very beginning." Gilraen's thoughts wandered off as she watched Aragorn's face bathed in the sunlight, his light eyes shinning. "Estel." she murmured.
Elrond smiled, "Estel. Hope. It is a good name." Elrond laid a hand atop Aragorn's head and said, "Estel, that is what you should be called." The newly dubbed Estel batted at the hand on his head, causing Elrond to laugh. "Yes, it is a very good name."
Gilraen wandered the halls, unable to rest as Elrond had told her to do. Elrond had taken her son into his care, promising to personally watch after him so Gilraen could have some time to herself. Gilraen knew she needed the time but not quite yet. She needed to stay strong, to keep the hold over her emotions until her own escort appeared, needing to reassure them all was well in this new realm. She found herself drawn to the library, the warm light and the comforting smell of paper, books, and ink drawing her ever closer. She walked into the room, her eyes scanning the area. No others appeared to occupy the room with the exception of one table which held one of the she-elves she had been briefly introduced to earlier. Elrond had assured her she was one to be trusted, considered family. She had not had time to speak with any of them, but especially not this one, who had taken herself off to speak with Elrohir. The elf was busily writing into a book, her hand quickly flying across the page.
"What do you write?" Gilraen asked the dark haired she-elf, struggling to remember her name.
The elf looked up and graced her with a warm smile, "I write an account of the year, for a friend who is far away."
"Will you write of my son?" Gilraen asked, suspicious.
"I will." she answered. "But it will be veiled. The reader of this though, she will know what it means and will know to keep the secret safe."
"Who is she?" Gilraen asked.
The elf put down her quill, "She is the Lady of this realm, currently in the Blessed Realm."
Gilraen felt the eyes of the elf track her as she walked around the room.
As if sensing Gilraen's fears the she-elf said, "Gilraen, do not fear for your son. Foundlings and fosterings are very common in Imladris, even those of human blood, especially those of your own bloodline."
"So much secrecy and so many people. I do not know if…"
"Estel will know who he once was and who he is meant to be by his majority. Hopefully members of this house can keep such a secret for that span of years. Though, I would advise you not to speak secretive things around one of our painters, Crabanon. He has a loose tongue to say the least." The elf warned her.
Gilraen nodded, letting her fingers trail over a shelf of books, "Ara…Estel will learn much here, in lore at least."
"And craft and war craft and music…." the elf laughed, "he will have much to learn here."
"I wonder," Gilraen said as she sat down across from the elf, "will my son learn love here? What of respect and tolerance? Will he grow to be accepted among your kind or will he become ashamed of his race?"
The elf studied her for a moment and then said in a voice full of conviction, "He will know love, respect, and tolerance from us all. While even I admit there are many elves who look down on non-elves, and even elves not of their own kind, such elves will not be around Estel. Those who surround him will accept him as he is."
"Even without a father? Almost without a family?"
The elf smiled, a softness coming to her face, "He has a family. He has you, and now he will have us."
"How can you be so certain?" Gilraen asked. "How can you know?"
"I know quite well." The she-elf smiled. "For I have been raised in Imladris as an orphan since my birth."
Gilraen felt taken aback for a moment, "Are your parents…"
A dark look passed over her face, "My mother brought me into this world and then my parents left to sail. They had no desire to raise another child and so I was left here. It was indeed far from a traditional decision, but I cannot fault them the decision to have me raised in such a place, for I have found all I have ever desired here."
Gilraen, noting the elf did not wish to dwell on her own history said, "Elladan and Elrohir have always been quite open to us, welcoming us into their own."
"They care deeply for your people, they always have. Their parents have taught them many things, compassion for others probably the best. Arwen is the same way." The elf said.
"Arwen?" Gilraen asked, having only heard the name in passing.
"Lord Elrond's daughter, she is visiting her mother's realm at the moment. I am sure you will meet her one day." The elf stood up, "Now, if you will please pardon my sudden leave, I must get back to my work."
"Is this not…"
The elf smiled again, "No, I fear, this was my break."
"Break?" Gilraen asked as she eyes the large book the elf had been writing in.
The elf extended her pale hand, "I am Morwen, one of the councilors. If you are in need of anything, please do not hesitate to seek me out."
Gilraen gratefully took her hand, "Thank you."
"It is the least I can do." The elf studied her, "You should go rest now, Gilraen. Your escort will arrive soon, but we can sort them out. You need to rest, you have earned it."
