Ash and Fire
A/N: Translations at the bottom
Eruraviel raced down the dwarven halls, panicked elves and dwarrow on her heels.
"Lassie, what must we do? You have more knowledge of this foe than any of us?" Durin demanded as he kept pace with her despite his shorter stature. Even as they ran, he was calling out orders to evacuate all dwarrow to the upper levels and to seal all entrances. Eruraviel forced down the panic at the thought of facing an enemy she'd hoped to never look upon again.
"Throwing dozens of companies at it will do us no good. We must trap it." Eruraviel returned, her mind running through the weaknesses and strengths of a Balrog.
"Trap it how?" Erestor asked, his face pale but determined. The group stumbled as the stone beneath them shuddered and a wave of searing heat flashed through the corridor. Eruraviel could see that the younger elves were very close to giving into pure panic. She needed to get them out of here, they would be of no use with their minds clouded.
"We must keep it away from the forges. It will use their heat to preserve its strength. We have to cool it down, and if possible, douse its flames." Eruraviel explained. Durin remained silent for a moment, plans racing through his mind.
"Then we lead it to Zirak Zigil, it is covered in ice, frost and snow. As such we will have the best chance at diminishing its strength. What else must we watch for?" Durin demanded, leading them down a different course, heading deeper to the center of the mountain where it was exposed to the frigid air of the high peaks.
"Balrogs utilize two main weapons; a whip made of fire and a sword of the same make. Magic holds no sway over them as they are the remnants of the fallen Maia's and possess magic of their own that would easily counter it. Distance attacks are a must, and the only time when one can get close it to deal the final blow once its flames have been extinguished. Even then, watch it carefully. They have been known to play dead before and then catch people off guard with the whip and drag them to their death. That is how Glorfindel perished. Elladan, you and Elrohir stay with the healers to help with the wounded. Your father has taught you enough that you would be best served saving lives. Erestor you stay with me, the rest of you, send one elf with each battalion. Your eyes and ears will be best for spotting any goblins that try to take advantage of the Balrog's attack and press on." Eruraviel ordered. The twins nodded and peeled away with the rest of the elves, following the dwarven guides to their posts.
Durin gave her a wordless look of understanding at why she had sent them away as did Erestor.
The tunnel they were following became far colder and they paused, Eruraviel kneeling to press her palm once more onto the surface of the stone. Flickers of heat trailed after them, making her take a shuddering breath.
"Lassie?" Durin asked upon seeing her reaction.
"It is following us. We will have only moments between our arrival in Zirak Zigil and its own. We must move quickly." Eruraviel returned and the group pressed on, a battalion remaining with them.
"How is it following us?" Erestor asked, his eyes widening as they entered the large open space cavern deep in the mountains heart covered in thick layers of snow, ice, and frost. Eruraviel spun, taking in the layout of the terrain around them even as she answered the advisor's question.
"Age, it can sense the power held by the three of us. It knows we present the biggest threat and as such it will follow until it wins, or we destroy it. King Durin, is there any source of water nearby?" Eruraviel asked, her mind racing through ideas and plans, discarding them just as quickly.
Durin nodded.
"Aye, just beyond the ridge. There is a dammed river held under control by several tons of rock and beams." Durin replied. Erestor was grim, matching her own emotional state, though hers was kept focused and steady only by the steadfast presence of Glorfindel within her faer. She could feel the presence of his mind increasing within her own, and realized he was trying to mesh their minds into one and thus allow him to fight alongside of her.
Durin smiled in determination; a fierce light blazing to life within his gaze, perhaps the power held by the firstborn of Mahal carried by each of his incarnations.
"I see your idea Fire Soul. Gnori, Flori, Knori; take your men to the dam, get it ready to fall with one blow. We will deal with getting the foul beastie into position." Durin ordered. The dwarven battalion raced away easily scaling the frozen rock and stone to vanish behind the high ridge that hid the waterfall and river. Despite the cold, all present shuddered when they heard the roar and felt the flash of heat and ash.
