Chapter 36

Of Thunder and Lightning

Gildor could not help but glance every once in a while behind him. Erynlith was singing, which was not very surprising, but Glorfindel was actually singing with her. Glorfindel of all people! They rode behind the travelling host, their horses walking side by side, as they continued inventing songs which made no sense at all. Their voices would then be trailed off with rich laughter from them.

It was an amusing sight for Gildor and his companions; both elves were comfortable enough to be travelling together. Erynlith brought out the intensity from Glorfindel; he spent his first few days in Lindon keeping to himself, always shy and polite. But when Erynlith was urged more to befriend him, he became quite enthusiastic and friendly to others.

*"Dance all ye joyful, now dance all together!

Soft is the grass, and let foot be like feather!

The river is silver, the shadows are fleeting;

Merry is May-time, and merry our meeting."

The song went on and on. Eventually, all the other elves sang along with them, all the more inventing phrases for the song. They were intent on proposing for Lindir when they had returned from journey. They passed through the lands, which Erynlith whispered aside to Glorfindel and said, "Arthedain, realm of the Edain." It was run by the Kings of Men, descended from the line of Isildur. Elrond had little dealings with them after the War, and the names of the kings the elves never knew. It was said that the current King of Arthedain was an excellent hunter, who hunted in the fields that fenced his lands. It was the same path the elves from Rivendell trekked and glad they were that none of the king's hunters blocked them.

The caravan crossed a shallow river and moved on. The night in the realm of Arthedain was foggy, prompting the travelling elves to be cautious. Gildor held up a lamp as he rode at the head of the line; his blue eyes narrowing at each corner of the pathway. The neighs of the horses jerked them up, and some reared at their wake. Glorfindel, being at the end of the line, warily felt for the grip of his sword. He looked behind the line, silently hoping that none would appear in the middle of the darkness. And then, his companion slipped from her horse, looking ahead.

"Erynlith," Glorfindel whispered sharply. "Get back here." But she did not listen. Her eyes were darted on the side of the road, between the thick bushes. Owl hoots sounded behind them, and Erynlith followed the sound. Her love for beasts was not needed at the time like this, especially when everyone was weary. "Erynlith, please," the warrior whispered again; he himself was on the verge of dismounting his horse and pulling her back. "Get back here or so help me."

Instead, Erynlith stretched her hands to touch an owl perched on top of the tree. It hooted and squawked at her threateningly, flying off when she yelped at its feistiness. She laughed quietly and turned back to her friend. "See, Glorfindel? No trouble at all, tra-lo."

But, the gleaming golden eyes behind her said otherwise.

Glorfindel kicked the sides of his horse, his silver sword already unsheathed. He threw himself upon the company of orcs that lurked in the shadows, as Erynlith fell on the ground.

The elves were in panic. Everyone was suddenly running away from the scene, shouting at each other in Elvish. Some urged their horses off into the darkness beyond; others whirled around to the opposite road. Gildor watched in horror as his travelling companions disappeared one after the other, until all that was left were him, Erynlith, and Glorfindel.

Fearful as he was, Gildor stepped backwards until one orc grasped him by the forearm. He struggled from his captor, mustering all his strength, but he was no warrior. He was not as lithe and quick as Erestor, or as agile as Erynlith. At a moment's notice, Gildor was able to free himself and ran towards busy field. He saw Erynlith still on the ground, looking stunned at Glorfindel's fighting prowess.

"Run!" Gildor cried, already pulling her wrist. He had no weapons in his person, and he would never want to even carry some. He was resolved on relying to Erynlith and her hunting experience, but that very elf was in daze.

"No," Erynlith quietly said. She freed her wrist from his tight grip and ran back to her horse. The bow and quiver that was strapped there was all she needed, and she gestured for Gildor to hide. "Stay hidden," she instructed and notched an arrow.