The elf then turned and slowly left the room, giving a warm greeting to another elf. Gilraen strained to see who it was, spotting Glorfindel. Gilraen watched their interaction, smiling at the slight and soft touches, an obvious sign of a deep and intimate relationship. While saddened by the sight and knowing she would never experience such a thing Gilraen took a deep breath and sat with her eyes closed, letting the peace of the library calm her own soul. If she felt the tears running down her face she did not acknowledge them.
Gilraen's small escort had arrived three days earlier and despite the new arrivals, Imladris had already accepted them into their fold and was going on with business as usual. Business of course, meaning a councilor was being sent off to another realm. This time it was Eluialeth, charged with going to the Havens while Morwen stayed behind. Morwen and Eluialeth had gathered outside to discuss the meeting, both enjoying the lovely day while Tirnion listened to them, eager to offer any bit of support he could.
"I can escort you." Tirnion said, his voice eager.
"You cannot, you are to rest." Eluialeth told him.
"I have been resting." Tirnion muttered as he rested against the tree, basking in the warmth of nature and life.
"And restoring your spirit." Morwen said. "I know you are feeling lazy but Tirnion, you need the rest, you must already feel the strength returning to your spirit."
Tirnion shrugged, unable to admit the two females were correct.
"I do not think you should lead the escort, but I will ask Glorfindel if you can be part of the escort." Morwen stated as she stood up.
"Truly?" Tirnion asked.
Morwen nodded as she turned to leave.
Eluialeth watched her go, knowing Tirnion's part in the escort would be as a guest and not as a warrior. She smiled to herself, ignoring the curious look of Tirnion.
"Do you not think she will be able to persuade Glorfindel to bend to her will?" Tirnion asked.
"Hardly." Eluialeth said. "There are very few things Glorfindel will not do for Morwen if she simply asks, even if he does not like it."
"Why is she not going to the Havens?" Tirnion asked, having wondered such a thing since the meeting was announced.
"Elladan is to return within the week and is to stay in Imladris for some time. Morwen does not wish to leave while he is here, both to watch after him and to take on Rian's duties while Elladan is home."
Tirnion nodded, "The support network you have established here is quite remarkable."
"It extends to you as well." Eluialeth said as she pulled her hair back, the wind desiring to break it free from its constraining plait. "You merely need to take advantage of it, since we have all grown tired of trying to extend it to you on our own."
"I feel….useless."
"Tirnion, we both know you will soon have more work than ever and little chance to enjoy the simplicity of life, enjoy it while you are able." Eluialeth ordered.
"Yes, junior councilor Eluialeth." Tirnion dutifully replied.
Eluialeth shook her head at him laughing softly, "Let us go for a ride, perhaps you will feel less useless then."
Tirnion stood up and offered his arm to Eluialeth, "I happen to believe that is one of your best ideas yet."
The two wandered off, unaware of the watchful gaze of Erestor over them both. Erestor nodded, seeing something of which he approved and then moved back inside, getting back to his own work.
Elrohir smiled as his father walked into the room, guiding the newly dubbed Estel inside.
"Gilraen is finally resting." Elrond said. "Estel, however, is full of energy. I wondered if you so desired to take him on a tour of our home."
Elrohir eagerly sat up, "It would be my pleasure." Elrohir walked over to Estel, crouching down to his own size, "Would you like to see more of my home?" he asked.
Estel nodded, "Yes, it is so big and bright."
"You have my father to thank for that." Elrohir said as he gestured to his father.
Estel turned wide eyes to Elrond, "You made the house?"
Elrond laughed, as he also crouched down to Estel's size, unmindful of his heavy robes dragging against the floor, "Well, I had the help of many." Elrond placed a soft hand on Estel's head, "Estel, would you protest if I joined you and Elrohir on this tour?"
Estel vigorously shook his head, his whole body almost giving the answer, "No."
Elrohir smiled, feeling a little of his grief fading in the face of so much life in the small form of Estel, "Well then, let us go."
Glorfindel smiled as he walked into his office, spotting Morwen sitting on the windowsill.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing you during your normal working hours?" he asked.
Morwen smiled, "You often see me during my normal working hours."
Glorfindel closed the door to the office and walked over to her, "I would never see you if I did not. You are often working."
"Oh, I wonder how such a habit became ingrained in my thinking." Morwen murmured.
"Honestly, I do not know how you have learned such a thing." Glorfindel playfully pulled Morwen into his arms. "Though, I know that conniving look in your eye."
"I suppose after all these years you have learned when I try to influence your decisions." Morwen said.