"Get back up behind a large obstruction that you can duck behind. Keep a weapon close that you don't mind throwing away to block its whip. Do not, under any circumstance try to block its whip or sword while holding a weapon. You will not live to regret it." Eruraviel ordered, her voice deepening as Glorfindel's mind merged with her own. She gave an internal shudder, Glorfindel doing much the same on his end while they ducked behind a large oak as the Balrog prowled into the open-air cavern. Durin took cover behind a boulder while Erestor also hid in the shadows of an oak, though he climbed high into the boughs, deathly sharp daggers ready to throw in his hands. The Head Advisor to Lord Elrond was showing his experience as King Gil-Galad's Shadow. She stared at the Balrog. It was as tall as the foul creations that had helped aid in the destruction of Gondolin.
It stood twelve feet tall, wings of shadow and ash stretching behind it even as the blazing orange glow of its eyes burned with hatred and rage. Part of her felt sorrow, seeing what a fallen Maia had been turned into when they had been seduced by Melkor so long ago as Arda was sung into creation. The rest of her felt disgust, feeling its twisted presence that left an acrid, foul taste on her tongue. The snow around its feet was quickly melting; smaller, dried trees catching fire as the Balrog moved closer and the temperature drastically spiked. Eruraviel snarled, her faer rising in defiance as the Balrog roared in challenge.
"Tye indóme hir lala túre símen, saura carme -o Melkor!" Eruraviel called out in Ancient Quenya, the only language the Balrog could understand. The Balrog screamed in rage, a glowing azure blade that sparked with power appearing in its fist. Eruraviel leapt backwards, and mere seconds later the tree she had stood behind exploded in a rain of splinters, half of which caught fire due to the heat of the blade.
King Durin, showing his experience shouted his own challenge in the ancient tongue.
"Tye indóme lant- símen ar tarsa min ambar lala tare!" The dwarven king bellowed. The Balrog spun, the blade falling to the side as a crimson and white whip blazed through the air with an ear shattering crack. As the Balrog moved to swing its whip at the King, an ebony dagger sliced through the air to embed itself into its forearm. The Balrog snarled in anger, a haze of heat glowing as the dagger embedded within its arm melted into slag on the ground.
Before the beast could attack Erestor, Eruraviel darted through the brush until she stood behind it, dampening her presence as much as she was able. She went undetected only due to that in combination with the Balrogs own rage clouding its senses. She pulled one of the daggers from her thigh and with a deep breath, launched the blade with all the force she could muster. The Balrog sensed her just in time to turn and have the dagger bury itself into its jaw with a sharp crack. The beast stumbled back, its whip rising even as it crashed against the cliff side.
"NOW!" Came the bellowed command from Durin. An almighty boom sounded that was quickly followed by the sound of cascading water. The Balrog glanced up just in time to be doused in frigid waters that quickly began flooding the cavern. Eruraviel scrambled up a tree as the water roared beneath her, churning violently. The Balrog, gave a mighty pump of its wings, leaping from the water and clearing nearly eighty feet in a single bound to escape the churning waters. It landed right next to the destroyed dam and screaming echoed from the dwarrow as they fought and fell under the Balrog's strength. Its flames had been partially doused by the azure waters, but it had escaped before it could be completely gutted by the flames. Eruraviel leapt from her tree, racing towards the dwarven brigade. She spotted the orange whip flashing in the air and redoubled her pace.
Glorfindel, his mind still merged with her own, had her immediately leap to the left upon scaling the cliff. Eruraviel obeyed unsure as to why but trusting his instincts and knowledge of this foe which far outstripped her own. As she moved to the side, she saw the whip slice through the hardened stone where she had just been kneeling. Shoving her near miss to the back of her mind, she raced forward. Half a dozen dwarrow lay scattered upon the stone, having fallen to the blade of the beast. Eruraviel scoured the earth for something to use against the Balrog when her eyes landed on the steel netting that had been used to prevent birds from entering the mounting. It was made of Brightsteel and had hung in the air, high above them. It had evidently been brought down by the whip that she had seen as she had scaled the cliff side.
Erestor landed beside her, his own gaze landing on the net as well.
