AN I want to thank everyone who took the time to review, follow and favorite the last chapter. I also, want to apologize for how long it took me to update this story. Again, a huge thank you to Raider-K for taking the time to sit down and help me with this story. I know you are very busy, and it really means a lot to me you are doing this!


Rule #30: Even healers need help forgetting sometimes.

Much later in the evening, Cal sprawled across her bed reviewing her notes from her session earlier in the day with Glorfindel. Her mind kept wandering back to his memory and the dark-haired ellon she glimpsed through her connection with Glorfindel's fëa. Who was he and why did he seem so familiar? Cal sighed and absent-mindedly doodled on the open page of the journal in her lap, realizing she was not getting anywhere tonight with these notes. She attempted sketching a cute little bunny she had seen on her walk with Glorfindel to lunch. She got as far as drawing its chubby cheeks, and floppy ears before her pencil outlined a row of flowers marching down the edge of her page—the laurelas given to her from Glorfindel in the morning. As she continued drawing, she stifled a yawn and then another, her eyes slowly drifting into a glaze before she found herself fast asleep.

A warm, gentle breeze brushed against her skin, and she beheld the most beautiful garden. I must be dreaming, Calaerneth told herself, for Rivendell did not have anything as lush or tropical as this garden. Padding across the soft, cool grass, she decided it had to be summer, for the birds flew in the clearest blue skies she had ever seen, and the trees bloomed all around her, and flowers of all types covered the grounds, poured out of pots and raised flowerbeds.

Venturing further into the garden, she noticed four tall trees in each corner and a massive stone wall with starry purple flowers climbing atop it. Her fingers touched the flowers, and she bent over breathing in their natural perfume, a small smile playing on her lips. Standing up, Cal let her feet lead her where they may, and she found herself at the opposite end of the garden, where smooth stones met the lush green grass and the gentle fall of water over pebbles. This place, it seemed so surreal, so magical as if it was a different place and time, and Cal longed to stay there.

As her eyes roamed the vast garden, trying to remember every detail of this place, she noticed a tall, raven-haired ellon standing by the small waterfall-like fountain. Turning, the elf smiled reaching for her hands and pulled her into a warm embrace. Just as he was about to whisper something into her ear, Cal woke with a gasp.

She had seen him before…in Glorfindel's memory of Gondolin!

Glancing down to where her notebook should have been, she realized it slid off her lap and fell open to a different page. Her eyes widened as she beheld what was on the page. Instead of the drawing of the bunny and flowers she had sketched before, there was a sketch of the jewel worn by the very elf from her dream; only this was a very detailed rendering of it. She warily eyed her hand, still holding her pencil. Was it possible she had drawn a picture of the jewel while dreaming? Too shaken up to sleep, Cal tried once more to go over her notes.


Early the next morning, after Cal dressed in her most comfortable long tunic and leggings, she decided to skip the morning meal and head over to the gardens by the main bridge and falls. After the startlingly realistic dream and the discovery of the jewel sketch, she had not slept a wink, and the last thing she wanted was to be questioned by anyone.

Shouldering her leather bag in which she always carried her notebook and the handbook Lord Elrond loaned her, she left her room, quickly walking as to avoid running into anyone. Arriving at the garden, she was surprised to see Glorfindel sitting on one of the stone benches. Groaning inwardly, she turned to leave when his voice caught her off guard. "Lady Calaerneth, what a surprise to see you here. What brings you out here this early?"

"Lord Glorfindel, I thought I might watch the sunrise. I could not sleep any longer, and as I am not particularly hungry, I thought I would come out here."

Glorfindel could not help but notice Calaerneth's face seemed a little careworn. Scooting over, he motioned for her to sit next to him. "Beautiful morning, isn't it?" he asked, giving her a winsome smile. "Although I must say, it does look like it might storm later."

Cal glanced at the sky and had to agree it certainly was beautiful, arrayed with bright reds, yellows, oranges and even a hint of pink, yet how Glorfindel knew it might storm, later, she had no idea. Perhaps it was an ability all warriors picked up.

Getting up, Glorfindel stretched. "Well, I will be going now, I do not wish to disturb your solitude."

"You are not bothering me, please do not leave on my account."

"Are you certain?" he asked sitting back down.

Cal nodded, making an effort to smile.

Glorfindel breathed in the morning air. "This is one of my most favorite spots to come when I wish to be alone or watch the sun rise and set. Though I must admit, it is not quite as lovely as Sîdh Nîn, a beautiful reflecting pond on the other side of the valley. Very picturesque."

Calaerneth's eyes slid toward Glorfindel, a curious look upon her face. "Sîdh Nîn? I have never seen it."

Feigning shock, Glorfindel gasped. "What? Well, that is unacceptable. I could show you if you like…" he said with slight hesitation in his voice.

