Title: In the Garden, Chapter 36
Author: Sorsha711
Fandom/Pairing: Elrond/OFC, others implied
Rating: PG-13, ratings will increase in future chapters
Warning: AU (Story set several hundred years after ROTK in Aman); Het.
Feedback: Constructive feedback appreciated.
Archive: OEAM; AFF; FF
Acknowledgements: Thanks to Lady Victoria for betaing of this fic.
Disclaimer: Anything you recognize belongs to Prof. Tolkien. A quick check of my bank account should prove I'm not making anything off of writing my stories. Sigh!
Summary: Life in the Blessed Land has not been so blessed for Elrond. Can the happiness that has long eluded him be found in a red-bound journal, a grieving elleth, and a wish that none thought possible? Perhaps, in the garden…
A/N --- Thanks so much to those of you that send me feedback since the last update! I really appreciate it! I apologize for the delay in posting a new chapter. RL has been was too real lately and writing had to wait until things got back on track… a least a little! lol The good news is that the next chapter is already finished and in Vicky's hands. I'll post it later this week… assuming my laptop hasn't died! Like I said, Rl has been way too real! Hope you enjoy the chapter! S
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Chapter 36 --- Dear Diary
His parents' attendants had lit a fire in the fireplace and placed several flickering candelabras around the room to warm and brighten the sitting room located at the top of the White Tower. Elrond moved slowly across the room to a window that overlooked the sea. The sun had set an hour earlier and his mother had flown out to accompany his father's starship on the first leg of its nightly voyage. Elrohir had not yet returned from a walk on the beach with Himiel and Elladan was still sitting at the side of his love on the patio of Cirdan's house.
Relieved to have the house to himself for the moment, he lifted the latch and let one side of the window swing out. The salty tang of the sea gave a bite to the night air as the breeze cooled the overly warm room. Drawing a deep breath, he felt the connection he had always had to the sea sooth and renew his spirit. While the desire to sail had never compelled him as it did his father, he had lived many years near the ocean… first with his parents and later in Balar and Lindon with Ereinion and Linder. Cirdan had taught him to sail while he had still been an elfling. The beaches below the King's Palace had been his favourite place of retreat in the years after his twin has sailed for Númenor. The rhythms and sounds of the ocean were part of him. The roaring falls of his valley had feed this need over the millennia, a gift from the Lord of the Seas as he sought to remain a part of the live of Eru's Children.
Satisfied with the mix he had achieved between the warmth of the fire and the cool night air, he poured himself a goblet of wine from the carafe his mother kept on a nearby sideboard and positioned a large wingchair to take full advantage of the light from the candles. Once seated, Elrond pulled his journal from his pocket.
For a moment, he traced the pattern the elven tanner had carefully tooled into the soft red leather. /This journal has come to mean a great deal to me. For years, it gave me my only means of expressing my truest emotions… dreams I felt I would never be free to pursue. I was filled with such anger and grief/
A rueful smile tugged at his lips. /Then too, I spend a great deal of time daydreaming about a certain lovely elleth that shared my visits to the park… shared them in the sense we seemed fated to be there at the same time each day, but always kept apart by our past. I never thought I would…/
Opening the journal, Elrond shifted through the last few entries looking for one in particular. Finding it, he began to read.
Ah, Meril… the moment her lips touched mine, I was lost… and as surely found. That moment confirmed what I already knew. Meril is my other half. She completes me and I her. We both felt the bond that has formed between us as we never had before. Tis a good thing that I did not know the full measure of what I was missing until that moment. I would never have survived the long years without her.
The taste of her lips lingers on my own. I would not have believed I could feel such passion… feel so utterly consumed by a kiss. Her taste, her scent… they swamped my senses and I was blind to all but Meril. Meril… my Meril!
She tastes like the finest wine against my tongue. The sweet warmth of her body, the heady heat of her mouth, the sigh of her breath against my cheek and neck… I was so aroused! Yet, I was content for the moment to have our kiss and leave it there. She will be mine… my wife, my partner, my lover, but I am willing to bide my time for now. I will protect her as she will protect me. Our time is coming and soon, there will be no further need for restraint.
What a glorious thought! I still find it difficult to believe how much my life has changed in so short a time. I am free and Meril loves me, my parents have returned to my life, and I have new purpose in serving Eru… the Valar. I am indeed humbled and eternally thankful for these gifts.