Her hands were trembling as she aimed; the sight of Glorfindel fighting off several orcs shook her to the bones. When Glorfindel fell on his knees, she tightened her hold on the arrow and released it. The arrow pierced an orc's throat, and soon, more followed dead on the ground. Glorfindel rammed his sword home to the chests, earning coughs and mewling gasps from the enemies. His elegant blue tunic was now dark with crimson, and his long golden hair was loose from its bind. He kept on advancing the orcs, and those who threw themselves towards Erynlith were faced with the bow. But as the fight went on, Gildor was found by the orcs and pulled out of him hiding place.

"Eryn!" He called out to her, struggling from his captors.

Yet it was Glorfindel who sprinted off and fought against the three orcs that held him. Gildor quickly mounted Erynlith's black horse, in an attempt to take them both away from the ensuing chaos; but a stray orc hissed at the horse and it bolted off into the night. Gildor disappeared into the mists, leaving Glorfindel and Erynlith to themselves.

Erynlith felt limp, as she helplessly watched Gildor being whisked away by her stallion. She could see that the golden-haired Ñoldo struggled to dismount the horse and return to them, but the darkness had engulfed him before he could do so.

When the orcs advanced towards her still form, Glorfindel aggressively snatched the bow and quiver from her unsteady hands. He fired the arrows with great precision, until the remaining creatures fell dead on the ground.

His companion gave him another stunned look.

"You are amazing," Erynlith breathed, looking at her friend in disbelief and awe. "You took them out single-handedly."

"I did not," answered Glorfindel, still panting. He caught sight of that one horse that did not bolt when the ambush took place. He took the weapons and geared them on the horse's back. Then, he smiled softly at her. "I was not alone. You helped me."

"No, really," she insisted. "You were amazing. I have to learn those moves of yours some day."

He laughed now. "Moves, you say? Perhaps when we get to Rivendell. You are not hurt, are you?" Erynlith shook her head and smiled reassuringly. "Good," he said again and mounted the horse. "Let's go. The others are scattered around these parts. It is already late at night and I fear that there is a storm brewing."

Erynlith looked into the night sky. It was dark; so she could not tell if there was indeed a storm coming. When Glorfindel offered her a hand, she accepted it and rode behind him, her hands lightly stroking his sides of balance. They rode in utter silence, relying nothing but their keen senses.

Every once in a while, the golden elf would jerk up and scan the dark surroundings. He could feel his companion drifting off to sleep, her grip on him slowly loosening. With a small smile, he drew her hands tighter around his waist while balancing her body on the horse.

The rain began to pour heavily.

Erynlith gasped at the cold water, drawing herself closer to Glorfindel.

The warrior gritted his teeth, as he looked around. They were in the middle of a field—there were no shelters available. He mustered the horse faster as the water soaked him and Erynlith. The night was cold enough for a heavy rain. He could feel his friend shivering and chattering her teeth. He wanted to comfort her, to say something that would ease the growing coldness between them, but he found himself succumbing into that cold night as well. The horse was already limp and tired; Glorfindel worried that it might collapse in the middle of the storm.

"Forest, tra-la," Erynlith whispered weakly behind him. The golden elf stared at her. She gulped and said in a louder voice: "Forest, right there… Shelter, Glorfindel…"

He whipped his head to the direction she pointed, and there was indeed a forest. He mustered the horse faster, desperate for some shelter. The two exhausted elves instantly slipped from the horse and knelt on the ground. The trees served as their roof as Glorfindel carefully tied and soothed the equally exhausted horse. He found his companion rubbing two stones together, eliciting a small spark, and soon, a small fire. His eyes widened at the sight of the fire. Screams echoed from the back of his mind. He fought for composure, leaning against a tree trunk as he blinked his eyes eagerly.

Erynlith looked concerned and approached him. "Are you alright? Are you hurting anywhere?"

When he did not answer, she gently placed a hand on his shoulder. The warrior flinched and gasped, his eyes darkening with the invisible fear. He stared long at her, trying to pull himself together.

"Is everything alright, Glorfindel?"

He nodded. "Yes."

With that, Erynlith sat beside the small bonfire and leaned her back against the tree. Glorfindel approached the horse and took the gears that were stuffed there. To their outmost luck, a single blanket was stored there. It was blue and heavy, and he tossed it over to her lap. She looked at him incredulously, and he could only smile. He sat beside her, their shoulders brushing together. Water dripped from their foreheads and locks.

