Disclaimer:
So… I'm a student… I own nothing… except various promissory notes… if you want the owner of the genius-ness go look up Tolkien and his progeny…
Oh, yeah, this might come in handy:
"English speech."
Thoughts, any language.
"Elvish speech (specifically, Sindarin)."
Chapter 8 – Decisions
Elrond was still awake when the sun rose, but he did not notice it. Scrolls and books from both his private collection and the Library were scattered across his desk and every other surface in his study. The new day dawned to find the Master of Imladris hunched over in his chair, rapidly shifting back and forth between various texts, comparing translations.
Arintiris, Erestor, and Glorfindel were kept busy sorting through their own extensive collections in search of anything that could be of use. Elladan and Cyermanto had taken over the defenses and technical aspects of running the haven. Elrohir, being delegated the personnel issues and generally running interference for his father and advisors, was the only one not present for the small council. By the time that breakfast was delivered to Elrond's study everyone in it was exhausted. It was silent while they thoughtfully ate the food and everybody seemed to zone out until Cyermanto ventured a question.
"Have you come to any sort of decision this morning, my lord?"
Elrond blinked and turned towards the expectant faces of his son and friends. "From what we have gathered this night I believe that the lady speaks the truth, yet withholds some vital piece. She is correct about the Valar forswearing direct aid to those in Amar, and her words line up with several ancient prophesies regarding Ilúvatar's Promised One and the Holy Flame."
"But?" Cyermanto prompted.
"Some things do not line up. I understand that she may have needed to be reminded of the year, but why the Age? She seemed quite… disturbed to learn the full date."
"That may be accounted for by simply remembering that she has been immersed in another culture completely for over 2,000 years, as she said." Glorfindel noted, eyes distant. "It may have left her internal calendar somewhat skewed and she just needs some time to adjust."
"She admitted that she has not told you the details of this quest." Erestor added.
"If there is such a quest." Elladan said. Everyone turned to stare at him. "What? All she has given you are a few vague references that can apply to any number of ancient prophecies. How do you know that she is not using you? They could be working for the Nameless One. You have no reason to trust them much less help them!"
"You have not met them, young one." Arintiris said softly. "And of those assembled here, you are the least inclined to compassion. Each of us has endured pain during our long years, but you have allowed it to turn to bitterness in your heart." Everyone else noticed their liege lord's jaw clench. "Do not let your quest for vengeance rob you of the ability to see the good in people and believe us when we tell you that there was no lie in her eyes."
"Perhaps if she comes to trust us she will eventually tell us the things that she has withheld." Erestor proposed hesitantly. "Even if she is a spy, would it not be better to keep her here so that she does not report what she may have learned? Either way we should do what we can to learn more of this strange elleth and her companion."
"I agree." Elrond said. "It may be that they simply do not feel comfortable in our presence. Are there any suitably trained ellith that may guard the strangers?"
"Sáranéssa is capable, my lord." Arintiris offered.
Glorfindel looked over to Cyermanto. "She is your charge. Is she able to do this task?"
"Yes, my lord."
"Then she will be briefed on her new assignment." Elrond stated. "Arwen shall see to their lodging and recuperation. Elladan, have you drafted those letters yet?"
"Not completely, my lord."
"Then we shall add this new information to them and send them out as soon as possible. If they are who they say they are we are going to need wisdom beyond our own. If they are not, it will serve as a warning to the other realms. Is this acceptable to everyone?"
The assembled Ellyn nodded their consent and the meeting was concluded. The older lords gathered their books and things before heading out, but Elrond held his son back. "Send your sister to me before you finish that draft, would you?"
"Yes, Father."
oOo
"Is she going to be all right?" Aria finally asked, breaking the silence that had lasted all through the night and well past dawn.
"Yes, it is only exhaustion; she has barely slept a few hours in the last couple of days. I imagine that she will wake soon and then you may have a chat. While we are waiting, allow me to take another look at your shoulder."
Aria nodded and leaned forward so that Arwen could check under the bandage. Gently, so as not to cause discomfort, the lady of Imladris probed the wound with her fingers. "Oh! If I had not known any better I would say that this injury is several months old; it has completely closed up with almost no scar! I should call for my father to come see this. He will be most interested. Do you mind if I step out for a moment?"
"No. I will be here, my lady."
Arwen made no sound as she slipped from the room and Aria was left alone with Amy's sleeping form.
"What was going through your mind last night?" she murmured. "Did you really sit by my bed-side for the last three days? Yes, I think you would." Aria shifted in the chair and let her gaze wander out the window to where the trees were unfurling their new leaves. A breeze toyed with the sheer curtain, trying to follow the bright sunlight into the room. Drinking in the delicate arches and natural-looking peaks of the roof across the way, Aria had no doubts that she really was in Rivendell. Arwen's presence proved it to be the Rivendell of the Third Age and, according to their own words, it was just months before the War of the Ring began, but it was the 'why' that she couldn't figure out.