"This is going to hurt like a bitch isn't it?" The advisor deadpanned. Eruraviel smirked, but they moved together in unison. Each Elf grabbed one side of the netting, ignoring when the sharp steel dug painfully into their hands. As the Balrog dealt another furious blow against the few remaining dwarrow soldiers in the battalion, she and Erestor scaled twin trees above the height of the towering Balrog. As Durin moved into position to act upon their opening, the two lunged. The net caught the Balrog in the face and chest, sending it crashing onto its back as the momentum of the two elves sent it toppling back. A yell rang through the air, Durin lunging forward his sword aiming right for the Balrog's heart. A scream of defiance echoed from the entrapped beast of darkness and it heaved it arms sending the two elves and the net flying. Erestor crashed through a tree before skidding to a stop while Eruraviel grunted as she slammed through her own tree and crashed into the frothing water.
The water was frigid, and her body spasmed in shock as the temperature felt as though she was once again froze to the core in Helcelimbё. Glorfindel refused to let her mind blank out, forcing her to keep moving. She struggled upwards, locking a frozen hand around a thin, downed branch the stuck precariously out of the water. She spotted Erestor rushing towards her in her peripheral vision, but her focus was on Durin who was standing alone against the Balrog who had regained partial footing. Durin managed to block two blows from the Balrogs blade and moved in to strike one last time. She could see from his gaze and posture that he had no intention to defend himself from a retaliatory attack. As his blade neared the fallen Maia's chest, Eruraviel used the last of her strength to slide her sword free and throw it as hard as she was able, Glorfindel lending her his own strength in one final burst.
Her sword sang as it cut through the air and speared the blade of the balrog; ripping it from the Balrogs grasp in what sounded like a crack of thunder that echoed through the cavern. Durin didn't hesitate even a moment and sunk his blade deep into the Balrog's heart. Eruraviel let out an inner cry of relief that was almost tears even as her violent motions shattered the small branch that kept her afloat. She was dragged under the surface, her vision fading out even as her breath stuttered in her chest. As the darkness closed in around her, she felt a sharp grasp on her wrist before she faded away, hearing the panicked calls of Glorfindel in her mind.
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She was cold.
She hated being cold.
Why was she so damn cold?
There was an urge to just rest, to let go and finally rest without forcing herself up when she felt a blazing bond forcing the darkness away. She stared in incomprehension at the golden glow that was forcing the encroaching darkness to back away, even as it started to infuse herself as well dragging her closer to wakefulness. She blinked her eyes open, a defensive haze of tears blocking her sight as harsh, rattling coughs ripped through her. She pushed herself upright on trembling arms, trying to ease herself into an easier position to breathe, when she felt an arm around her shoulders supporting her weight as the coughing eased and her body sagged in exhaustion. She took several shallower breaths before glancing up to see several figures gathered around her cot in what she recognized as the healing hall. Erestor was the one supporting her, and the twins hovered anxiously nearby. As she counted the elves with her, she relaxed as she realized that they had all survived. A miracle all things considered. She spotted Durin making his way towards her, a grin on his face that showed a few smaller burns but no grievous wounds, making a knot within her ease in relief.
"You are lucky to be alive, Fire Soul. You have proven your mettle beyond any shadow of a doubt with your actions yestereve. You not only saved myself from the Balrog's last blow, but my people from being slaughtered from being caught unaware by the Balrog. You and Lord Erestor also saved nineteen lives from the Battalion the fought with us when the Balrog targeted them. You and all of your companions will always be heralded as blood-kin to the Dwarrow. You and Lord Erestor will also be receiving the Dwarven Medal of Valor for your actions and willingness to stand against such a foe." King Durin announced. Eruraviel blinked in surprise, seeing Erestor do the same beside her while the other elves flushed in slight embarrassment.
"There were no further serious injuries?" Eruraviel questioned in shocked disbelief. Durin raised a black eyebrow in amusement.
"Besides your own? You not only sustained a few burns alongside Lord Erestor from being so close to the Balrog, but also nearly drowned in freezing, glacier water." King Durin chastised. Eruraviel blinked, having not even noticed the bandages around her left ribs, calf and arm while Erestor sported the same on his left side. She took a breath to ask whether the Goblins had taken advantage of the Balrogs attack but was cut off by another coughing fit. As it finally tapered off, she grimaced as her head pounded in time with her heart and her body shook in exhaustion.