"As tempting as the offer sounds, I could not possibly impose on your plans. Perhaps another time," Calaerneth neatly excused herself.

Then Glorfindel smiled broadly. "Consider them canceled! We'll need to ride. Do you ride?"

Cal could not help but wonder if this was another ploy to get her to clear him or if he was truly sincere; either way, the offer was very tempting, and she could use the distraction after last night.

"Yes, I do ride," Cal told him and then after thinking a few seconds more, accepted his offer. "But I need to change into some better clothes first." Glorfindel looked immaculate in his soft blue tunic, neatly pressed and highly polished boots; he was fit for a fine dinner, and she looked ready to muck the stables.

"Nonsense! You are lovely just as you are! I will meet you at the stables in two minutes." With a cheeky grin, Glorfindel took off towards the stables to wait for Calaerneth.

A few minutes later, Cal arrived at the stables, her small leather bag in tow, she was not surprised in the least when she noticed Glorfindel waiting for her with a hamper underneath his arm. He probably already had it ready, and assumed I would travel with him, she thought to herself. If Cal was to be honest with herself, this whole trip seemed too well planned, and if she were not so tired and distracted from last night, she probably would have been slightly upset with him.

Raising a brow at him, she slowly approached.

"What? I was planning on eating by the pond later anyway," he smirked as he finished tacking Cal's horse. "I took the liberty of preparing your horse. I hope you do not mind."

Giving a small smile, Cal walked over to the horse Glorfindel had finished readying for her. She was a young mare, pitch black with a speck of white between her eyes. "She is beautiful," Cal said petting her muzzle. "What is her name?"

Glorfindel gave a soft smile as he watched her affectionately stroke the horse's muzzle. "Her name is Mornel. Quite a fitting name don't you think?"

"Black, yes, I think it fits her nicely." Looking at Glorfindel, she motioned to the horses. "So, are you ready to leave? If a storm is coming, we should probably head off, so we get back before it hits."

"Yes, you are probably right," he stated, hooking the hamper to Asfaloth. "Do you need help mounting Mornel?" Glorfindel asked.

Cal rolled her eyes playfully before she mounted Mornel with ease. "No, I think I can get on my horse just fine."

Chuckling, Glorfindel mounted Asfaloth. "I can see that. Well, if you are ready, then let us be off."

Motioning for Glorfindel to lead the way, the two rode off to Sîdh Nîn. The ride was relatively quiet. Since arriving at Imladris a few weeks ago, today was the first time Calaerneth had been outside the Valley walls. She never dreamed that the surrounding forest could hold such beauty. The tall trees swayed gently overhead, and flowers ranging from purple to yellow dotted the green path. Ever so often, she would glimpse small creatures such as deer, rabbits and even two foxes.

The young maiden would have been content just riding and enjoying the beauty the land had to offer, but within thirty minutes, the two arrived at the place Glorfindel had dubbed Sîdh Nîn. "Well, this is it," the golden-haired ellon said, pulling Asfaloth to a stop. Dismounting, he offered his hand to help Calaerneth off Mornel, which she accepted.

"This place is lovely," she said, admiring the landscape. "Do you come here often?"

"Not as much as I would like," Glorfindel admitted. "As captain of the guard, I am often kept busy back in Imladris, but I try to come here a couple of times a month when time permits."

"I can see why," she murmured, still holding onto Glorfindel's arm as they strolled towards an arbor near a perfectly glassy large pond.

Glorfindel smiled as he watched Cal look around her, completely oblivious to anything else. And why wouldn't she be? He had been coming here for centuries, and still its pristine beauty took his breath away. "Here is what I have affectionately named Sîdh Nîn, and look," he said pointing off in the distance, "there are some swans."

Cal looked to where he pointed and saw the large pond. Unlike other ponds she had seen growing up, this one was calm, crystal clear and made one feel like nothing could trouble them. Gliding on the pond with grace and elegance, followed closely by at least six hatchlings, were two large white swans.

"They are gorgeous," Cal whispered, letting go of his arm to get a closer look. "They remind me of the great ships back home."

"Yes, I suppose they do, "Glorfindel replied coming to stand next to her. "Did you know swans mate for life?"

"No, I did not know that," Cal replied and appraised Glorfindel who still gazed at the swans gliding across the pond without causing so much as a ripple. "They are not so very different from us, I suppose."

Glorfindel opened his mouth as if to reply, but was caught off guard when big fat raindrops began to hit the pond like stones. Seconds later, a bright flash of lightning followed by a massive thunderclap spooked Mornel. Glorfindel tried to calm the frightened mare but to no avail. When the second clap of thunder boomed, she broke free and bolted.