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Meril leaned back against the closed door of the room she had been given with a relieved, yet contented sigh. It had taken her over an hour to free herself from her family so that she could return to her rooms for the night. The evening meal had become a community event for her family and friends living or visiting the small seaside village governed by her Uncle and Aunt.
Securely tucked away out of the sight of the gossips of Valimar and apart from the tension gripping much of the rest of Aman, the extended clan of family and friends have revelled in the simple pleasures of life. They had talked of everyday matters and shared stories. They had indulged in the delights of good food and wine. They had played games, swam in the sea, gone fishing and taken long walks… ridden along the beach and the winding paths near the ocean. Laughter had flowed freely and the healing begun in the Gardens of Lorien settled more deeply into their spirits.
Music and singing filled the air from early morning to late into the night. The residents of the village had taken to gathering in the courtyard and on the terraced patio around their Lord and Lady's home to enjoy the musical performances that had become a nightly event. Local minstrels and singers had joined the musicians among their visitors and a lively exchange had been the result. When they returned to Valimar, several of the older children from the village were slated to join the party so that they could attend the new school and benefit from the tuteledge it offered.
On a private note, Meril and her father had begun to work to untangle the threads of their damaged relationship and find a new path to guide them into the future. The wounds of the past had been hard to overcome and their progress had been slow, their successes modest at best. Despite this, both found comfort in the effort, an effort that had been painfully missing for the first several millennia of their relationship. While much still divided them, Meril at last felt hopeful of the future.
Grinning to herself, Meril considered the two other pastimes her family had been enjoying of late, playing matchmaker for her and Elrond and spying on the pair whenever they tried to find a moment to be alone. /I know they mean well and that they have been anxiously waiting for millennia for the day when Elrond was again free, but… it is a little overwhelming! I had not anticipated their finding so much entertainment in our courtship. Tis a good thing the residents of this village are so loyal to Uncle Cirdan and Aunt Aerel or gossip would surely arrive in Valimar before we return/
Pushing away from the door, the elleth settled her flute and lyre she had played earlier in the evening on a table along the far wall. Reaching for her journal, she stepped out onto her chamber's balcony. Enjoying the feel of the finely tooled leather and the comfort of its familiar heft in her hands, she moved to sit on the chaise that dominated the small space. The light of Ithil washed the stone tiles with a silvery glow and the star of Eärendil seemed to twinkle in greeting.
Lifting a hand to wave to him in hopes he did indeed see her, she marvelled at the fact that she now knew a star. /What a notion! I never expected such a thing! I was so nervous when Elrond took me to meet him. Tis a blessing he is so much like his son or else I would have fainted from my nerves/ she remembered, a bright smile lighting her face. Another twinkle from the star strengthened her hope he had indeed seen her. Pleased by the thought, she made a mental note to ask him when she joined the Peredhil for an early dinner the next day.
Settling onto the cushions of the chaise, Meril shifted into a comfortable position for writing. Finding her place in the red leather journal, she began:
Ada knows of my alliance with Elrond. He finally asked me today if I love him. I can see he is struggling to come to terms with my feelings for an elf lord so many years my senior. The scandals that have plagued Elrond's life in these lands must make this match a difficult proposition for him to accept. Then too, he must know Nana will never approve.
Ada still finds it difficult to make his own decisions in matters of family and instinctively thinks to respond in a manner that would please her. He knows this and endlessly questions himself on all matters from the most weighty to the purely trivial. Approve or disapprove, I came to think it would be a relief to see him make a decision that is truly his and defend it accordingly. This uncertainty does him no good. Nana will make short work of reasserting herself if they manage to reconcile unless he finds himself again. A child never thinks of her parents in such ways, but it is clear Ada lost himself over the millennia of their marriage and does not know how to begin to regain what he has lost.
Odd that this thought has never occurred to me before, but I wonder if the age difference between Elrond and me gives him as much concern as the scandals. Ada is so much younger than Nana and she seems to have easily dominated him. Does he fear I will face the same obstacles that have made his own marriage so difficult?
