Chapter 46 - Future Past.

"I don't think I shall ever really want to leave here," Elanor admitted, lying back in the springy grass with an inelegant sigh. "It's such a comfortable tent, and the pool is so good for bathing; really, Glorfindel, I don't think we could do better."

The Elf she addressed merely grunted in response as he flung himself down beside her.

"Not tired, are you?" his wife inquired, rolling to one side and propping her head up with her elbow.

Glorfindel raised one eyebrow at her. "Never, melleth. Though I ought to be, seeing as I had to return to the bathing pool twice because you threw my towel in the water!" Elanor merely tucked her hands behind her head in response and adopted an expression of angelic innocence.

It was some two weeks since the wedding. Their fortnight's honeymoon had been vaguely extended, both Glorfindel and Elanor having decided that it was far too pleasant living in the open air of the pavilion to give it up. They had composed a rather haphazard and imprecise note explaining their continued absence and left it where it would be found—at a rock formation where they had been collecting their supplies every three or four days. Confident that all the loose ends were more or less tied up, the newlyweds had settled back to enjoy themselves. They ate and swam and hiked and slept and became better acquainted with one another, to their mutual satisfaction. This particular day, they had risen early and swum in a clear, rocky pool which was fed by the Bruinen, before eating an enormous breakfast. This had led to their reclining amidst the scattered wildflowers to process their shamefully large meal, as the morning sky deepened in colour to a vibrant blue.

"It is without a doubt," Glorfindel remarked after a short time, "that fresh air has served you well."

Elanor glanced at him enquiringly.

"You look lovely," her husband said, by way of explanation. Elanor laughed.

"I feel very well. It's all the sunshine; the summer here is so pleasant, and all the time in the sun, swimming and walking, makes me feel like I'm at home. I have a tan again!"

Glorfindel made no comment; whether fair or brown he admired his wife's smooth complexion, though admittedly harbouring a secret fondness for the dusting of freckles which had cropped up on her small nose.

"What do you desire to occupy you today?" he asked, instead.

This caused Elanor to sit up. She had opted for a new wardrobe item today; a pair of long pants, which were tailored to sit high on her waist with neat tucks and fall straight and slim. They were rather like dress pants she would've worn to an office back home, though made from a soft blue linen and coupled with a high-collared embroidered shirt and a brown leather belt. They were exceedingly comfortable, whilst still being figure-hugging; Glorfindel had openly admired them, and Elanor happily turned to them as a middle ground between floor-length gowns and breeches.

"Well, we did write in that note we left for Ada to send Georgia out today; so I suppose I should walk to the rock and see. I asked that she would meet me there at one o'clock, so really we've only got the morning to fill," said Elanor, happily. "We've already climbed up to the top of the valley twice, and followed the river and built several dams… What would you like to do?"

Glorfindel, realizing that his wife expected a contribution, settled the matter by tugging her down beside him and kissing her. Momentarily distracted, Elanor slipped her left arm around his neck, buried in his satiny hair, whilst Glorfindel grasped her about the waist. After a moment Elanor pulled back from the kiss, pressing her nose against his.

"But seriously, Glorfindel, what do you want to do today?"

He laughed. "You are very persistent, Elanor! And I am rather dismayed to discover that you are less easily distracted than when first we wed."

Several hours later, Elanor ambled slowly along a narrow path toward a tall rock out-cropping in the direction of Rivendell. The pavilion had been erected as far as Elrond could manage from the main house, in the effort to give the pair plenty of privacy. Fortunately, the valley was long and scenic, and for over two weeks Elanor had seen no one but Glorfindel.

Today, however, she would see Georgia. Despite being reluctant to leave the honeymoon stage behind, she was itching to speak with her sister again. Georgia had spoken of withheld news before the wedding, and even a prolonged honeymoon would not prevent Elanor from hearing said news. Glorfindel had opted to spend the afternoon fishing, and his wife had collected food for a packed lunch and set out to meet her sister.

When Elanor arrived at the rock, she found Georgia in conversation with Erestor, who had escorted her thence. The dark-haired Elf seemed a little disappointed that Glorfindel had not come to meet them, but waited with good grace whilst Elanor and Georgia greeted one another in incoherent raptures. After a minute of uninterrupted chatter, Elanor turned to greet Erestor with a friendly bow.