"We need to get to the arbor which is nearly a quarter mile from here," Glorfindel called out taking Cal by the hand and started to bolt for the destination.

As the two ran as fast as they could, the rain poured in torrents as if Elrond had let the Bruinen loose soaking anything in its path. Two minutes later, the two made it to the arbor sopping wet. There wasn't a dry article of clothing on them. Glorfindel looked at Cal horror-stricken, his golden hair, dripping creating a puddle around his feet. "I am so sorry, my lady. I knew a storm was on its way, but I thought it would have waited until much later."

Looking over at Glorfindel, who looked like a drowned rat, Cal did the last thing Glorfindel thought she would do—she started laughing. "You should see yourself, my lord. You are a sight!" she said through fits of laughter.

Glorfindel stared at her, entranced by her laugh. "Well," he started coming to, "you do not look much better yourself," and he began laughing. When the laughter died down, the two wrung the water from their hair and clothes and watched the rain fall together.

"May I ask you a personal question?" Glorfindel asked moments later.

Raising a perfect brow, Cal turned and looked at Glorfindel. "That would depend on the question."

Fiddling with his hands, Glorfindel searched for the right words. "Was there anything troubling you earlier?"

Calaerneth laughed. "I am supposed to be asking you the questions!"

"I know, only…I would rather see you smile." In a moment of boldness, Glorfindel reached up and softly caressed her cheek.

Feeling her heart speed up, Cal leaned into his touch. Glorfindel stared intently into her eyes, noticing for the first time how green they were, like the dark emerald leaves of the laurelas flower, and the way the raindrops beaded her lashes, her skin dewy and bright in the morning light. Glorfindel slowly leaned in towards her.

"Oh, look, it's stopped raining!" Calaerneth said, glancing past him, pointing into the horizon.

Shaking his golden head, Glorfindel looked up to where she was pointing. "I see it has," he agreed flatly.

Turning back to him, her green eyes shining, she clapped her hands together. "Do you think the ground is too wet for your picnic? I am famished!" Skipping breakfast had caught up to her.

Bending down, Glorfindel fished through the hamper before pulling out a large wooly blanket. "I am always prepared, my lady. Shall we go find a suitable spot?"

"You have thought of everything…and so quickly too!" Cal could not resist adding.

Smiling, Glorfindel led Calaerneth underneath the boughs of a large oak tree and spread out the blanket as Cal watched on amusedly. Sitting down, Glorfindel patted a spot next to him. Cal sat down warily. Opening the hamper, he produced two tin cups and a bottle of wine, which he handily uncorked.

"This is all a bit much, Lord Glorfindel. What do you mean by all this?" she asked frankly. She knew he wanted to get on her good side to sign off on his release papers early, but she rather hoped he would have the decency to admit it. She liked the friendly, charming side of this elf, but she would much rather see him be sincere.

However, the mighty elf lord merely laughed and poured the wine. "I feel bad for my earlier behavior and want to make it up to you," he replied, handing her a cup.

Setting the cup down she watched him fix her a plate of roast tea sandwiches, vegetables, and a bit of fruit, all the while thinking about the bet and his manipulative scheming. Taking a small bite of her sandwich, she smiled sweetly. "You know, there might be a few elves in Imladris who would look at your recent attention toward me and say you are only being nice to get into my good graces."

Nearly spitting out his sandwich, he quickly recovered. "Swallowed wrong," he said, wiping his mouth with a napkin. When he had fully recovered, he set his sandwich down and looked up at her. "Isn't it terrible how people gossip? I would rather people say Lord Glorfindel finds Lady Calaerneth to be lovely beyond measure."

Upon hearing Glorfindel and seeing him gazing warmly at her, Cal could not help but blush. Sure, it was all an act to get in her good graces, but Valar! He was still so charming, and what was worse, she found it difficult to resist his charms!

Clearing her throat, Cal glanced out into the field behind Glorfindel and noticed all the wildflowers covering the hillside. It certainly would not hurt to put some distance between them. "Do you mind if I gather some flowers?"

"Of course not, my lady. Of course, they will not be near as lovely as you," he said smoothly with a slight grin playing at his lips.

Blushing even more, Cal quickly stood to her feet and rushed off to pick flowers, leaving Lord Glorfindel alone with his thoughts.

As soon as she left and was a relatively safe distance away, Glorfindel decided to take a peek inside her leather bag. It had scarcely left her reach the entire outing. Opening the bag up, he spied her notebook. "I wonder what she has written about me?" he murmured. His curiosity won out, and he opened the book to where she had a blue ribbon marking her spot. Noticing a line of laurelas flowers she sketched, he could not help but smirk; however, when he turned the page, what he saw made him drop the book as though it burned him.

Drawn meticulously in the center of the page was Ecthelion's jewel, the one he always wore.

