Chapter 2
Elrond sighed and tapped his temple as he observed his household and guests happily feasting in the great hall. Despite the flawless presentation of cutlery, the abundant food and wine, and the singing minstrels that injected gaiety into the already pleasant atmosphere, the Lord of Rivendell was in an ominous mood.
He glared at the two vacant chairs beside him, having been reserved for the noblest lord and lady within his house, and knew something was amiss. Ereiniel had promised to be ready in time for the feast, but already three-quarters of the hour had passed, which Elrond interpreted as her sudden refusal to join them. Moreover, no one had been able to account for Glorfindel's whereabouts all day.
No doubt the two of them had conspired to spend their evening elsewhere. While Elrond wasn't too upset over the fact that the High Princess of the Noldor and the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower were absent, and therefore unable to help console the people from Tharbad that their settlements weren't in any danger from the Númenoreans —for Erestor's fine way with words and a newly drawn border had seemingly accomplished the task— there was something else that greatly disturbed him.
Since his early youth, he had grown up within the household of King Gil-galad and his family. He was present the day Ereiniel was born, and loved her as the little sister he never had. The fact that she was likely out cajoling with her not-so-secret lover made the defensive, big brother beast within him roar to life.
However, it would have been unseemly for the Lord of Imladris to suddenly stand, shove the laden table before him out of the way, then call for every soldier, guard, and scout to search every corner of the valley for the princess. Instead, Elrond used his infamous wisdom to think of a better course of action.
After a few moments he motioned for a serving maid to come close and whispered something in her ear. She nodded, and immediately crossed the expansive room to deliver her missive to an unexpecting Elf seated amongst his other advisors and men of Tharbad.
Erestor rose like a silken shadow and excused himself from the company with a slight incline of his head. He glided across the floor as he came to stand beside Elrond, then folded his bejeweled hands before him and gave a polite nod.
"Lord Elrond," he said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
Erestor clearly hadn't gotten over the fact that his long-time friend was now ruling a realm of his own. Sometimes Elrond got the distinct impression that Erestor found the whole thing amusing. For now, however, he focused on the situation at hand.
"I need you to find Ereiniel for me," Elrond said.
"Oh?" Erestor said, raising a dark brow. "Why do you not simply ask Lord Glorfindel where the princess is? He often knows of her location at any given moment— oh, now I see. Lord Glorfindel is also absent. My eyesight must be getting poor of late. This does present a problem, does it not?"
Elrond glowered at Erestor's intentional provocation, but the dark Elf ignored him. Erestor knew that Elrond needed him and had taken the liberty to goad him. Situations as this afforded such allowances, besides, it had been far too long since he had been able to do so.
"Just find them and convince Ereiniel to come back," Elrond said. "You're the only one who can, and we both know it."
"Now what am I to receive in return?" Erestor said, crossing his arms.
Elrond frowned. Erestor had done the king's work many times without a request for payment —though Gil-galad was generous and always rewarded those who completed assigned tasks— which meant there was something in particular that Erestor wanted.
"I know what you want, and I will give it to you after Ereiniel is returned," Elrond said.
"And the Balrog Slayer?" Erestor questioned, his eyes alighting at the possibilities.
"Though he is not my favorite Elf at the moment, no doubt we require his assistance in maintaining the safety of Imladris. If need be, don't harm him beyond what I am capable of healing," Elrond said.
"So, a black eye is all I am permitted to bring him back with?" Erestor replied, clucking his tongue. "Pity."
"Will you just go already?" Elrond snapped.
Erestor smirked as he bowed, then swept from the hall to begin his search. The Lord of Imladris leaned back in his seat and chuckled to himself, his mood having improved from Erestor's sarcastic wit. He drank his wine then motioned for the serving girl to refill his glass, humming along with the tune the minstrels played.
He need only wait now.