"Lassie you need to rest. Your going to need a while to recover. Now, everyone is fine. The goblins didn't cause any further harm. In fact, the Balrogs attacks caved in many of their tunnels. They've retreated quite the distance and we will be more than ready to face them when they next attack. The lower levels are under heavy guard and watch while we work on collapsing their tunnels. We don't want anything else that may be dwelling under us to follow in the Balrog's footsteps. Now, according to your friends, it may be best that you return in a few days to Imladris lest I find an army led by your fierce mate on my doorstep. We do, however, wish to present you all with awards before you go during the celebratory feast in two days. Until then, all of you are to rest and focus on recovering your strength." King Durin ordered, every inch the king as he gave his last orders. She swallowed the amusement at his words about Glorfindel's possible, probable, actions and nodded. With a pleased grin, the dwarven king sauntered from the healing hall. She shook her head as the twins chuckled and sat on the near by beds, the rest of the elves finding seats nearby.
"So, what happened?" Elladan asked in curiosity mirrored by his twin next to him. Eruraviel traded exasperated glances with Erestor but acknowledged that anyone would be extremely curious about their battle with the Balrog. It would most likely not be even close to the first time someone would ask in the future either. Erestor spoke, his voice calm despite the dark glint in his eyes. Eruraviel also noticed that he had not left her side even once.
As the advisor detailed the battle to their gathered audience which listed entranced with the telling, she turned her focus inwards towards her bond with Glorfindel. She could feel his own exhaustion and knew that the majority of it most likely came from supporting her in the battle. Their bond had grown even further than she could have imagined, and she was relieved to find it undamaged.
Even as she felt him in a deep sleep, part of him was still protectively hovering within her, alert for any possible threats against her. She let her eyes slowly glaze over as Glorfindel dragged her into a deep healing sleep as she leaned against Erestor. Feeling safe, despite the darkness that enveloped her, she slid into sleep with a smile.
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Eruraviel tolerated Erestor's fussing as he adjusted her outfit for the evening feast tonight. He, along with the twins, all thought it was far too soon for her to be up and moving about but Eruraviel was relentless. She wouldn't shame herself, Glorfindel or King Durin by not attending tonight's feast. While reluctant, even Glorfindel had agreed and he watched with curiosity from within her mind. Their forced development of the bond now allowed him to watch through her eyes through he couldn't do so for a prolonged period of time due to the strain on them both. But he had helped her greatly in the battle, and she wanted him with her mentally, if she couldn't have him beside her physically. She wore robes crafted by the Tailoring Guild who had taken to the task with glee. Erestor also had custom robes designed by them.
Erestor wore robes of blue so dark it was near black. The material was made of cave worm silk, rare and luxurious. The trim, a bright sky blue, trailed in twisting patterns of fallen leaves with two crossed daggers over a blade embossed on his back in the same color edged in gold. They had used powdered diamond on the emblem making it glisten and shimmer in the light. His raven hair was pulled back into intricate braids and loops, pinned at the back of his skull with a mithril clasp holding the sigil of King Durin on it. His token of friendship from the King.
Eruraviel wore dark emerald robes, the material shimmering into a brighter green when the light hit it just right. The trim, a bright gold, had ivy patterns trailing along the hem and seams, almost hypnotic to the eyes. On her chest, she had two emblems melded together. One was the sigil for the House of Ancalë, while the other was the Sigil for the House of Golden Flower. On her back, was her sword, speared through the heart of the Balrog's blade. Her sword, hanging at her waist, had been rendered perfectly in mithril tones. The ebony and ash colored blade of the balrog was shown cracked and crumbling. Her red hair had been pulled up into an elegant bun, her spike strip still within and partially showing and glinting in hidden danger in the torchlight. Feeling pleased, she gave her shoulders a final roll as the twins entered in their matching robes with the others trailing in behind them. The entire group stopped in stunned surprise, blinking in amazement at their decked out forms.
"Valar…" Elrohir whispered in shock. Erestor chuckled, startling the group from their daze.
