A/N: Thank you everyone for the kind reviews. I'm dead serious. It was like Christmas all over again. XD. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter Three:
Glorfindel had forgotten entirely the bliss of late spring. All the loveliness of the flowers in bloom and heartiness of the ripened sun were strangely forgotten in these days of gloominess and tears. It was comforting to the Elf to know that after the long and harsh winter of plague and war, there was the happiness of spring. It had been nearly a month since his return from the forlorn battle sight hundreds of miles away. His state of happiness was restored and all the better, had become full again at the mention of a ball to celebrate his grand accomplishments. Glorfindel, as though he may try, never could turn down an offer to a royal ball. His greatest friend, ally, and lordship, was so gracious upon throwing such festivals. And in this great time of war and poverty-stricken lands, the mention of Lord Elrond's ball was the jewel amongst the rocks.
It was also during the dusk of that fine day which Lord Elrond approached Glorfindel upon his entrance into the Royal Gardens. They were majestically set atop a small hill. Each plant was expertly tended by the lord's servants and not only that, but the setting near columns (in which the vines could exotically coil around) and other places of light and good soil made the garden miraculous for all to see before them.
"Glorfindel, my dearest friend, I have bore witness to the unhappiness of Rivendell in these last few days. The crest of Darkness has already ascended upon lands to the East and I fear for my own realm as well. But, my good lord, fret not! 'Twill be in the dusk of another night in which I bring ill news of evil to the East. For tonight, I hope to remain content with the thought of livening up Rivendell, for it looks quite drear. The Elves of this realm have rather admitted freely of their fright during these dark years of Arda. And to my vast knowledge, nothing pleases the citizens of Rivendell more fondly and joyously than a ball. 'Tis widely acknowledged that every Elf loves an excuse to brighten up their lives, whether it be in the form of a party or friendship.
"I declare there shall be a ball, for the reason of your safe returning and bravery during this ill time. I must say, dear Glorfindel, you have clemency and gallantry that you do not give yourself credit for," a slight colour flushed on the lord's cheek as Elrond continued, "It shall be held in my courtyard with the exception of music and dancing near the entry hall. I suppose it could work! And thusly we shall have an extraordinary combination of musicians and chefs. O! Glorfindel, this is splendid! We shall dance until nightfall and past..and I shall invite all the elves and all of the leaders of Gondor and Rohan and Lorien and Mirkwood. O! Glorfindel, see how I fall astray when thinking not of death and darkness, but of happiness? When, my good lord, shall this feast be held?"
From the Lord of Rivendell's vivid and quite passionate discussion, Glorfindel had not the slightest word to say. He felt he could never amount to such passion and joy his lord held. Instead, with little dullness he concluded: "In a month, sire. That should give us quiet enough time to prepare. I deem this shall be the talk of the kingdoms!"
"Indeed it will. I shall make it so!" And with that Lord Elrond, who may be too excited for his own good, disappeared into the darkness whence he entered.
For the next nights, proceeding the party, Lord Glorfindel had wandered the House of Elrond and Rivendell in general, searching for something to keep him occupied. Though, he found nothing but idle talk with the cooks and servants and other inhabitants of the mighty kingdom. The mystical nights he spent alone in his quarters finding nothing more to do, save reading and writing of tales and legends which surely would be stored in the palace's bookshelf for ages to come. And thusly he worked on them every single night with only dim candles and the comfort of the moon rising above his home. He confessed, to himself, and from the narrative of the tales of characters like him, that he was lonely. And he spoke of the "gift" the Valar had given them of eternal happiness in exchange for life.
However, proceeding one night the ball, game a curious carriage. Small, it may be, but it was royal enough for Elrond himself. Within minutes, Glorfindel, clad in a long white robe and royal red outer garments, hair free and eyes weary with sleep, met with his lord outside the majestic walls of the inner city to greet this exotic carriage. As tired as he may be, the Elf lord was immensely inquiring of this visitor.
"Lord Glorfindel, why do you walk amiss with me? It is but only the coming of Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth and his three children. Why, they come to every ball!" Lord Elrond explained. The elf's eyes were fixed solely the carriage which, from what he could see, came four figures. The horses were stately and a dapple-gray colour. They indeed looked immensely swift; their build was large.
"I am surprised they had not bore themselves hither upon the backs of horses!" Cried Glorfindel.
Elrond replied: "Nay, my friend, for you see, he brings along his youngest child, Amrothos. And with him also are Ephril and Erchirion, of whom Erchirion, I declare, is betrothed to a woman from Gondor. Splendid, I think."
"And I agree with you, sire, it is splendid indeed," the Elf lord said. He was, for the most part, slightly embarrassed by his choice of garments whereupon greeting as fine of guests as these. Though, now that they had already drawn themselves from their carriage, there would be little use to clad himself in other clothing. In addition, time would be spent and it would be quite rude.