Glorfindel nodded, "You have been manipulating me into such things since you were a child."
"Well, you were always more suspicious of Elladan and Elrohir rather than myself."
"Erestor taught you, even then, when to mask your smiles of triumph. The twins did not learn that for some time." Glorfindel said.
Morwen nodded her agreement as she settled back into Glorfindel's arms. "Tirnion wishes to take part in Eluialeth's escort."
"He has been here a mere month and already he wishes to ride out."
"You know how difficult it can be to pull yourself away from your duties. I heard you had to be forcibly held back in LothLorien from going out on a patrol."
Glorfindel narrowed his eyes, "Who told you……oh, I knew I should not have let Balanauth lead your last escort."
"He did not enjoy having to lead it. He has been quite taken with that new councilor from Mirkwood." Morwen said.
"We both know the escort duty takes precedent over personal visits." Glorfindel said.
"Unless it is a personal visit of the family." Morwen muttered.
"Well, yes, of course. What do you wish me to tell Tirnion?" Glorfindel asked.
"Let Tirnion ride in the escort." Morwen said.
"Truly?" Glorfindel asked.
"Yes. Let him go, he has not visited the Havens and Galdor would be happy to have a new guest. It will be good for him to see the coast and rest there."
"Do you not worry about the call of the sea?" Glorfindel asked, mindful of Tirnion's woodland heritage.
"No, not in Tirnion. The Blessed Realm does not hold anything for him, his will is too tied to this realm."
"Merileth is there." Glorfindel stated.
Morwen laughed, "Yes, she is and she is far from a pull to him. I fear her presence may keep him far from there."
"Yes, I still do not believe my dear Merileth realized just how truly she hurt him." Glorfindel said.
"She took him for granted, I feel no sympathy for her and what she brought upon herself."
Glorfindel raised a brow in surprise, "That is quite cold."
"But it is quite true." Morwen stated. "Will you let Tirnion go as I have suggested?" she asked.
"Oh, was that a suggestion? I detected the slight bit of demand in it." Glorfindel teased. "It will be good for him to see a part of Arda he never has before. I wish I could be there to see his face when they pass by the Halfling settlements."
Morwen chuckled, "I am sure Eluialeth will tell us the event in great detail." She kissed the hand of Glorfindel covering up her own, "thank you." she murmured.
"I would have asked for your suggestions on the matter either way, I was debating what to do about him, for I do not think he is ready to ride out on a true patrol. He still has his own healing to do. Speaking of…" Glorfindel placed a hand lightly over the spot of Morwen's last injury, "how is it healing?"
"The itch has faded much to my relief and that of Elrond."
"Good." Glorfindel stated.
Morwen smirked, "I still cannot fathom why you insisted on cutting that tree down."
"It was hazardous, we could not risk it harming another. Besides, it has made a very nice desk."
"For your inner-house office, one you rarely use."
" 'Tis better to be a misused desk than firewood." Glorfindel sated, feeling no sympathy for the tree.
Morwen blinked at Glorfindel's statement, giving him an incredulous look. "I have obviously spent far too much time with an idle mind, for that sounded sensible and wise."
Glorfindel kissed Morwen's brow, "Perhaps." He held her tightly for a brief moment, "let us both attend to out duties. Perhaps we can finish early."
"Is that a suggestion or a demand?" Morwen asked as she pulled herself from his arms, making her way to the door.
"Demand." Glorfindel stated simply, laughing as Morwen rolled her eyes at him, a gesture she had not resorted to in many years.
Elladan rode into Imladris, grateful to see his home and to be off the road. It had been many years since he had traveled without his twin and there was little fun in traveling on his own. The risk, of course, was also greater but he would not have taken one of the Rangers away from their people.
He was surprised when Morwen rode up to greet him. Her eyes were sparkling, "You tried to sneak in on us all."
Elladan smiled tiredly, "I did not know if I could handle all the concern and comfort. I just wish to rest."
"As you shall. Glorfindel was warned of your arrival and through our lovely network of information I was informed. Your father has already arranged for your entrance to be as hidden as possible. I fear you will have to climb to get inside. Give me your horse and your pack." Morwen said.
"Will it not look suspicious, you coming in with another horse and a pack?" Elladan asked.
"Tirnion is waiting for us and you can be surprised what a she-elf's dress can hide." Morwen said.
Elladan nodded as he and Morwen dismounted at the same time. Morwen studied him for a moment and then pulled him into a tight embrace, his breath whooshing out.