"Indeed. Now shall we go? I believe the feast starts soon." Erestor cajoled, ushering them from their room. He led the way, Eruraviel having linked her arm with his. He was subtly bearing some of her weight, allowing her gait to remain smooth and unhindered. The appearance of strength meant a lot to the Dwarrow. They exchanged nods with the dwarves they passed, continuing to move forward with out interruption much to their thanks. They most emphatically did not want to be late.
They paused before the announcer who gave them a fierce grin and quickly ushered them into order with Eruraviel and Erestor entering last, while the twins went just before them and proceeded by the rest of their group.
Eruraviel tuned out most of the introductions, looking at the symbol on the back of the twin's robes. She smiled, knowing Elrond would feel honored at the crest chosen by the Dwarves. It showed Vingilótë, with three crests above: Tuor, Thingol, and Bëor. The three great houses and kingships that Elrond hailed from, and Thingol twice through their grandfather. She wondered if the twins understood the significance of that choice. Erestor certainly did, from the bright look in his eyes.
"Introducing, Lord Elladan and Lord Elrohir. Sons of Herald Elrond, Lord of Imladris. Sons of Lady Celebrian daughter of Prince Celeborn of Doriath, in the line of King Thingol." The twins stepped forward in unison, escorting themselves with dignity she knew their parents and grandparents would be pleased with. Finally, she and Erestor stepped forward for their introduction which they knew would be lengthy. As per protocol, Erestor was introduced first.
"Presenting Lord Erestor, Son of Sirion. Chief Advisor of High King Ereinion Gil-Galad and Herald Elrond of Imladris. Dagger of the West. Champion of Light. Blood-kin of Durin's Folk!" A roar came from the crowd within the hall as Erestor stepped forward, quiet pride and confidence in every step forward until he paused to wait for her own entry. A hush fell over the crowd as the announcer once more raised his voice, pride in every word he spoke.
"Presenting Lady Eruraviel, Lady of the House of Ancalë. Bonded mate of Lord Glorfindel Lord of the House of Golden Flower of Gondolin, Seneschal of Imladris and Herald Elrond, Daughter of Gondolin, Defeater of Thuringwethil, Protector of the West, Champion of Light, Fire Soul of the Dwarrow and Blood-kin of Durin's Folk!" The announcer finished as she stepped forward feeling both her own quiet pride and Glorfindel's within her as she stepped into the hall. A rousing cheer and chant echoed down the hall as she bowed her head in acknowledgement of their greetings. As the excitement permeated the room, she smiled feeling Glorfindel's pulsing emotion of mine through the bond much to her amusement. She sent back the feeling of acknowledgment and acceptance and once more linked her arm with Erestor's. They smiled seeing the near high of the twins as the emotions and ambience of the feast filled them unlike anything they'd yet to experience. Dwarven Feasts were an experience all unto themselves and unlike anything else.
She and Erestor took their seats of Honor next to the King. King Durin stood, a fierce grin sliding across his features.
"Less than a week ago, Fire Soul returned once more to our halls to inform us of new dangers to our mountains and her long awaited bonding to Lord Glorfindel. Never one to shy away from a fight she led her companions and a company of our own down into the tunnels to battle the Goblins that infest our beloved mountains. During the fight, the Goblin's foolishness awoke an ancient enemy of all free folk. The awoke a Balrog." Here the King paused, as snarls and growls ran through the gathered dwarrow at the Kings words.
"Without hesitation, she called for the sealing of the tunnels and lower levels, leading the Balrog away from our people deep into Zirak Zigil where herself, Lord Erestor, myself and a battalion of brave dwarrow prepared to do battle with our ancient foe. She led the charge, fearless in the face of an enemy that she'd already lost her first home to so long ago along with her future mate Lord Glorfindel who slayed Gothmog, King of the Balrogs in single combat. When extremely weakened due to having its flames mostly doused per her plan, the beast attacked the battalion in revenge. Without hesitation, she and Lord Erestor charged the balrog, Lady Eruraviel moving as though Valar possessed and managing to avoid a blind blow from the Balrogs whip, that had been impossible to see. She and Lord Erestor used the Brightsteel net to pin the Balrog down, allowing me to approach when, sensing its immenent defeat, threw both Lord Erestor and Lady Eruraviel far into the rubble. Despite going through trees and landing in freezing waters, she pulled herself up long enough to pull her sword and shatter the balrog's own with a throw as strong as though Mahal himself possessed her. Her throw shattered the small branch keeping her afloat and she would've drowned if not for Lord Erestor diving in after her. To the Heroes of Khazad-Dum!" The King finished with a roar, holding his tankard aloft. A earth shaking cheer resounded through the halls of the mountain, and Eruraviel flushed despite herself. She was grateful to see Erestor in the same boat, however. Glorfindel bolstered her and she stood, causing the hall to quiet in anticipation of her words.