Erynlith spread the blanket out, burying herself and Glorfindel underneath.

"You can have it," Glorfindel quickly said, removing the blanket and covering his friend instead.

She pouted and tossed the other side of the blanket over him again. "I cannot rest with all the chattering of teeth going on," she huffed and forcefully leaned her head against his shoulder. The golden elf stiffened at the close contact. "Get some rest, okay? Then, we'll return to Rivendell soon, tra-la-lay…"

Eventually, Glorfindel melted into the close proximity. He felt himself getting drowsy; his companion's steady breaths lulling him to sleep. But whenever he felt his eyes close, he would instantly jerk up, shaking his head wildly. Get yourself together, he reminded himself. Even without his eyes closed, the fear coursed through his veins at the sight of the cackling fire in front of him. Shattered memories returned to him: the screaming of his people, the clanging of metal, and a burning city. No, no, no. The words he kept on repeating to himself. He tried looking at his friend, to find comfort that she promised. And the comfort was there, temporarily calming him as his heart relaxed again, and drowsiness took him.

Screams of terror wailed as the thunder sounded and the lightning flashed. Erynlith was jolted awake and her face fell on the ground when Glorfindel abruptly stood up. She looked at him in all her worry and confusion.

His eyes widened and darkened more, thrashing around their little camp. He kicked the small fire, stomping angrily at it. And he was cursing in the high Elven-tongue. Erynlith rushed towards the failing Glorfindel, his tall built and powerful arms easily throwing her aside. When she had successfully gotten hold of his face, she leaned closer and cupped his cheeks.

"Glorfindel," she whispered at his ear. The golden elf was shaking as he himself fought for composure. He closed his eyes forcefully, gulping the nightmares away. But he was still shaking. Erynlith ran her thumb across his cheek to soothe him. She had never seen him that way; it was like seeing her friend being possessed by a demon. "Glorfindel, I am scared," she whispered honestly. "What should I do?"

"Hold me," came his ragged reply, his voice equally shaking as his body. They leaned against the same tree trunk, now in darkness for the fire was dissipated from his assault. "Please, hold me… bring me back here… away from… the demon… a burning kingdom…" He was suppressing a sob. Yet he buried his face at the crook of Erynlith's neck, breathing in her forest scent. "The pain returns… thunder and lightning… fiery whip and shadows. They are returning for me…"

Erynlith hushed him as she began to rock them gently, as if coaxing an elfling to sleep. She did not know what he was talking about, but she was as terrified as him. She did not know how he felt, but she wanted to be there for him: to be his comfort. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer as Glorfindel allowed himself closer to her. He was still sobbing in his fear, in his regrets.

Having no words for him, she began to sing softly, her hand freely raking through golden tresses.

*"Sing we now softly, and dreams let us weave him

Wind him in slumber and there let us leave him

The wanderer sleepeth. Now soft be his pillow

Lullaby! Lullaby! Alder and Willow

Sigh no more Pine, till the wind of the morn."

Glorfindel relaxed beneath her. His breathing gradually became steady, and he shook no more. He opened his eyes again and shifted lightly, suddenly aware of their position. But he did not want to turn away; something deep within wanted to stay there, lying with her under the trees, and to hear her sing for him.

"Are you feeling better now?" She asked, her fingers playing with his hair now.

Glorfindel nodded weakly. "Thank you very much, Erynlith," he said as he gave up and moved away from her. He gave her a reassuring smile. "I owe you for bringing me back. But I am tired… so tired. I do not wish to sleep or even close my eyes."

"Then, talk to me, Glorfindel. Tell me everything, tra-lay."

"I…" He was unable to think of anything. Where would he start? Even if he did tell her, would she accept him? Very unlikely. "I cannot…"

She laughed quietly. "You don't need to force yourself. You can tell me anytime you want. Now, shall we return to rest? I am afraid the storm insists on keeping us here. It won't leave until morning, tra-la."

"But we cannot stay any longer. Orcs might find us here."