Why would the Valar send a way out for Beriol and I, but not bring us home? Was it because he pushed Amy through the vortex and mortals were not allowed in the Undying Lands? No, that does not explain Tuor, Gimli and the hobbits. But even if that was the case, why not send us somewhere else in the same time period? Why were we dropped off in A—Elrond's haven almost 2,000 years before I was even born? Over 6,000 years in the past? It is almost time for the dangers to begin in earnest, if I remember my history correctly…
And why, of all things, did they have to take her beloved from her at a time like this! A fresh wave of grief threatened to engulf her and she closed her eyes, choking back the hot salt tears. This was not how she had imagined her life! Sure, others had died during the Long Wait, but not one that she cared about so deeply… Beriol had been her rock, her protector, how was she to survive without him? Her heart felt hollow; it was as if her very soul had been torn from her and she was slowly bleeding to death somewhere on the inside…
oOo
"So you have your orders?" Cyermanto asked his former charge.
"Yes. I am to guard the strangers without appearing as a threat, learn as much about them as possible, and basically earn their trust."
"Good. Just remember: never let your guard down. They may not be what they seem."
"You do not agree with Lord Elrond's ruling in this matter?"
"I am simply cautious as you should be. These are perilous times."
"Yes, sir."
"Now, off with you. And do not forget to report back to me after dinner."
"I thought I was supposed to report directly to Lord Elrond?"
"I only wish to help you keep your post. How often do you make tactical presentations before the Master of Imladris?"
"Well, when you put it that way… shall we meet in your office?"
"Do not be late."
oOo
Arwen entered the study to find her father staring at the gardens from the window-seat. A curious expression flit across his face before he looked up and saw his daughter in the doorway.
"I just wanted to tell you that Árenne's wound is completely healed. It is the most extraordinary thing. Do you wish to see it?"
"Not at the moment, Arwen. I do wish to speak to you about our guests, though." He stood and walked over to where she was. "Would you see to their comfort? We are not quite sure how to proceed in this situation. Perhaps they shall relax more in company that is… less threatening. I am placing them in your charge. Food and baths are in order, I think, and suitable clothes. I shall send someone in to help you…" he placed his hand on her arm as he passed. "Just… keep an eye on them, will you?"
She looked up into his face, trying to discern his thoughts. "Yes, Father."
oOo
The first thing that Amy noticed when she awoke was the sound. Or lack thereof. Still, it was raining rather hard the night before and that wasn't unusual if there had been a blackout after she had gone to sleep. She didn't want to open her eyes, though. She could almost see the remnants of her rather vivid dream and wanted to hold onto them as long as possible.
Aria noticed the change in the rhythm of Amy's breathing and leaned over the bed. "Hey, sleepy head, I know you are awake."
"Ri?" Amy responded without opening her eyes.
"Yeah."
"I just had the strangest dream."
"Do tell."
"I was in Middle Earth. There were Elves! One really hot guy carried me up a tree and you were married to one, but he died in a gun fight with an orc. And you almost died too, but Elrond and Arwen saved you. And you could speak Elvish. And it all looked so much cooler than the movies…"
"The movies, phbbbt. Some things are better in real life, Amy."
"What are you talking about?"
"Open your eyes."
"No, I can still see some of it."
"Edroch hynd, meldis nin, a govannoch Imladris."
"What did you just say!" Amy's eyes popped open and she sat straight up, staring at her friend.
"I said, 'open your eyes, my friend, and greet Imladris.' Unfortunately, that was no dream."
"Y-y-you mean…"
The door opened suddenly capturing both girls' attention. Arwen and Sáranéssa stepped inside, one bearing a tray of food, the other a basket of random supplies. Amy's eyes went wider, if that was possible, before she yelped and dove back under the covers.
"Amy?"
"No."
"Amy get back out here. If they were going to hurt us they would have done it days ago." Aria tugged on the blanket while the ellith set down their burdens and closed the door.
"No. I look like crap and probably smell just as bad."
"Yes, but you can't wash up if you are hiding under the covers."
"True." Amy reluctantly peeked out to see three friendly faces, dropped the blanket, and scooted out of the bed to stand awkwardly to her feet.
"It is good to see you both up and looking well. Would you like to eat or wash first?" Arwen asked softly, coming to stand at the foot of the bed. Aria translated for Amy and paused for her to make up her mind.
"Um, Aria, I have another thought. Where's the bathroom? I have to go…"
Aria burst out laughing; Amy was doing the pee-pee dance while her friend tried to catch her breath long enough to relay the question. Arwen smiled sympathetically before gesturing to a side door. As Amy dashed through it Aria's musical laugh trilled through the chamber once more.
oOo
Bathed, fed, dressed, and coiffed, the strange guests were getting fidgety as the sun went down several hours later.