"I had never anticipated ever facing a Balrog once more. I would have happily never done so." Here she paused as chuckles ran through the crowd.
"I was wary when I sensed the first signs of a greater foe down in the tunnels. It was Glorfindel, who upon seeing what I was sensing told me to Run and I did so, trusting his words not to lead me astray. Thankfully, the quick actions of King Durin and those with us allowed us to protect everyone and bring about the Balrogs defeat. But my contribution was not solely my own." She continued, seeing the puzzled and understanding looks spanning various faces.
"The blow of the whip I dodged, was done so trusting the instincts of my mate. The final blow of my sword was done using both our strength and will. I could not have done what I did without the help of my mate and those who stood beside me. The one who can claim this victory is all of us, led by your King who struck the final blow. Balrog's, the Fallen Maia seduced by Melkor, are a deadly foe to all. Your actions, every one of you, protected not just your people but all of middle earth." Eruraviel finished, bowing in respect at the waist. She felt Glorfindel's shock at her words, followed by a heart melting love and happiness. A fist pounded the table, followed by another and another until a steady rhythm was built until it crescendo with a rousing cheer that she thought could be heard from one side of the mountain to the other.
She saw the look of pride King Durin threw her, and she only knew that part of it came from her words and humble attitude. She smiled softly, feeling a peace she didn't understand as the cheer of the moment washed over her. Dwarves really were a catalyst for change, Eruraviel mused, chuckling to herself as she retook her seat.
Damn Dwarves.
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As their group moved calmly through the Trollshaws three weeks later, Eruraviel was happy that the shooting pains in her chest had faded to just a persistent cough. Elrohir was forcing a tea made with honey, athelas and willow bark on her every night without fail. Despite the honey, it tasted disgusting and cloying but they wouldn't allow her not to drink it much to her frustration. Thankfully, the other elves in their group had slowly lost their hero worship of her, though now they just treated her as though she were some kind of queen which was just as grating in its own way.
Erestor and Durin had both just laughed at her frustration.
As Arvellas faithfully lead the way into the inner border of Imladris, she smiled feeling Glorfindel becoming closer than ever. She drew Arvellas to a halt, the others following her example, trading looks with Erestor when they both heard the sound of hooves moving at a decent clip. She would've been concerned were it not for the subtle sound of bells accompanying the sound. It appears some from Imladris had come to meet them. She chuckled along with Erestor and the group began moving even as a tall white stallion and a equally tall black stallion came cantering towards them, Glorfindel and Elrond upon their backs.
Arvellas jumped forward seeing Arbellason making Eruraviel laugh until it sent her into another coughing fit.
"Eruraviel!"
"Ion-nin!"
"Erestor!"
Multiple calls echoed through the trees as their apparent escort rushed to meet them. Eruraviel easily dismounted Arvellas as Glorfindel did so and leapt into his arms and shuddering sigh of relief slipping from her lips as he crushed her against him. She tucked her head under his chin, just absorbing the quiet sense of strength he emanated as other greetings occurred around her.
How long she and Glorfindel remained locked in their embrace she didn't know or particularly care. All that mattered to her was that she felt safe.
"Come dear heart. Let us return home." Glorfindel whispered in her ear. She nodded against him, let him sweep her up to sit before him on Asfaloth. His arms curled around her waist and she sank back against him, Arvellas cheerfully trotting alongside Arbellason. Elrond remained near his sons, one on either side as Erestor rode next to Glorfindel and herself.