"I am more concerned about Gildor and the others. I hope they found a way to regroup themselves. It would be hard now. These parts are naturally foggy during the night and early morning. And our poor horse is worn out already…"

"In this matter, I think we should disregard the idea of regrouping with them," Glorfindel said. He sat beside her, both leaning against the trunk as the blanket covered them again. "We should focus ourselves in returning to Rivendell. You do know your way there even without Gildor, don't you?" He looked down at her; a small smirk was across his lips.

She lifted her chin proudly. "Of course, I do! Rivendell is just a few days away. Many things could happen in the next few days. Who knows… maybe we'll run into Elladan and Elrohir in the fields."

"Ella—what?" Glorfindel said incredulously.

"Elladan and Elrohir." She laughed heartily. She had forgotten to mention the sons of Elrond to him. She had always talked about Arwen, and the golden elf was interested enough to meet her. She began to explain who Elladan and Elrohir were, and soon enough, he laughed with her.

"Oh, I see." Glorfindel chuckled. "It would be interesting to run across them, wouldn't it?"

"Yes." She suppressed a yawn. "But for now… let us get more rest. You have interrupted mine earlier, dear friend, tra-la-lo. Do you want me to stay awake for you? I can talk for the whole night… oh, do you want me to stop talking instead, tra-la?"

Glorfindel smiled and pulled her to him, her head resting on his shoulder again. "You can sleep, dear friend, tra-la. You have done too much for me today, and I owe you… The fires are gone, and so are the thunder and lightning, tra-la-lay."

*Elves Lullaby – J.R.R. Tolkien

Author's Notes: Sshh, baby Glorfindel, everything will be fine. I hate to say this but I think I am starting to ship Glorfindel/Eryn. *hides behind a tree*

Anyway, I updated a day earlier as I usually do, because the death of Sir Christopher Lee has reached my ears. It is really sad to know that a fantastic actor singer (and overall a fantastic person) to pass away. He lived an exciting life for 93 years, and between those years he met Professor Tolkien. He shall truly be missed. Thank you for bringing Saruman to the big screen. Namárië, Sir Christopher Lee. *cries*

*Rosiethehobbit17 - Oohhh, you can have Legolas! I'll keep Glorfindel to myself! MUAHAHAHA! I hope Thrandy brings the wine, though. O Thranduil, Thranduil, whence art thou? And the sea! Lucky you! Do you often go there? I've always wanted to have a house near the sea. A rest house, maybe?

*sieni1 - Aw, thank you! It is very nice to meet you! Hope you enjoy this story more!

*only-one-mirkwood-princess - B-but... I thought Glorfindel is mine? *shouts through megaphone* Paging Thranduil, the one true King of Greenwood! Come claim your Erynlith as soon as possible please.

*Evangeline Pond - Two chapters in and you already ship Glorfindel/Eryn? YAS! High five! If this helps, have a another chapter to ship them!

*StrawberryObsession - What a lovely review! I do think Glorfindel's instability kind of reminisces to Thranduil's stubbornness after the War, though the two will differ greatly. Thrandy did depend on Erynlith, but hated being pitied on; Glorfindel, on the other hand, has no qualms showing this weakness. He allows himself to be comforted, whereas Thrandy always goes, "No, don't touch me, peasant". XD Thank you for the review!

*Asmodeus Black - Yep, I am itching to write some Thrandy as well, but the incoming chapters still focus on Glorfindel and Erynlith. Sooo sorry about that, Black! What kind of friction do you want to see? Some sort of a cat fight? But I do not think it would suit an Elvenking of Greenwood and a High Captain from Gondolin... Still, thanks for stopping by!

*DeLacus - *gasps* Are those... Oreo cookies! Can I has some? Hmm, I guess Eryn and Glorfee are okay... but Eryn and Thrandy is waaaayy better.

P.S. I am getting mixed feelings about this. Which team? Thranduil/Erynlith, Thranduil/Celairis, Glorfindel/Erynlith, or G̶l̶o̶r̶f̶i̶n̶d̶e̶l̶/̶m̶e̶? Oops, sorry! I just fangirl a lot on Glorfindel, that's all. I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. Sincerest thanks to everyone who reviews, follows, and favourites this story!