"It is good to see you, friend," she smiled, speaking confidently in Sindarin. The Elf's grey eyes lit up and he responded in kind.

"And I am gladdened at the sight of you, Lady Elanor."

"I regret that Glorfindel did not come to meet you, and I am sure he would wish to speak with you after these weeks apart. Georgia and I shall go for a walk, and if you would like, I believe you will find him just north of the pavilion, fishing." Erestor beamed at this, bowed and moved off confidently in the direction of the pavilion.

Grinning, Elanor glanced back at her sister.

Georgia appeared scarcely less hearty and hale than she herself did. The younger Ravenscroft girl had lost none of her golden tan from months in the open air of the Riddermark; her light brown hair was touched with gold and her hazel eyes sparkled with pleasure as she hugged her sister for a second time.

"I'm so glad to see you, Ellie!"

"Same here," sighed Elanor. "Let's start walking; I've got us a lovely lunch and Glorfindel and I found a beautiful glade by the river where I thought we could eat."

"Sounds good."

For a quarter of an hour, the two sisters walked and chatted of trivial things. Georgia told of Elladan and Elrohir's antics in the absence of the honeymooners, and of Legolas and Gimli. Elanor smiled.

It mightn't be so bad to be back, after all… but I suppose another week or two shan't hurt. Everyone will still be there when we get back.

It was not long before they reached the glade Elanor had spoken of; a small circle of trees hemmed in a positive bower of wildflowers which stretched to the edge of the river. Here, the Bruinen split into two smaller water courses, with a tiny islet in the middle, and ran noisily over rocks. The hollow was a little damp, but several fallen trees provided excellent seating with a view toward the water.

"This is wonderful," sighed Georgia, subsiding on a log and gazing at the vibrant blossoms.

"It is, isn't it," her sister replied, joining her and beginning to divide the lunch package up. "Glorfindel and I have come here several times for picnics."

"Now we get to it," grinned Georgia, sparkling eyes perusing her sister. "Married life suits you, I think El."

"I'm glad to hear someone else say so—I've been thinking it the last fortnight, but I don't think Glorfindel and I could be called unbiased judges."

Georgia paused a moment. "And you're happy?"

"Perfectly," said Elanor firmly, without a second's hesitation. "Here, that sandwich is yours, without the tomato—I remembered, yes—and you've also got an apple. Anyway, we're excessively happy. Each day has been nicer than the last. It's been such an active honeymoon—lots of exercising and time in the fresh air, but very restful all the same."
"I'll bet—if it's anything like life in Rivendell I can imagine you must be in absolute heaven. I can see why you like it here. Anyway, I was pretty sure you were having a nice time when we got your note, but, as your sister, it's my job to make sure your husband is nice."

Elanor grinned. "Exactly." She took a large bite from her sandwich. "Now. Let's not beat about the bush, G; I have no news, except that Glorfindel is the most wonderful person I could have imagined. But we both know that you have news you haven't told me yet, and I simply couldn't wait till we came back. So we may as well have it out now. It's been niggling at the back of my mind for my entire honeymoon!"

"Well!" cried Georgia, in astonishment. Then she laughed. "You're so cold-blooded about it, Ellie! 'You've got some big news, so just have it out'—so matter of fact!"

"If you like, I could have gradually worked up to it, taking about three times as long and leading you on a merry dance—though it's far less shocking. Would you prefer I did that?" teased her sister.

"No," the other replied, shaking her head. "Well, I may as well be just as frank as you."

"Ye-es?" beamed Elanor, expectantly.

"You bloodthirsty monster," Georgia admonished her, with another chuckle. "Alright, though this will take a little time in the telling. I'll try and be brief."

"I will be a perfect audience," said Elanor, taking a bite from her sandwich and smiling with her sea-green eyes. "Proceed."

"Well, it started when I stayed behind in Rohan with Éowyn. She was absolutely wonderful; I can't imagine a better friend really, and we had a great time. She's smart and kind and the best horsewoman I've ever seen, so I got to spend a lot of time doing outdoor stuff with her. And the things she taught me about horsemanship! Gosh El, we'll have to do some riding practice here together. You've probably gotten some tips from the Elves too, but Éowyn was just fantastic! Anyway, we had other things to do as well. I got adopted as a kind of lady-in-waiting for her, and she just took me right under her wing. We spent a lot of time doing courtly duties alongside Éomer, as he'd just become king and all that, and Éowyn had some loose ends to tie up before she goes off to marry Faramir."