"I have missed you." Morwen murmured. "But there are those who have missed you even more."
Elladan smirked, "Are you subtly suggesting I hurry off?"
"Of course." Morwen said. She held Elladan's hands in her own, "When you are ready, I will be here."
Elladan placed a chaste kiss on her forehead, "And I thank you. I will seek you out when I can. Any news before I head in?"
"Tirnion is in residence, though you have been informed of that. Arwen will not be returning, for she has extended her stay with your grandparents. Estel and Gilraen have settled in, still a little uneasy but I am sure your presence will help to ease their own minds. Rest now, find peace and comfort in the arms you are now meant to. Then go to your father, he will know how to aid you through this."
Elladan nodded and slowly made his way to the house, walking under the cover of the trees. He closed his eyes and walked, his spirit soaring at the sound of the river, the wind in the trees, the laughter. He walked to the tree which overlooked the balcony to his room, a smile coming to his face as he saw his brother waiting for him. Elladan climbed up the tree swiftly and met his brother on the railing.
"I did not expect to see you here." Elladan said.
"Yes, well, Rian was called away for a moment. Perhaps we should pray for the minstrel who pulled her away for there was much anger in Rian's eyes." Elrohir pulled his brother into an embrace. "I will not ask you how you feel, for I know. And I will not ask you how the Dunedain fare, for there will be time for that."
Elladan nodded, "Thank you. You seem to be doing much better."
"I was told by father to find joy in our new inhabitants, in being able to witness the magic of Imladris discovered through new eyes. I fear what all have said for years is true, our father may just be slightly wise."
"Indeed." Elladan laughed. He pressed a hand to Elrohir's face, "You have not rested."
"I cannot, not yet. I will try again tonight and if I am not successful…"
"You will ask father for a draught, as you should." Elladan said.
Elrohir nodded, "I fear it may come to that."
Both twins turned to the door as they heard the knob turn. Elladan felt a smile form on his face at the sight of Rian, residual annoyance in her face as she attempted to become a calming presence for him.
Elrohir nodded at her and then turned to Elladan, "I will be in father's study if you need me." Elrohir walked out of the room, patting Rian on the shoulder as he walked out.
Elladan and Rian stood in front of each other, both studying the missed form of the other, taking in the small changes, the slowly settling weariness in their eyes. Silently they both made their way forward, their fingertips reaching out to touch first, their hair intermingling, fiery gold entwined with dark brown, before their bodies fit against each other. They needed this, this reassurance, this strength, this true proof of life.
Elladan had kissed Rian many times before, had kissed his fair share of she-elves in his life. But never had a kiss made him feel so secure. Never had a kiss made him feel enveloped in comfort and never had a kiss made him feel like this, as if he was truly home.
Glorfindel looked up from the wood block he was currently whittling at the sound of his door opening. Morwen walked into the room, softly closing the door behind her.
"How is Elladan?" he asked.
"Well enough." Morwen said as she came to rest by Glorfindel's side. "He is now in Rian's care. Elrohir is the one I worry for."
Glorfindel nodded in agreement, "Where is he now?"
"He asked his father for a sleeping draught. Elrond and I stayed with him until he drifted off." Morwen said.
"Arwen should be here." Glorfindel murmured.
"It is better for her to be in the Golden Wood at this time of year." Morwen said, mindful of the time and how it often brought memory of Celebrian's attack.
" 'This time of year' is said to be lasting for quite sometime." Glorfindel said.
"She is old enough to spend a good portion of her time in another realm, Glorfindel."
"I know." he sighed as he put aside the figure he was cutting out. "Elrond just prefers it when she is close to home, close to him."
"He is her father, of course she prefers him close. Arwen has the right, however, to dwell in her mother's realm and to be among her grandparents and friends there. She has few duties here that are not now taken over by Faeleth or one of the other ladies of the court. Times are changing, our ways are not so elaborate anymore."
Glorfindel smiled at her, "That is not something you need to tell me; I am well aware of the change."
Morwen nodded not bothering to form a verbal answer. She curled ever closer to Glorfindel's side, burying her head into his shoulder.
"Morwen?" Glorfindel asked, concerned at her behavior. "You have not attempted to hide yourself in my side since you were quite small."
Glorfindel felt the puff of a silent laugh against his neck, "I feel quite small now. So much grief and pain and nothing I can do about any of it."
"Yet another lesson your learn as you go on in this world."
"Please do not play the 'you are so young' bit now. I am quite tired Glorfindel and I will not be held accountable for whatever I say in response." Morwen mumbled.
