'text' = thought or dream

text = thought

"text" = dialogue

"text" = Sindaren or Quenya

Author's Note: yet more inner conflict…

*

Chapter 6 – Council at Imladris (Part II)

'A pair of warm hands threaded through her long hair in calm caresses and she heard soft whispers in her ear, warm and loving words. A pair of lips drank in hers and Anariel felt a gentle throbbing in her body, a growing flame, licking against her skin, caressing, touching her softly. Riordan… but as she gazed upon a pair of blue eyes and golden hair sweeping against her face her surprise soon turned to longing and she found herself wanting more and only pulled him closer to her…'

Anariel sat up suddenly pulling at the sheets of her bed. Her breath was heavy and rasped and sweat beaded at her forehead. She shivered in spite of the warmth that ran through her body. She recovered looking around and gathering herself remembering where she was, in Amon Sul. She stared out the window, the sun had barely risen. Anariel's eyes quickly scanned her room.

No one was with her.

She let out the breath she didn't know she was holding and fell back on her bed relieved putting her hands against her pounding head. I have not felt such longing since… She cut off the thought. Why had she dreamt of Gil-galad in such a way? I have no time for such fancies anymore! Especially not with an elf! She sat up feeling a heat rise to her cheeks. Her thoughts suddenly turned to last night and she silently wondered the possibilities of what could have been if she had allowed him to kiss her.

Strangely the painful longing of the thought didn't let her be.

She pulled off the blankets and got up storming to the wardrobe and slipping off her nightgown, swiftly changing into her white gown deciding to find something to distract herself with. Why am I having a maid's fancies? Anariel wondered as she laced the back of her gown and tied her golden girdle. She took in a deep breath glancing into the looking glass and managed an amused smirk, At least it is a better turn than the nightmares! Her eyes fluttered shut with the memory and she realized that she indeed missed that word of warmth, that protective passion from another.

She opened her eyes slowly staring in the looking glass as her hands absent-mindedly began to plait pieces of her long red hair. Silly girl! she scolded herself why would such an elf have any fancies toward me? A mortal who could not compare to the beauty or grace of the elven maids! Anariel frowned at her own thoughts. Why was she even thinking that? It was a passing fancy she had with the elven lord, nothing more.

She gazed at her own reflection steadily her eyes giving her a skeptical look. Anariel scowled at herself turning away from the mirror and putting on her boots. A knock on the door startled her and she jumped. "Come in!" She bid the guest.

For a flashing moment she had thought it was Gil-galad but was plenty relieved when she saw that it was only Gildor who smiled at her brightly.

"Good morning, my lady! I had thought you were sleeping." He told her. Anariel gave him a surrendering smile.

"Elves are not the only ones who wake up early, Gildor." She teased him. He gave her a bow.

"Well then, I have been called to escort you downstairs to breakfast, we should make it to Imladris by tonight." He added. Anariel gladly took his arm and walked downstairs with him and yet she felt stragely nervous. No more maiden's fancies, Anariel, she told herself, keep your wits about you!

Elendil, her brother, as well as Galion the tower warden and Gil-galad were already seated at the table. She smiled at all of them managing to hold on to her calm though briefly catching Gil-galad's eyes she felt a light flush color her cheeks. Anariel! She scolded herself, Stop this nonsense!

Gildor held a seat out for her. It seemed to her that Elendil and Isildur were not fully awake yet.

"Good morning, my lords," Anariel greeted them managing to find her voice. Isildur mumbled a good morning and Elendil chuckled at his son.

"Seems I was not the only one who had a little too much ale the night before." Gil-galad smiled at them.

"I pray you're well enough to ride a horse, friends."

"Oh, he shall be." said Gildor, "After all 'twas he who drank the ale, not the horse." They laughed together at that in agreement and Galion began telling them the safest and quickest route into the forest vale. Anariel found her eyes straying to Gil-galad and simply admiring him though she tried very hard not to. Cursed dream…! she thought, why do you plague me! I once loved and I cannot love again, not this one! Not when the roads of our fate cross two different ways!

She forced herself to turn towards Gildor and hold some different sort of conversation.