Prince Imrahil was the last to appear from the handsome carriage. He was a very stately man, built with rather large shoulders and strong limbs, and bold features upon his face. The intensity of his eyes were overwhelming, or so Elrond thought. He was clad in a dark cloak, though made with fine, imported fur, the simplicity of a tunic and leggings, and a rather impressive sheath. The Prince appeared to be royal yet he lacked the snobbery that was commonly associated with majesties.
Beside him stood his three children and numerous servants, some soldiers. Ephril, Glorfindel confessed, looked rather tall for his age. He was not strongly as built as his father, but nonetheless, did not surpass the quality of strength. The successor had a long face and divine hazel eyes which shown not of the intensity of the Prince's. Instead they were strong, obedient, eyes, never straying from where they should. His nose was slightly hawk-like and firm, and lips were thin but bold with colour. Ephril showed of no beard or mustache, but immensely dark brown hair. He was a very comely creature.
And to the side of Ephril was Erchirion, who was average height and average build. His face was less long than his brothers, and more oval like his fathers, producing a softer face. The features of his face were not quite as bold as his brother, but darker, more intense were his eyes, alike his father. Erchirion's face was porcelain pale, nose prominent but not large, lips sweet and pink, and hair ashen brown. The most beautiful of his children was Erchirion.
Finally, Amrothos stood somewhat awkwardly. He was only, perhaps, fifteen or so, which made awkwardness essential. His glance was horridly grim and cast shadows gently on the bottoms of his eyes. He shared the same prim nose as Ephril and the same face as Erchirion. Amrothos's auburn hair lay free on his shoulders. It seemed like silk. His body shape seemed to agree more with the eldest of his brother, Ephril's. There was this fierceness about him, this overwhelming slyness, but still he was as lovely as his brothers.
"Ah, my good lord, I welcome you to Rivendell," declared Elrond. He brilliantly smiled, though the portion of his face was covered in darkness.
Prince Imrahil stepped forward, leaving his children and servants before the carriage and said thus: "And I thank you for having me in these times of ill tidings and such. You must keep your wits about you now! I am greatly content that you still have yours, Lord Elrond. Or do you now?"
A smile played on his face, as well as the Elf-lord's. Glorfindel could not sustain the small smile that creased his lips. Elrond cried: "I do not know! Glorfindel, what do you have to say?"
Glorfindel stood, mute. How half-witted he seemed! The merry chuckles had ceased before he could finally cry: "My lord, I may very well not have mine either so how am I to judge you?" He smiled sheepishly as Lord Elrond turned to the descendants of Prince Imrahil. But o! did Glorfindel feel helpless! He felt vain and idle, almost as though he was unfit to be in the presence of such a great lord as Elrond Peredhil of Rivendell.
"It is such a blessing to see you all once more, Erchirion and Ephril! And what have we got here? I see I have never had the honour of meeting you Amrothos. I am Lord Elrond and this is my realm. You are welcomed here under any circumstances if the opportunity should arise," the half-Elf stared curiously into Amrathos's deep, cunning eyes and returned to the prominent company of his dear friend, Imrahil.
The Prince smiled gracefully and uttered to Glorfindel: "What a pleasure it is speaking with you again. After all, you are Lord Elrond's most trusted of advisers and comrades, are you not?"
"No, indeed I am, sire," the Elf lord said back, managing a smile. The lantern, which he carried, was grimly tiring and the light had almost ceased to burn.
"I think this feast is exactly what everyone needs now. The Darkness is growing..swiftly..and a ball will secure everyone that there is still bliss in our hearts, even in the gravest of times," Prince Imrahil said. This conversation was progressing into a fine debate. Glorfindel had to recover from the dim-witting stance he took only moments ago.
The Elf lord slyly commented: "My lord, but we are hiding the truth from the populace of our regions. If we shroud their heads in dreams of festivals and balls, where will be the threat of war? There must be balance, Prince Imrahil."
"Are you implying that the Lord Elrond is false?" The man took great pleasure in finding a fault in Glorfindel's words.
"Indeed not! How mistaken you are," said he, "I am implying no such thing except we must not lead the Free people of Middle Earth that war shall never come, poverty cease from existing, and death only from natural occurrences."
"How you speak! You are immortal, Glorfindel. Do not burden me with the thought of natural death for I wish not to ponder it."
"Would you prefer to die in battle, then? Amongst dead corpses, none of which exquisite, and amongst more death and more blood?"
"If it were to be under the circumstance of honour, then yes!"
"You preach of your honour and you preach of your loyalty, but you also speak of evading your realm's true problems. There is death in this harsh existence and there is blood and there is mortality and there are those who face none of it. Dol Amroth cannot follow your rule of bliss forever, my lord, for there is death and war beyond what you preach."
"I am impressed by your unsullied speech," he mocked slightly, "but it has no affect on me whatsoever if my kingdom is heedless or not."
Elrond finally intervened: "My goodness, how you debate of such things! It is my belief that neither of you have those wits I mentioned earlier." He comely smiled. "Now, I think rest is in order for all of us. Lord Imrahil and your company may follow me. We have already prepared handsome rooms for each of you."