If this is the case, I hope he talks to me… or Uncle Cirdan about this, for we could relieve his mind in that regard. Our situations are very different. I now see that Nana seeks to control her family because she has never felt secure of her place and of her own worth. Elrond, for all he has endured, is very secure in the love of his family and well he should be. He would never seek to dominate me for he has no such need.
Still, this is Ada's concern to settle and I have no doubt he will be paying Elrond a visit very soon to 'ask his intentions'. I should not giggle at that thought, but… I am not sure my father wants to hear my suitor's full answer to that question. Fortunately, Elrond would never answer in that manner… at least to my Ada! I, on the other hand, heartily approve of those intentions!
Pausing to adjust the pillows at her back, she let her gaze turn to the north seeking the faint outline of the White Tower silhouetted against the night sky. Seeing the golden glow of candlelight near the top of the tower, a smile overtook her face as she mentally pictured the scene within.
/He is no doubt settled into one of those massive wingchairs his mother found to fit the needs of her husband. Like his father, my Elrond is unusually broad of shoulder. I guess that is a trait they inherited from Lord Tuor. Yes, my Elrond is sitting on one of those chairs, a glass of wine near at hand, writing in his journal. I wonder if he is recalling this afternoon.../
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Picking up his quill, Elrond began to write.
My old friends are having too much fun at my our expense. They seem determined to play at being our chaperone and it has become a challenge to find a few minutes alone with Meril for even a simple kiss! Linder and his sons… Glorfindel and Ereinion are the worst! No, let me revise that statement! My sons are the worst! Since he joined us, Elladan is as prone to this mischief as the others and his twin is no better. Add Legolas to the mix… I wonder if Cirdan would permit me to assign them stable duty?
Meril quite surprised me today! She seems to anticipate their games and it was fun to get a bit of our own back on that trio! I will relish the looks of surprise and outrage on their faces as we dumped those buckets of water over their heads from our perch on the cliff above them. I wonder who her accomplice was? Someone had obviously been there ahead of us and left the buckets, but she refused to tell me who.
Whoever it was prepared her well for she was quick in pulling me off the main path and up that switchback to the top of the cliff! It was not until she put a bucket into my hands and pointed at the three below that I understood her plan… and that wicked grin that lit her face! Twas a great stroke of good fortune that they made the mistake of leaving their mounts tethered near to our own. Hopefully the three mile walk back to the village gave them some time to rethink the merits of continuing their games… though tis more likely it gave them time to plot more mischief!
Still, it is a greater pleasure to see this renewal to Meril's spirit. I remember Elladan and Elrohir saying she had a mischievous sense of humour when she was young… one that had been lost over the years from her mother's abusive treatment. Mischievous indeed! We are well matched and the rest of our family had better be on their toes henceforth!
Grinning at the memory of his sons and Legolas dripping wet and sputtering in outrage, he reached for his glass of wine. Taking a sip, he let the words for the next part of his entry form in his mind.
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The look on his face as he dumped that bucket of water on the twins was one I will long treasure! He seemed no older than they, perhaps younger still. I would not have taken the horses with us had he not been the instigator! I can still hear their shouts of outrage echoing down the beach after us!
I think Elrond enjoyed the picnic I planned. He so wanted to know who helped me arrange my little surprise, but I know better than to bring Gwing into the mix openly! A war would surely ensue between her and her husband with the rest of us caught in the middle! Those two are relentless in their games! Yes, best to keep her and Lady Elwing's part in our little adventure to myself, though his mother's help would please and amuse my love greatly!
Aunt Aerel did suggest a fine cove for our picnic. It was such a pleasure to have Elrond all to myself, with no one peeking around a sand dune or through some shrub! He was so relaxed and… happy. He was truly happy and content. Such a thought gives me great joy for he has had so little of either in millennia.
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I suspect Aerel helped her with the picnic. How else could she have arranged for a meal to be waiting, a blanket spread out for our use. It was truly a challenge to not put that blanket to use for more than our picnic! Ha, that is not quite a true accounting of our little adventure! I should more correctly say it was a challenge not to go further than we did!
She seems to melt against me… under me. Her arms twine around me and I feel desired as I have never been before. My Meril wants me! I rejoice at this thought. And I want… ache for her!
I begin to chaff at the fact I must wait until the Harvest Celebration to make public our courtship, for that means I must wait at least six months to ask for a formal betrothal. Still, Meril will make a lovely spring bride one year hence! Perhaps we might have the ceremony in our small garden in the park. I wonder if she would like that? The roses will be in bloom… roses for my rose! A/N --- Meril means rose!