*

Gil-galad watched Anariel curiously as he drank from his cup. It seemed to him that some war was being fought within her and he was almost certain it involved him. He smiled softly mostly at himself, Am I that egotistical to think such things? He wondered. Even though he felt a stab of envy of the attention Gildor was receiving from her more so than him. His gaze fell upon her hair as she laughed at a jest Gildor made, and then strayed to her fair neck, her throat and her collar. Gil-galad teared his gaze away because if anyone would notice anything at the table that morning 'twould be Gildor and Gil-galad knew very well that Gildor would report all happenings to Elrond and part of Gil-galad did not want to suffer the Halfelven's amused remarks.

Only because I teased him endlessly when he gazed upon Celebrian months back during a feast in Lindon, he smiled at the thought. It would be good to see Elrond again. He silently wondered if the Halfelf was courting the Lady of Lothlorien still, that will be aught to see, and he grinned at the thought.

"Well then!" said Elendil standing up and finishing his food, "I shall go ready my horse! Anyone wish to join me?" Isildur, though still half awake, grogilly agreed and Galion the tower warden went with them leaving only the two elves and Anariel at the table.

"I say," said Gildor looking at Gil-galad mischevously, "Don't we still have a bet to uphold?" Gil-galad grinned taking another draught of his drink.

"Didn't I already state that you are going to lose?" Gil-galad told him then looked toward Anariel. Gildor stood up suddenly.

"We shall see, your highness!" said Gildor, "I think I shall go ready my horse as well!" He scuttled off swiftly leaving Gil-galad alone with Anariel. Rogue of an elf, Gil-galad thought looking after where he had left then noticing Anariel was looking down at her plate moving her food around with her fork.

"My lady, are you well?" He asked her softly. Her emerald gaze turned up to meet his and Gil-galad saw that her torment was no less than him. Gil-galad felt a warmth shoot through him as he saw her face flush silently wondering if he could make her body flush that color as well.

"I… I am fine, my lord, just a little tired myself." Yet you didn't seem so tired when you spoke with Gildor, he thought then threw away the petty jealousy he had before. He smiled at her fondly.

"I hope we are not leaving to early for the lady's wishes." He told her. She cocked an eyebrow in a challenge she usually gave her brother Isildur and Gil-galad was glad to be bestowed with the familiarity of it.

"I ride as fast as you if not faster." She told him drinking from her glass. Gil-galad smirked.

"Is that so?"

"Quite." She replied curtly. He laughed happy to be in her presence.

"Perhaps we should have a race then some time?" She shrugged.

"Perhaps." Gil-galad glanced up at the wall where the wooden practice swords were hung.

"Well, if you can best me with horses, can you best me with swords as well?" He teased, "If you claim yourself to be as good as man?" She looked up at him suspiciously.

"Swords I can do as well, though for someone who is many millenias old and has plenty of experience I doubt I could do well against you." Anariel told him. Gil-galad glanced at her full lips for a brief moment then leapt up and took two of the wooden swords from their hooks and tossed one of them at her which she caught. He gave her a galant bow.

"Shall we?" Anariel stood up and looked at him curiously.

"I'm warning you, I'm not that good." She told him. Gil-galad shrugged.

"Perhaps I can teach you to get better then." Gil-galad beckoned her, "Try it, my lady, let me see what you're capable of and let me see what I can fix."

They practiced for a while and Anariel proved to be very apt of wielding a sword, parrying his blows, and dodging his attacks. As Gil-galad became fiercer with her she equalled in his ferocity and continued blocking him. For a moment Gil-galad smiled mischevously at her and with a swift movement disengaged her weapon and pinned her from behind bringing her back against his chest.

Anariel's breath had become heavy with effort and her body warm and Gil-galad found his own body quicken against her. He could smell the perfume in her long hair and feel the heat through her long gown. She is wondrous… And his eyes closed a moment from the thought and then he opened them again.

"Do you yield, my lady?" Gil-galad asked only to find his own breath laboring though not from the sword play. Anariel managed to turn her head toward him and Gil-galad found his lips grazing the her cheek and the edge of her own.

"No," She whispered and her eyes captured his for a long moment and they both understood the other's desire. Gil-galad's lips upturned to a smile and he leaned closer to her lips and…

"My lord… are you ready?" came a hesitant voice from just outside the galley. Curse, Gildor… Gil-galad turned up to the other elf his eyes almost venomous as he reluctantly released Anariel from his grip.

"Yes, Gildor." said Gil-galad feeling slightly flustered for an elf. Flustered? came Gildor's thoughts to him as the younger elf smirked, that is unbecoming for an elven king! The elven king gave hus subordinate a look that meant he was in no mood for jesting.