At this remark, Elanor gave an involuntary squirm. She had always loved the Éowyn-Faramir dynamic, and hearing of their marriage brought her profound joy.

"What?" inquired Georgia, looking at her fidgeting sister.

"Sorry," grinned Elanor. "Just excited for Éowyn. They're the sweetest couple."

"Fair enough," her sister admitted. "Anyhow, we ended up in Éomer's company a lot. So you know how Éomer marries Lothiriel? Well, being snoopy, I was very curious to find out when they actually meet and wed. The date escapes me somehow, and I'm not sure if it's even recorded. I thought it would be cool to be able to document that, even if we never go home. Apparently, though, it's not for some time, because she certainly hadn't arrived before we left."

"That's a shame."

"Well—yeah," said Georgia, blushing slightly and busying herself with taking a bite from her sandwich.

Elanor paused, surveying her with a critical eye. "Why are you all re—ohhh," she gasped, suddenly enlightened. "Georgia! Not Éomer?"

The lady addressed looked distinctly uncomfortable. "Don't drag me over the coals, El! I didn't mean for it to happen!"

Elanor gasped. "I'm not going to blame you, G! I just—I just can't believe it! You've achieved the impossible, Georgia Ravenscroft!"

Georgia set her sandwich aside and buried her face in her hands. "I've baffled myself, El! I don't know how it happened."

"Well what did happen? Goodness, that man's more uptight than—ok, ok, sorry," when Georgia attempted to swat her over the head. "I suppose he must be different outside of an environment filled with war, but my memories of Éomer are… mixed. Still, I want you to tell me your tale, and I promise to reserve judgement till later. How, Georgia, did you manage to get Éomer Eadig to fall in love with you?"

"I wish I could tell you," moaned Georgia. "We were often in company together, he and Éowyn and I. I learned to blend in well—Éowyn saw to that. She dressed me as one of the Rohirrim and taught me of the customs of the land. I even learned quite a bit of Rohirric, so if you ever want to listen in on conversations—I'm your gal." She winked at her sister, sending Elanor into a peal of laughter. Half a moment later, order was restored, and Georgia continued. "Anyway, I just always thought of him as marrying Lothiriel, so I was busy enjoying my time with Éowyn. Besides, I'd heard your opinion of him, and it wasn't the most endearing, so—"

"Oh, G, there was nothing bad about him, really. The only time I had much to do with Éomer was in the most stressful of situations—like at Helms Deep, and Dunharrow. In those moments I noticed that he was proud, and full of spirit, rather superstitious about things, but altogether a good man. He loves Éowyn dearly, I know that much. Even if he is rather blunt, I definitely don't think he's cruel or unkind—just rather fierce and hot-tempered and rather annoying at the time. And, of course, all of his very worst qualities would have come out in those moments, so it's a good sign really if that's the worst I saw of him."

Georgia laughed. "That I will attest to. He may flare up in anger very quickly, and subside almost as fast."

"That is better than someone who flares up and stays angry," her sister teased. "Now tell me more—how precisely did this come about?"

"It's very simple, really. I became thoroughly established in the Golden Hall, thanks to Éowyn. We have the backing of the Steward of Minas Tirith, all due to your marvelous efforts with Boromir and Faramir, El. Only those two know how I mysteriously appeared in the Gondorian countryside, aside from the Elves who are in on our secret. I made up as honest a tale as I could—that you and I are from the north-country, here among the Elves. I'm not sure whether Éomer's distaste for the Elves has lessened thanks to their efforts in battle, or whether he's merely fond of you—" at which remark Elanor reciprocated her sister's earlier attempt at a flick over the ear "—but he accepted the tale of my origins with equanimity. I was richly dressed, had been in association with the nobility in Gondor, whom the Rohirrim seem to regard highly, and I had the open backing of the Elves. That appeared to be enough for him. We started spending more and more time with one another, walking and riding—Éowyn was busy at times, and it was fun." Georgia turned bewitching hazel eyes to meet Elanor's. "I liked him, too. Once you get past his rather stern exterior, he's very kind—and excessively gentle! He treated me like a piece of eggshell the entire time, insisted on doing every little courtesy for me. How could I not fall for him?"