Why would Calaerneth draw this, and better yet, how would she even know about this jewel? Not wanting to think about it any longer, he quickly stuffed the notebook back in her bag, forcing the thought from his mind. He did not want to think about it, not any of it! —not the jewel, not Ecthelion, and certainly not Gondolin.

Shaking his head as though in a fog, he turned his attention towards Calaerneth and watched her pick flowers listening to her hum a familiar song. Wanting to get as far away from her accursed notebook, he decided to join her.

"Care for some company, my lady?" Glorfindel asked grinning.

Looking up at him, with her arms full of flowers, she smiled. "If you like. Thank you for bringing me out here today. This was just what I needed."

Glorfindel cocked his head to the side with a curious look on his face. "Needed for what?"

Calaerneth sighed feeling a little sheepish. "I didn't sleep well at all last night. I had a dream which well… you know…" she hesitated. "Well, coming here really helped me to forget."

Glorfindel nodded his head in agreement. "No one understands the need to forget more than I," he said gently closing the gap in between them.

Suddenly, Calaerneth became painfully aware of just how close Glorfindel was to her. Feeling him lace his fingers through hers, he brought her hand up for a kiss. Just as they reached his lips, Cal in a huge panic, thrust her freshly picked wildflowers in his face and shrieked.

Glorfindel dropped her hand immediately, his eyes wide in equal parts terror and shock.

"I am so sorry!" she exclaimed, "a huge June bug just crawled onto my hand and well, you saw my reaction."

At first, he stared at her with a stunned look upon his face, but then he started laughing. "It isn't in my hair, is it?" he asked, feigning horror.

"No, it flew off," Cal replied merrily as she picked some stray blossoms from the ends of his hair.

Right in the middle of plucking out another flower, Glorfindel caught her hand and pulled her in until they were only an inch apart. "Thank you for coming with me today," he told Calaerneth sincerely as his fingers traced tender circles across the soft skin of her hand. "I know you said it helped you forget, but it was good for me as well. I didn't realize…but being with you, you have a very soothing presence."

With the softest of smiles, Glorfindel lifted her hand to his lips for a second time, and this time, Calaerneth had nothing to toss in his face. Their eyes locked as his soft lips brushed against her skin, and her breath hitched. She could not believe how intense his eyes were, almost like he could see right through her. Unwittingly, Calaerneth took a step back, extricating her hand from his. "I…I dropped all my flowers," she finally said lamely, and she stooped to gather the loose stems.

"Watch out for June bugs," he teased.

"No worries. The enormous one is in your hair," she chuckled.

"What?! Where is it? Get it out!" he said, pretending to panic as he checked the ends of his hair, and just like that, the moment was over, and they returned to their easy companionable conversation.

An hour later, the two decided to return to Imladris. When they reached Asfaloth back at the arbor, Glorfindel realized Mornel had not returned. "She must have fled during the storm to the stables. You will have to ride with me on Asfaloth."

Cal could have sworn a mischievous gleam entered his eyes. Cringing inwards, she relented and allowed Glorfindel to help her onto his horse. "I am sorry about this, my lady." As he lifted her on, she felt her heart speed up as the heat of his hands burned straight through the damp fabric of her tunic.

The ride back home was silent except for Calaerneth's humming of the song from earlier. The tune was so familiar. "If you do not mind my asking, where did you learn that song? I have heard it before."

Turning her head around to look at him, she shrugged. "It is just a little song I have always hummed to myself. I do not know where I first learned it."

For the second time that day, an uneasy feeling passed over Glorfindel. He understood why finding the sketch of the jewel rattled him, but Calaerneth's pretty little melody should cause him no discomfort. It was just that ill nagging feeling, prodding the back of his mind, as if he should remember something, but could not. He pushed the song from his mind as well, and the two continued the ride home in silence.

When they returned to the stables, Glorfindel offered to walk her to her room. When they reached her door, he smiled as a suitor might. "Thank you for such a lovely afternoon."

"I should be thanking you," she said and raised her eyes, laughing softly. As Glorfindel leaned in, Calaerneth shoved the rest of the flowers into his chest. "These are for you. Thank you again for a lovely time." And she quickly shut the door in his face.

When she heard him leave, Cal leaned against the door breathing heavily as she brought both her hands up to cool her burning cheeks. He was very persistent…and she was not sure how much longer she could easily dodge his advances…or if she even wanted to. Which was crazy, she reminded herself, because she knew what he was doing. He was only using her, but even so…when she recalled the intensity in his eyes by the reflecting pool, she could not help but wonder what it would be like to let him kiss her, really kiss her. From the way her heart hammered in her chest right now only thinking about it, she might not survive.


Sîdh Nîn - Elvish translation for Peaceful Waters