Glorfindel moved his face closer to her, softly laughing as Morwen made a discontent sound, being dislodged from her hiding place. "Even some elder elves have yet to learn such a lesson. They are far too content with the security and the ignorance they have lived in for so long. That ignorance and their own arrogance has not yet taught them how insignificant they are in the grander scheme."
Morwen looked up at him, reaching out a finger to trace across his brow, "If you do not watch yourself, you may soon be called one of the true wise."
"Alas, I think my presence at the council already says such about me." Glorfindel said.
"Oh no, that is simply because of your overwhelming presence." Morwen stated.
"Overwhelming, you say?" Glorfindel asked.
"Our newest residents say. Quite a few are intimidated by your person. Gilraen, luckily, has already learned to disregard your supposed greatness." Morwen said.
Glorfindel laughed heartedly at Morwen's words, "Why do I torture myself so with one who is not impressed by my illustrious past?"
"You would become quite bored if I was anything but unimpressed with your past. Such simpering females are not for you." Morwen insisted.
"An elf likes to be thought of as great, a legend even, a true hero." Glorfindel said.
Morwen smirked, "You are all of those things, but not for the stories of your past, the legends so far removed from the truth of the matter. You are great for all you do in the name of the security of us all, even lowering yourself to be led under another's hand, despite your normal protestations otherwise. You are a legend for your compassion and kindness to others and well.." Morwen trailed off, "..I did truly find you a hero when I was a child. That was however, more for getting my cats out of Elladan's ill-meaning hands and for always finding plausible excuses for why I could not attend the sessions of the sewing circle."
Glorfindel smiled down on Morwen, "Well," he started as he leaned down to kiss her lips, "I suppose I can find peace with that."
The winter was upon them, Imladris blanketed in a soft snow. Tirnion and Eluialeth were due to return within the week and Elladan and Elrohir were already preparing Estel for the return, teaching the very young child the finer arts of a snow battle.
Gilraen laughed as she watched her son throw a handful of powdery snow in Elladan's face, the elf acting as if the throw was so powerful it knocked him over. She looked over to Glorfindel, "Did they learn this overwhelming love of battle strategy in all things from you?"
Glorfindel laughed, "Oh, no, I had nothing to do with this, I was never foolish enough to teach young elves about snow fights. In fact," Glorfindel smiled as his mind wandered to a far off memory, "I was usually the intended target."
Morwen broke in, "Erestor was the one who taught us to apply strategy to snow fights."
"Erestor?" Gilraen asked as she tried to imagine the often stoic chief councilor doing such a thing.
"Oh yes, Erestor takes snow battles quite serious." Faeleth said. "I fear it is something my husband has been involved with for many years. It is, more often than not, the only respite he experiences during the planning of the Mid-Winter Festival. Though he does not take kindly to others throwing snow at him."
The group watched as Erestor came out, his hair pulled away from his face, dressed in pants and a tunic, quite unlike his normal self. Gilraen took in a breath, surprised at seeing Erestor looking so common and yet so stunning.
Faeleth smirked, "And they often ask me why I set my heart on such an unpleasant elf."
Rian and Morwen scoffed at her words while Glorfindel hid his own smile.
Gilraen found herself smiling, an action not so uncommon in the months she had spent in Imladris. As she watched her son squeal in delight as Elrohir tackled Elladan causing the snow to fly and to spray onto Erestor she found herself doing something she had not done since her husband's death. Gilraen laughed, truly laughed and even as broken as she sometimes felt, something in her began to heal.
A/N 1: There will still be a bit of delay in each posting since the mattness is still here, and really, he deserves a thanks for letting me semi-ignore him while I type this. Of course he is ignoring me as he reads my books, so, really, our mutual ignoration should be thanked.
A/N 2: The Thanks.
Renna, I'm glad you are enjoying it so far, and thank you for the review and the compliments, as always, they really do warm my little heart. I am not slacking off, I promise, a little bit for each chapter is being written while I get the chance.
Siegle, you cannot tell, but I am waving hello to you right now. Thanks for the review and I'm glad to know you like the first chapter.
Nima, thank you! And no, we can't escape the ever present fate. I was kind of sad to see Arathorn go, but alas, it had to happen. I also plan to have a lot of fun with Aragorn growing up, especially since in my little world, Elrohir and Elladan have such a direct hand in raising him. And you know, Imladris is supposed to be a refuge and so it will stay that way, at least in my story.