Elrohir thinks I was jesting when I told him Lindir is betting on which of us will win our love first! He should know better! Bets have been placed by all of them… including bets on whether Ada has at last been hooked! I have my money on him, for he is truly in love at long last. Tis a sad business that Lissë's Adar'ra has behaved in so childish a manner. At least her parents have stood with her and accepted Ada's overtures of a courtship between them with appropriate grace.
Pausing to look out the window, he noted his father's progress across the night sky.
Meril was near to fainting from her nerves at meeting Ada. Nana and I told her she had nothing to worry about, that Ada would adore her. And he did. Now could he not? I know it is silly at my great age, but it is nice they approve of her. She needs the support of loving parents as much as I do. Ada and Nana are determined to support us come what may and I find great comfort in that thought!
I wonder what my Meril is doing? Has she retired for the night or is she still sitting with the rest of the family on the patio? I prefer to think she has retired for the night, for it gives me the chance to imagine her in bed… her pale gold hair flowing over her pillows and a sheer gown clinging to her… Ai! Maybe this line of thought is not such a good one to be having in the middle of my parent's sitting room. I may soon need to retire to my rooms to… take matters into my own hand!
A silly jest were it a jest! Imagine! I am an elf of over seven millennia and the mere thought of my Meril arouses me to this point. Tis twice in one day that I have had to consider this course! I have not been aroused in centuries and this… Eru and the Valar be praised! I feel so alive!
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My Elrond is a superb kisser! I never knew a kiss could leave me so… it was as if the bones in my body had all melted and I could only think to yield to him. He tastes like the night air. Indeed, the scent of the night seems a part of him even in the middle of the day. It is quite heady! Thinking of him makes me feel tense and… hungry, but for what I am not entirely sure.
It is time I had a talk with… Gwing I think. Nana told me so little of intimate matters and Haldir was more concerned with keeping me at arms length. It is ridiculous that an elleth of my years has no idea about how to make love! Well, I do know the basics, but not much else. I know the 'what' and the… 'where', but… yes, a talk with Gwing or Aunt Silael. I could not imagine having such a talk with Aunt Aerel! I need to know more so that I do not make a stupid mistake. I would not want Elrond to become bored with me and regret our courtship. He deserves an elleth that can meet his needs
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I find such pleasure in her innocent response to my touch. For all she was betrothed for so long, she has been sheltered. It pains me to say it but Haldir did display some caring for her and obviously realised what a gift Meril's love and trust represents. He could have wounded her greatly to have taken advantage of her. How he managed to restrain himself I cannot imagine, but I rejoice that he did. She is my other half, not his, and I will be the one to show her the ways of lovers. Indeed, in all the ways that matter, we will find our way together. Aye, I will tread with care, but how I am to wait for almost two years to claim her I do not know!
It seems her father has determined the nature of our relationship. I should approach him… after I talk to Meril and assure him of my intentions. It would be better for me to observe the proprieties in this matter rather than wait for him to come to me and demand answers. It is doubtful he is happy with our match, but I must do what I can to relieve his worries for Meril's sake. They have begun to rebuild their relationship and I would not do anything to damage it further.
Still, I guess this means we now have another to shadow our steps and make sure we 'behave'. Glory is enjoying this situation far too much for my liking! We must target him next… and Mel! I wonder if their wives would…
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I wonder if Elrond knows Linder and Erestor are taking bets on us? Actually, they are taking bets on us, the twins and their loves, Legolas and Gelireth… and I think Lissë and Ereinion! It seems we are all part of the summer festivities! Perhaps I should ask to place a bet? That should give that pair a start! I think Elladan may be near to proposing so, I think I will place money on him.
Or perhaps I should place money on us? I think Elrond has our courtship all planned out in his mind. We will announce at the Harvest Festival and become betrothed in the spring of the next year. Hummm… that means a spring wedding. I wonder if he would agree to having the ceremony at our small garden at the park? It seems only right as it is where we met!
And, I could carry roses…
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Gelireth (S – Merry) is the Teleri maiden that Legolas is courting. She is a niece of Aerel. I could not resist having Legolas court a maiden named Merry!