"We were just playing with swords." said Anariel her cheeks flushed crimson as Gil-galad gathered his cloak still looking at her longingly. Gildor bowed toward her.

"I would have placed my bet that you would have beaten him any day." Gil-galad grinned.
"You have a knack for losing bets." Gil-galad said dryly as he handed Anariel her own cloak. Anariel took it and quickly made haste toward the stables passing Gildor.

My lord, I may be your servant but I feel you are making a mistake in fancying this lady not only for yourself but for her as well, Gildor's thoughts whispered to him. Gil-galad sighed feeling the other's caring and concern.

I find myself desiring her ever more, Gildor… he whispered back his thoughts. Gildor smiled sympathetically.

"I think we should make haste to Imladris and perhaps you should voice your feelings to Elrond." Gildor told him. Gil-galad looked at the other dubiously as he followed Gildor toward the stables.

Before the Council I shall be with Anariel, he sighed deeply pulling his cloak around him.

'Anariel…'

*

MANY HOURS LATER

*

Imladris

The House of Elrond shined in the valley of forest and rivers where it was settled. Anariel was happy for the cool breeze and found herself enchanted by the forests. Elven pages came out and took their horses and Anariel dismounted her gaze falling at the beauty of the elven home. "It is beautiful, is it not?" Came Gil-galad's voice from behind her.

Gil-galad. She had tried so hard to avoid him since breakfast. Since they almost…

Anariel managed a smile. "Indeed 'tis." She told him softly. A raven haired elf with silver eyes and long maroon velvet robes came down the steps to greet them. He smiled warmly and bowed.

"Welcome friends, to Imladris, you are the first to arrive!" He told them thought a smile crossed his face as he met Gil-galad's gaze. Anariel watched the two since they seemed to know each other very well.

"Pardon me," Gil-galad said to all of them a sparkle in his eye, "I am going to do something very informal right now." And he laughed and jumped up pulling the raven haired elf into a warm embrace.

"Suilad, Elrond Peredhil, mellon-iaur! Na vedui! Mae govannen!" [Greetings, Elrond Halfelven, old friend! At last! Well met!] Elrond, lord of Imladris also laughed, some old mirth in his eyes as well as he looked to his friend.

"Long are the years since we have last spoken, Ereinion Gil-galad, joy fills my heart to see you again." Elrond said and then he stepped forward and embraced Elendil and Isildur as well and then his eyes fell on Anariel and she found his gaze unnerving. As if he can read everything about me… Her father weaved his arm in hers.

"Lord Elrond," he said, "Allow me to present to you my youngest child, Anariel." Elrond bowed taking her hand and planting a kiss upon it and smiling warmly.

"Well met, Lady of Gondor, the last I saw you you were but a babe in your father's arms and you have grown fair indeed!" Anariel bowed her head toward him.

"I thank you, my lord." She told him softly. Voices came from behind.

"Father!" Called out one. Anariel glanced up at two strong and tall dark haired grey eyed men and grinned. Isildur's expression brightened.

"Elendur! Aratan!" He exclaimed and embraced his two sons warmly.

"They have grown to look like you, Isildur!" Anariel exclaimed as she looked at her two nephews, "And where is my little one?" She asked her eyes searching for Valandil.

"Aunt Anariel is here as well?" asked Elendur as he hugged her and kissed her fondly, "Valandil is with mother in the courtyard, we only knew of your coming because we saw you from afar." He told her. Anariel laughed.

"Well indeed, you have gained the eyesight of elves I see!" Aratan looked at her abashed. Anariel felt very happy to see them again.

"Indeed," came another voice familiar to all their ears even though it seemed terribly weary. Anariel gaped toward another bearded figure, tall and noble with a healing gash across his head wearing elven robes as well. I don't believe my eyes…!

"Anarion!" She exclaimed and ran up to him and hugged him. Anarion laughed hugging his sister tightly.

"Ah!" said Elrond, "A vague mistake on my part, you are not the first to arrive here as Council guests, the second, for Anariel has come here before you!" Elendil and Isildur also embraced Anarion glad to see him well but then Elendil voiced the thoughts that suddenly came to Anariel's heart as well.

"What of Osgilliath?" He asked the other.

Anarion's expression became crestfallen and then they all feared the worse.

