Third Age: 109 Elrond weds Celebrían, daughter of Celeborn

This takes place as part of my stories Until We Rise, Cast My Soul to the Sea, and Fields of Gold. You don't have to read them to have it make sense.

Prompt: Connecting the Dots


"I scarcely think they want me hanging about." Glorfindel nudged his stallion, rolling his eyes as he tightened the girths. "Stop sucking in air, Cram." He tightened the girths again before turning to his companion. "What?"

"You named him after Dwarvish waybread?"

"No." He took the saddlebag she held out. "I didn't name this beast. You can thank Lindir for that."

"He's the color of Cram." Lindir shrugged and adjusted the carrycase for his small harp before swinging up on his horse.

"Getting back to your leaving-"

"Bron, it's simple."

Lindir snorted. "I've heard that before. I'm going to wait in the shade."

"It just seems odd, you leaving Elrond now. With Gil-galad dead."

Taking her arm, Glorfindel led her over to a bench and sat with her. "It's peaceful for now, and even the realms of Men seem quiet. It's a good time to go see what is going on south of Gondor." Seeing she still wasn't convinced, he sighed. "The last person Celebrían wants around right now is me, Bronwe. She is a new wife and now the Lady of Imladris."

"Why is that a problem?"

Offering a wry smile, he shrugged. "Something about her mother and I not seeing eye-to-eye and her perhaps thinking I seek to subvert her relationship with Elrond."

"What?" Bronwe frowned. "She does not think that. I was at the wedding, lest you forget."

"Yes, and I just think they …need and deserve some time together to figure out how –"

"Enough." She narrowed her eyes. "What is this really about?"

He sighed and shook his head. "Erestor warned me lying to you wouldn't work."

Bronwe leaned closer and took hold of his wrist. "Why are lying? What are you not saying?"

A great deal. Glorfindel met her gaze evenly. "You know there are things I can't discuss with anyone. Not even Elrond. Or you." Two of his closest friends, but there were things he had been shown by the Valar that could not be shared. "I believe there is still much to be known of the East. Gildor has generously consented to let Lindir and myself travel with his group."

Sitting back, she held his gaze and nodded slowly. "Information gathering."

"And leaving the newlyweds alone. I wasn't lying when I said that."

As if they could ever be alone when one was the lord of the haven. "Why not just tell me?"

He stood and held out a hand, keeping it when she stood. "Because you, my dear healer, fret far too much."

"I do not fret!" Pulling her hand free, Bronwe used it to push him back towards his horse. "Fine. Go. Keep your secrets. You're going to stand out with that hair of yours though. The Easterlings are a swarthy folk with dark hair."

"I'll find a way to disguise it."

She really did not want to know. "I would say be careful but I know it's useless."

"I'll be fine." Glorfindel kissed her forehead before turning to swing up on his horse. "Messages will likely come through Círdan and his fisher folk."

Bronwe nodded, resigned. "Stars light your path."

Hand to his heart, Glorfindel nodded and nudged Cram into a trot. He didn't look back and pushed down the tug of sadness he felt at leaving Bronwe standing there alone. He was doing what he was sent back to do to help keep the people of Middle-earth safe from Sauron. If it meant personal sacrifices to make sure others had vital information, then so be it.

"Now you're in a rush?" Lindir caught up to him and would have said more but for the somber expression on his companion's face. "Where are we meeting Gildor?"

"Elostirion." Gildor liked to look to the West, back to home once in a while. Glorfindel found it better to keep looking forward. The past was done. It could not be changed.

There was naught but the present and the hope of a future.