"I am glad to see you safe, Erestor." Glorfindel murmured to the dark haired counselor. Erestor nodded, some tension easing from his frame.
"Aye, myself as well mellon-nin. For a while, I wondered if this would be a happy or tearful reunion." Erestor confessed as the group crested the upper ridge of the Vale of Imladris. Glorfindel tightened around her, sparks of old fear rising within him at Erestor's words.
"I never imagined one of those foul things had survived Gondolin's fall. I would never have wanted to face it myself again let alone learning that my mate and friends were doing so – far from where I could be of aid to them." Glorfindel stated solemnly. Eruraviel clasped his hand linking their fingers together in a reminder that she sat with him, whole and mostly hale aside from the few burns she and Erestor still bore and her cough.
"We are alive beloved. Quite a lot of that luck lies with you supporting me during the fight. You may have not been physically present, but in every way that could matter you stood beside me." Eruraviel murmured in reassurance. Glorfindel took a deep breath, letting go of some of the tension that had filled him. She knew it wasn't all gone. It would take a long time for his fears and nightmares to fade, along with her own. It was something only time would cure. As their group clattered into the courtyard, she noticed Celebrian and Celeborn awaiting their return anxiously. Evidently, Celeborn had only remained in Imladris to reassure Celebrian while Elrond and the others had ridden out to meet them. Glorfindel allowed her to slide from the saddle, quickly following and handing Asfaloth off to an awaiting stable hand, keeping his attention focused on her. His arm remained around her shoulders, his body heat and firm presence loosening weeks of knots.
She blinked as Elrond approached, Celeborn and Celebrian beside him trailed by the twins. She tilted her head in wordless question.
"The twins have briefed me of your current condition. I would like to examine you and Erestor both in the healing halls please." Elrond requested. Eruraviel and Erestor both knew it wasn't a request. Glorfindel immediately steered them towards the healing halls without another word and Eruraviel was still too happy at being home and with him once more to care that he hadn't asked. Their walk was calm, all their nerves still too raw from the recently faced threat to want much conversation. She let Glorfindel lift her onto the bed, Erestor wordlessly taking the one next to her as Elrond grabbed two burn kits and a third, one she didn't recognize.
Elrond started with Erestor, slowly and gently removing the bandages around his ribs and left leg. The burn on his arm had thankfully healed until it was just tender to the touch. The burn on Eruraviel's ribs was the same as she had arched away from the heat of the Balrog while holding the net.
Elrond gently spread a soft green paste along the remaining burns, keeping his touch light though it still caused the advisor to flinch at some points.
"They are healing well. I believe they will be fully healed in a few more weeks. Thankfully, they shouldn't scar." Elrond informed Erestor who nodded at Elrond's words. Once done, Elrond turned to Eruraviel who allowed Glorfindel to help her shift her clothing and remove the bandages. The burn on her right arm was still a dark red and slightly blistered, as was her right thigh and calf on the outside of the leg. Her ribs, a light pink, were only tender to the touch, which had made sleeping far more bearable as the weeks had passed.
"Yours are healing at the same rate as Erestor's. My concern-" Here Elrond paused to brace her along with Glorfindel as she broke into another coughing fit.
"Is that cough. You inhaled quite a lot of water according to Erestor and Elrohir. The teas that you've been drinking have been helping but I want to up it to three cups a day. The sooner that cough is gone the happier I'll be. It is important that it be gone before winter arrives as I worry what damage the cold and damp could cause to your lungs." Elrond informed her. She grimaced at the news about the tea, grumbling inwardly until Glorfindel gave her an uncompromising look that said in no uncertain terms that she would be taking the teas without protest. She scowled slightly but nodded. Elrond just looked amused at their interaction.
"I am sure you will all be happy to know there is no welcoming feast planned. Glorfindel talked the others out of it." Celeborn inputted from his place beside Celebrian. Eruraviel slumped in relief, Erestor doing the same as the twins broke out into laughter.
"Don't think it gets you out of modelling the robes the Dwarrow have made for you. We are all most curious to see them and hear how you were introduced." Celebrian stated firmly. Now the twins groaned as Eruraviel and Erestor snickered at their suffering. Both elder elves were quite accustomed to the long process of dressing up. She was looking forward to seeing their reactions, especially Glorfindel.