"Osgilliath has been leveled to rubble."

*

Elrond insisted that his guests speak of these things later, they were all weary from their journeys and were in no need of ill news now. "There shall be time to discuss ill news later, let me assure you." He told them grimly, "For the moment rejoice in your reunion for you are all alive and well and safe within my borders for the time being, until something is decided." Elrond sighed deeply inwardly watching as the heirs of his brother reunited within the courtyard with Isildur's wife and his youngest son Valandil. He then turned toward Gil-galad and Gildor who were in turn greeting Erestor.

"How fares Lindon, friend?" asked Elrond not able to supress a smile.

"All is well." said Gil-galad with a great sigh, "For the time being." Elrond smiled at his old friend.

"Time has passed swiftly." Elrond said softly. Gil-galad smiled back the same grim tension behind his eyes.

"Doesn't it always for our people?" asked the other.

"I suppose." Elrond said with a shrug, "But I am glad to see you again and more glad to have you back here, so I find it upsetting that we always end up meeting only at times of crisis." Gil-galad smiled.

"Someday it shall change, and we shall meet each other again in West in times of peace."

"At least we have that to look forward too." said Gildor coming in and then he looked at Gil-galad mischevously, "Don't you have something to tell Elrond?" Elrond cocked an eyebrow toward Gildor and Gil-galad scowled.

"Gildor, don't you have something to say to Elrond?" Gil-galad countered. Gildor smiled sweetly at the other.

"I see no dwarves here yet, so if you want me to uphold my part of the bet I'd hope you'd best uphold yours." Elrond glanced at both of them suspiciously.

"What is going on that I should know about?" Gil-galad grinned at the raven-haired elf.

"Have you invited dwarves to this council by any chance?" asked the elven king.

"I have not." said Elrond and Gildor broke into a wolfish grin, "But Galadriel…"

"Don't say but!" Gildor exclaimed suddenly. Elrond looked at the other as if he was mad. Gil-galad laughed.

"Go on!" said the elven king.

"Galadriel has invited Durin of Moria to attend since they hold anger against the dark lord." Elrond said. Gil-galad looked at Gildor.

"Now what was that about our bet…?" Gildor gaped then shook his head quickly.

"I recall the bet being whether or not Lord Elrond invited dwarves to the council, he did not, so I win!" He argued. Gil-galad looked at the other still grinning.

"So now you give in to excuses, mellon?" asked Gil-galad, "That was not our bet. Our bet was whether or not dwarves were going to attend the council."

"I… you… can't…" but Gildor was at a loss of words, "Wasn't this all in jest?"

"Bets must always be honored." Gil-galad told the other innocently. The Lord of Imladris looked to them both.

"What were the stakes of this bet?" Elrond asked.

"He wants me to…" Gil-galad jumped up and covered Gildor's mouth.

"Noooo…" Gil-galad chided, "You'll ruin the fun of it!" Gildor gave him an irritated look.

"I am never placing bets with you again." He said and ran off. Gil-galad laughed.

"This evening friend! I want your honor!" called out the elven king. Elrond settled himself on a couch glad for the jests between them even though he wasn't fully sure what they were about.

"But what is it you have to say to me, my lord?" Elrond asked curiously looking at Gil-galad. The elven king sighed and Elrond noticed a strange emotion flicker in his eyes. Gil-galad waved it away.

"Nothing of import, Elrond." He told the elven lord and then he sighed, "When shall the others arrive?" He asked desiring to change subject. Elrond looked at the elder elf curiously.

"Cirdan and his men should arrive tomorrow. Galadriel and Celeborn as well as Oropher possibly in three days time and I would not doubt that Durin of Moria travels with them." Elrond told him, "After that a day shall be spent in rest and feasting and the council will convene the evening after." Gil-galad smiled another thought taking him.

"But you must tell me, how fares the Lady of Lothlorien?" Elrond blinked but his expression didn't betray him.

"Galadriel is well." Elrond said placidly.

"That is not what I meant and you know it." Gil-galad said, "I was talking about Celebrian." The elven king's grin grew and amusement filled his eyes when he saw some rosiness color the elven lord's cheeks. It is very hard for elves to blush so Gil-galad found this to his amusement to no end.

"She is also well." Elrond managed to reply.

"Really?" Elrond blushed harder.

"Ereinion…"

Gil-galad laughed happy to be with his friend once more.

*

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