Elanor shrugged. She would not shirk from admitting that the new Lord of the Mark was a handsome man, in a rugged fashion. Whilst coloured similarly to Glorfindel, he was exceedingly earthy, with a far broader, heavier build than one of the Elvenkind. She had been far too tired when she had first met him to goggle at his good-looks, but on reflection she could see the attraction. He was tall and blonde, with a clean-cut jaw-line and a musculature worthy of a Calvin Klein model.

Yep. Makes sense.

"It would be hard not to," Elanor conceded. "And he spoke to you about it?"

"Yeah, in kind of a Darcy-like way. He said he wanted to get married—though you can imagine how properly he would have spoken—and, whilst he'd been suspicious of our lineage when he'd first met you, he had decided we were obviously a family of some merit."

"Did he now?"

"Oh, El, lay off!"

"What? I didn't say a thing!"

"No, but you implied it. He was kind about the whole thing, but he obviously had doubts."

"Well yeah, we're two females who have made good connections, but don't have a patriarch to speak for us and guarantee our suitability. I can understand his doubts. Fortunately for us, they're very wary of the Elves and have no way of knowing their customs; the ambiguity works in our favour. Added to that is that they can't check up on our parentage. As long as we have money and respectability, we're sorted."

"This is sounding more and more like a Jane Austen novel," chuckled Georgia.

"Not much difference, except we have swords and bows instead of muskets and rapiers," agreed Elanor, a trifle grimly. "Hence, why I remained with the Elves. Here, I gained a position of importance because I'm a novelty!"

"El," put in Georgia, growing earnest. "They love you here, do you know that? They're all asking after you as much as Glorfindel! Especially Legolas and Gimli."

Elanor flushed with pleasure. "I'm a pet to the Elves, really. I think they just like having a new human around to study—but it's nice to be missed, whatever the reason."

"It is—and I have missed you! Gosh, but I've wanted to tell you about Éomer since I got home, and it was so hard not to burst out with it, or tell someone else!"

"You didn't turn him down, did you?" Elanor cried, suddenly alarmed.

"What, you criticise him, and then demand to know if I've accepted?" scoffed Georgia, with a hint of a smile. "Of course I said yes, El. Unfortunately, though, as he is the King of Rohan… well, it's going to be an affair of some importance."

Elanor frowned thoughtfully. "I forgot he was King."

"Yeah," sighed Georgia.

"Well, that complicates things slightly."

"But you still think I should—?"

"If you love him," said Elanor, simply.

"I do."

"Then yes, marry him. But I guess this means we're all taking a journey back south for a wedding of state, doesn't it?"

Georgia grinned. "Something like that."

"I trust you enjoyed some time to converse with your sister, melleth."

"I certainly did," sighed Elanor, seating herself next to her husband upon a rug. He placed a possessive arm about her shoulders as they both leaned against the log. In front of their feet, a sizeable campfire danced gaily against an inky sky liberally scattered with radiant stars. "It was lovely to see her again—and she gave me some rather important news."

"Indeed?"

"It is a secret, but I will tell you—during her time in the Riddermark, Georgia fell in love with King Éomer, and he with her. So we shall have a Queen Georgia in the future! What say you to that, husband?"

Elanor turned in an effort to discern Glorfindel's face in the darkness. The firelight cast a pleasant hue on his features, and she saw that he smiled.

"I am glad that they find happiness in one another."

"Well!" cried Elanor. "You don't seem nearly so shocked as I was!"

"Why should I be?"

"…I don't know, honestly. I was dumbstruck, though. I could not believe that Éomer would deem her good enough to marry, seeing as we are just lowly humans in this world, and not of noble blood. It's not meant as an insult, darling, so don't get up in arms about my demeaning myself. Georgia and I are given reasonably high status as one of the company from Rivendell, but the Rohirrim are so suspicious—oh, I'm not sure. I shouldn't be surprised for Georgia's sake, though—if anyone could win over that grouchy horse-lord it's her! She's beautiful and witty and charming all the way through. Kind, too. I'm very, very happy for her, if she loves him, but at the same time I am shocked. Still," she smiled, "if I was so fortunate as to win your love, why shouldn't Georgia succeed with Éomer? They are both of mortalkind. I foresee no real difficulties."