Glorfindel helped her off the table as Elrond approached them moments later handing a bag to Glorfindel without a word. Eruraviel just knew it had the stuff for those damned teas.
Eruraviel slumped against Glorfindel in exhaustion as their door closed behind them. She saw their bags had already been put away, thankfully. Glorfindel tossed the bag onto the table and carried her into the bedroom where they dressed down and snuggled close together, Eruraviel with her head in her customary place under his chin. She savored the feeling of him against her, holding her close and felt herself drifting into a deep sleep. Deeper than anything she'd managed alone thus far.
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Eruraviel stood with Erestor and the twins in the antechamber to Elrond and Celebrian's private dining room. They stood dressed as they had been during the dwarven feast.
"We're ready for you!" Celebrian called our cheerfully. Eruraviel and Erestor traded wordless looks and shrugging decided that they may as well all enter at the same time. She popped the door open and stepped out, quickly followed by Erestor and the twins. She grinned at Glorfindel's dropped jaw, his eyes trailing heatedly over her frame a possessive fire sparking in his azure gaze. Elrond looked half a step from choking, while Celeborn's looked shocked as did his daughters. They did make quite an impressive presentation. She spun, hearing the gasps from the others as her group copied her actions. She felt a hand clasp her own and turned to see Glorfindel gazing down at her, a tumultuous mix of happy emotions racing through his eyes.
"You look amazing dear heart." He paused to lean in closer, whispering the last part in her ear for only her to hear.
"And absolutely ravishing showing my claim as your mate." Glorfindel purred deeply. Eruraviel shuddered, a flare of heat racing through her at his words.
"You all look amazing. I'm just sorry it took so long for us to see this!" Celebrian exclaimed, referring to the seven weeks that had passed since their return to Imladris. Eruraviel grinned, taking her seat next to Glorfindel.
"Tis' not so long. Did the twins tell you of their introduction?" Eruraviel returned. The twins shook their heads with raised brows, while Celeborn looked curious.
"Oh? Do tell." Their grandfather asked.
Smiling, Eruraviel and Erestor repeated all of their introductions, word for word. Elrond looked as though he were about to cry, honestly. Celeborn was shocked. Hardly anyone remembered his status as Prince of Doriath. To hear that one of the first to do so, had been his previously considered enemies was shocking. Celebrian looked like a proud swan, pride in her sons evident in her features. Erestor's made them grin and give a teasing look to the normally restrained counselor.
Upon hearing her own, they laughed while Glorfindel gave her a deeply heated look that told her at once where their evening was going to end. She shivered in delight and gave him a teasing grin in return, making the heat in his eyes flare.
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Eruraviel ghosted through the halls of Imladris, returning to the rooms she shared with her mate in shock. She slid silently into their rooms, slowly coaxing the fire into life and seating herself on the couch while wrapping a blanket around herself as she stared off, lost in thought.
"Meleth-nin?" Glorfindel asked in worry as he sat next to her. She blinked, not having realized he was even awake and turned to look at him. The worry in Glorfindel flared as he took in the dazed and shocked look in her eyes.
"What has happened?" Glorfindel demanded, kneeling in front of her while digging into her cocoon to grasp her hands. She blinked, taking a deep breath and stared into the bright blue eyes of her mate.
"I'm pregnant."
A/N: I know I changed how things went…obviously. But I really fell in love with Thorin and the other dwarves honestly and I wanted them to be the good guys for once. So yeah, as you can guess a lot has changed. I Hope you enjoyed, tell me what you think?
~Midnight-Dragon-Fire
Tye indóme hir lala túre símen, saura carme -o Melkor! You will find no victory here, foul creation of Melkor!
Tye indóme lant- símen ar tarsa min ambar lala tare! You will fall here and trouble our world no more!
Tye indóme hir lala túre símen, saura carme -o Melkor! You will find no victory here, foul creation of Melkor!
Tye indóme lant- símen ar tarsa min ambar lala tare! You will fall here and trouble our world no more!