On such short notice, both had had to borrow dresses from Arwen in order to look presentable. Her being peredhel meant that she was shorter than average for an elleth. It was logical, therefore, if not somewhat odd, that her dresses fit both of the girls while needing the least amount of alterations. Both had chosen to borrow dark dresses for the occasion; Aria's, a forest-green Elf-spun cotton that fit surprisingly well, Amy's, a rust-colored velvet that had to be let out a bit to accommodate her decidedly un-elvish figure. Willowy she was not.
Sáranéssa and Arwen stood by the window to survey their handiwork. Aria's wavy black hair hung down her back, just past her shoulders, unadorned except for a few braids twisted to keep it out of her face. Her pale, slender features and graceful gait were at odds with her nervous pacing by the fireplace. Amy, on the other hand, was perched on the window seat, scribbling in spiral notebook from her backpack. Her own golden-brown locks had taken on a curious fiery hue after a thorough washing and hung straight down just past her shoulder blades, also with only a few strands twisted to keep it out of her face.
"Calm down, meldis nin. You are going to wear a hole in the floor."
Arwen smiled. The young mortal had been trying out elvish words all afternoon; granted, they were not from the High language favored by Elrond's house, but everyone could understand her for she spoke remarkably well. And the girl will be able to communicate with any Elf, should she ever leave our lands later on, the Lady mused, then her brows furrowed, now why would that be important? she wondered, not entirely sure where the first thought had come from.
A small sound at the doorway caught her attention and both ellith turned to find Arintiris standing just inside. He bowed before turning to the ranking lady. "Your father says that it is time."
"Thank you." She said and gestured to the guests. Suddenly somber Aria stood rooted to the floor until Amy came up behind her and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Come on, Aria. You need to do this."
"I—I know, but—"
"Just remember that you are not alone. Ever. David wrote of God, 'Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.'1 Even though it feels like these are just empty words, Aria, they come straight from the heart of the Father. You are not alone. You are safe in the palm of his hand, and tonight I will hold yours." Aria forced a small smile through her tears as Amy grasped her hand firmly and they took the first step toward the doorway and life beyond.
oOo
After leading the strange girls to the room where Beriol was laid out, Arwen and Arintiris pulled back to give them some time alone, neither noticing that Sáranéssa was missing. Aria crept forward to the pallet and cried softly as she caressed his face with her free hand. In the candlelight it looked as though he were merely sleeping, with his eyes closed. A small grin tugged at the corner of her mouth; she could count on one hand the number of times that had happened in the last century or so. Tracing his jaw line, her fingertips fluttered softly over his lips. With a sob she leaned down and left a gentle kiss there, startled by the cold she found.
Tears slipped down Amy's cheeks as Aria tightened the grip on her hand. Following the swift movement of her friend's head she saw that a half-dozen Elves had stepped silently into the room; they had come for the body. Gently she pulled Aria out of their way and they came forward to lift the pallet and carry it outside. Silently the girls walked after them, unaware of the crowd gathering after them, weaving a mournful tune in the darkness.
Even the stars seemed dim that night as the entire population of Imladris sojourned up the hillside toward the lantern-lit clearing ahead. At one end of the glade a grand old oak tree presided and under his roots a grave had been dug. The Elves approached the yawning hole and carefully handed the pallet through, guiding it to rest on the earth inside. When they stood back so that the grave could be closed off, Aria moved forward to touch the tree.
/I will care for him, little one. Visit as often as you must, for I will not be going anywhere. / the tree affirmed. Aria just closed her eyes against the tears and squeezed Amy's hand.
Glossary
Psalm 139:7-10
Ellon (S) male elf, pl - ellyn
Elleth (S) female elf, pl - ellith
A/N:
So guess what! I've had over 1,000 hits on this story! Is that cool or what? Maybe I should hand out Thing more often…
Thanks to Morgiel and Frodo's Girl for your critical thinking skills and to all the rest of you Nonny-Mouse readers for, um, reading! This just makes me hyper. I think I'll go write some more random stuff and then edit it later when I am sane… Don't laugh; you do it, too…
Oh yeah, one more thing. School is starting up for everyone in the next couple of weeks. I just wanted to say that I will do my best to stick with the posting-of-the-chapters-on-a-fairly-regular-basis thing despite the whole moving-back-onto-campus-and-starting-classes-and-stuff.
Last thing. Promise. I am curious, in a purely innocent authorial sense, as to what the readers think of the story so far. Who's your favorite character? What do you think will happen in the future? Is there anyone you want to see more of? Less of? Are you thoroughly confused? Am I? Is there a place for us? Shall we dance?
In the meantime, random Noldorin Elves for all! (The Authoress cannot be held responsible for any and all defects that may be found in said Noldorin Elves. To prevent any mishaps we recommend that you keep your Elf away from Dark Lords, glowing gems, and all ocean-going vessels. Other than that, enjoy!)
Iell Eruo
A/N II:
Due to ongoing research the following change was made: Arien - Árenne.