…you just put your foot in your mouth, though.

As she spoke those final words, Elanor felt Glorfindel tense. The arm about her was no longer comforting, but wooden, and she wished she had not uttered the thoughtless words.

I won't be that girl that keeps bringing up issues and harping on about them. He doesn't deserve that. If anyone should be surprised, it's that Glorfindel and I ended up together—not Georgia and Éomer!

"Anyway, it was lovely to see her again. We had an excellent girl-talk—" Elanor felt her husband relax a modicum "—and I'll be quite satisfied now to stay out here as long as you like, and go back at our leisure. Did you enjoy your visit with Erestor?"

"It gladdened my heart to speak with him again," Glorfindel admitted. Elanor noted with relief that, as she spoke, he had relaxed fully, her faux pas put aside. "He informed me of the happenings of my kindred, and I am now also ready to enjoy the remainder of my honeymoon."

"Excellent," said his wife. "And when we are done, there is the Shire to visit, and Georgia's wedding to attend! I daresay we shall be quite busy over the next few months. Shall we have any time to relax, do you think?"

"Do not trouble yourself—the Shire shall not disappear whilst we linger a little longer, El. We shall attend to your sister's wedding, and look upon the land of the peredhel in the year to come."

Elanor nodded slowly. The following year would be 3021 of the Third Age—the last year before the coming of the Fourth Age, and the year in which Elrond, Galadriel, Celeborn, and Bilbo departed for Valinor. She longed to visit Hobbiton before that date, for much would have changed about the scenario. Frodo had died before the quest reached Rivendell, and likely Sam would take his place on the ship for the Undying Lands.

And what then?

She shivered slightly despite the warm night and Glorfindel's nearness.

"Do you desire a blanket, meleth nin?"

Elanor smiled up at him in the most reassuring way she could manage. "No thank you, I'm quite all right. Just an odd chill."

Glorfindel seemed partially satisfied by this, and contented himself with pulling her slightly closer to absorb his body heat.

Well, I guess we'll find out in a year. In the meanwhile, I'll enjoy everyone's company as much as I can. Elladan and Elrohir might stay in Middle-earth after Ada goes back, and Legolas and Gimli certainly do…

They shan't all desert you. But what will you do when all of them—even Gimli—sail west? Will you make Glorfindel remain behind with you if you are not permitted—or release him?

Elanor barely suppressed a second shiver as she glanced across at her new spouse. Glorfindel's long legs were stretched out, outstripping her own by a significant margin. Every part of him was lean and well-formed. His right arm was wrapped around her back, whilst his left arched over to grasp one of her hands, resting on his thigh. In the firelight she could see his golden hair glinting like burnished copper beneath a red lamp. His profile was indistinct in the flickering light, but Elanor knew it almost as well as the back of her own hands. He was beautiful, every part of him, and best of all his spirit. She had come to love him well, and it appeared that any path they chose was fraught with sadness.

Either we both go to Valinor, or it's going to end badly—I might convince him to go without me, but I feel as if that would be almost as painful as his remaining behind. I suppose he could go to Valinor after I die… but can I really stay married to a man who is going to look this… perfect, forever? I will get old and grey and wrinkled and ugly, and he will be a miniature god!

Now, I believe, chipped in her cynic, is the time one prays.

Thanks.

Sarcastic today?

No—genuine. Thank you.

Welcome back to a long-awaited 46th instalment of Elanor's tale!

I promise that this story is coming to a conclusion; I do have to wrap up the final pieces, though. I feel like this creation is very messy, and that there are many things I want to change now that I'm getting close to the end. However, I have decided to wrap it up as best I can and leave it be. There are many, many faults with Elanor's tale, but I hope you can overlook them and enjoy laughing along with her.

There will be a few more chapters to come - Elanor's fate must be resolved, and (naturally) I want you to have some "epilogue" moments. The big happy marriage has been achieved, and you can't avoid the cute factor. :3

I hope you're all still enjoying watching Elanor blunder about, anyway. Thanks for sticking with me thus far, and fingers crossed the 47th instalment won't be too long to wait for.

All my love, Finwe.