A/N: I'm back so sorry for not updating. Thanks to everyone who reviews! I promise I will return the favour!
Chapter Four:
That night it rained. The rain was not a loud, obnoxious storm creeping from the east, but a solemn and graceful downpour. It had rained all night long. The air was fresh with its sweet smell; the smell so distinct and strong, you could practically lick it from the air. A humid cloud hung over Rivendell until late sunrise.
Lord Glorfindel had remained in the company of Paldun that morning. If he wished, he could join Elrond, though the half-elf was rather busy with the final accommodations. It was the small things that needed to be done that morning. And the lord Elrond could achieve them with little or no help, for it rose his spirits so that now they were more joyous than before.
Late afternoon, only hours from dusk, Lord Glorfindel still tarried within the chamber of Paldun, waiting anxiously until he could advance himself to dress. Throughout the rather murky day, the clouds had gently subsided. The barren trees were beginning to form new leaves. They were establishing a new time, a rebirth. All was quiet in the realm of Rivendell; however, everyone was anxiously awaiting the ball. It was a personification for the merriment the lords and ladies deserved. It was a gem beneath the fowl crusts of hard and rough rocks.
And within the soldier's chamber, the bright yellow sun reflected beneath the hardened gray clouds. Glorfindel could not help but be amazed by such a strange beauty. It was indeed strange, but lovely. It was sorrowful, but joyous. It was the majesty, it was the death. It was himself and his immortal soul which could never cease from loneliness.
"Paldun, my friend, what do you make of this sunset?" He asked upon turned about to view the intense, ancient eyes of the Elf.
"My lord, it is but a sunset. Is there much to make of it? We have other matters at hand, as you know," said he, "Perhaps we should dress ourselves now. Let us not keep Lord Elrond waiting, and especially yourself. Sire, why are you not with Elrond at this very moment?"
Glorfindel sighed, "He does not like to be burdened before such an event as this. This gathering needs to be ideal, perfect. Only Elrond can manifest such simplicity, such innocent trickery. We need to hide the lies from the inhabitants of Arda, and if we do not succeed in this, hope will be lost. And when hope is lost, my friend, then all is." He sat upon a rich, handsome bench in the chamber, remotely staring into they mysterious sky. "This ball will decide more than you may think, Paldun."
"And what, pray, shall this ball decide?" Paldun inquired slyly, "I do not like your jesting, sire."
"Figure it out yourself. You have wit. You have knowledge. And only time will tell, as I have spoken of before," the Elf replied hotly.
"How you mock!" And Glorfindel replied wittily: "As the day turns to night." It was sealed with a quick smile.
How glorious the scene looked. Two beautiful creatures jesting, mocking one another under arches which vines crawled and a yellow-tinted sky. It was passionate, simple, intricate, perfect, flawed, dead, and alive. Immortal.
Whereupon, the Elf lord thusly retrieved a fine, ruby robe. It was gloriously made, and it seemed so uncomplicated, but indeed, it was the finest of Glorfindel's apparel. And he clad himself in simple red leggings. For addition, a darker red cloak was added. It was not a cloak of battle, stained and tarried with the skirmish of mortals and immortals alike, but rich and velvet. And what the lord adored most about the cloak was that no blood stained it. He envied any of his garments which did not show of blood.
His complexion was smooth and pale. His eyes were dark, gray, alike the clouds progressing into a long sunset. They were nearly blue, but not the rich blue in Paldun's eyes, it was the sorrowful, aching blue of misery and lonesomeness. The lord's cheek bones were high, but not bold, and he owned a rather strong face. His nose was long and thin, and it appeared his lips were thin as well. Sometimes they curved in rather a mocking shape. And when he laughed, o! he looked hugely mocking. Glorfindel had to be careful of whom he laughed with, for they may take it the wrong way.
Nonetheless, he was beautiful. He was immortal. And age only added to his beauty.
Paldun looked handsome, though he could not quite match Lord Glorfindel's comeliness. He was clad in a dark blue robe, which was slightly shorter than his knees. And below his fine garment, were navy leggings. His dark blonde hair was carelessly tossed behind his shoulders, and his shimmering eyes were bright. He smiled as he saw Glorfindel appear before him. Glorfindel was exquisite, as always. Even in battle did he look exquisite.
"My friend, how divine you look," Glorfindel commented.
"And indeed, you shall have pretty maidens all over you!" The Elf innocently laughed. His eyes seemed to be radiating. "I think Lord Elrond will want us to arrive slightly early, do you not agree, my good lord?"
"Oh, but of course." And the two handsome being were off.
Glorfindel declared the beginning of any such balls, banquets, or feasts, the most joyous. Anticipation was growing inside him. He was walking alone in the magnificent, open corridors of Lord Elrond's halls. It was nearly dusk. The visible sun was now behind the crests yonder, and only a silent flicker of yellow came between the clouds. The humidity did no longer exist, which was quite the miracle. A darkness from the east slowly transgressed into view, but the sun's dying rays were still visible.
He peered out the vacant window. He was in strange breathlessness.
"My dear Glorfindel! The minstrels and troubadours have arrived! Come, come, for the guests are also arriving," spoke Lord Elrond. His voice was ecstatic, as though he had never felt war. But he had, just not as strongly as the Elf beside him. He knew it; too, he knew it when he looked into Glorfindel's gloomy eyes. From his eyes, he could see two upon horseback in the shadows of sunset. They were dark beasts, and he could scarcely tell if they were either very deep in gray or black as sin.
The two riders dismounted, nay, there were but three. A child of perhaps ten or eleven appeared behind a large silhouette.
Lord Elrond is right, perhaps it is time to enjoy myself. The guests are arriving. I must go. The guests are coming. They are here. He repeated in his head, almost madly.
At last, he could hear the sweet music of the musicians in the indoor courtyard. There were plants everywhere, vines curling about the columns and windows. The floor was a rich, shiny cobblestone, which stretched for a large portion of the flat. The musicians were places on a slightly raised platform and below the platform lay majestic arch doorways to the dinning hall.
Oh what beauty lay here!
The party of riders appeared before Glorfindel. He was unaware of their presence, but he swiftly seized the moment and said thus: "My friends, it is a pleasure to see you at Lord Elrond's court. I see you are the first to arrive, so in good time, Elrond will indeed want to meet you."
The handsome, gruff man groaned, a deep soul groan, "Well, thank you, my good lord." And he walked on. Following him were two maidens. Firstly, a gorgeous woman of sharp, drawn features walked past him. She smiled. Her hair was long and golden, her eyes, though, were almost black and face slender. Then followed a pretty little girl, only ten mayhap, with a thick mane of dark blonde hair and eyes of intense hazel. She was rather short, even for a young girl. Glorfindel concluded that she may be too pretty to be called beautiful or mysterious when she was to grow into a woman. Then again, she was but a child.
They were highly dressed, all rich in robes and jewelry, even the youngest.
They were mortals.
The man was actually rather rude. Glorfindel then asked: "And why, sire, has Lord Elrond beckoned you to come? From whence do you come?"
And he replied tartly: "Good lord, my daughter, Galawen, has found a husband. Surely you know him. I speak of Erchirion, son of Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth. And tell me not that he has not come, for my family and I were indeed invited. What a foul game to play if that was not the case. We come from the great City of Gondor, my lord, past these hills of Rivendell. We come from the City of Peril and the City which is under siege constantly. We come from our grim homes."
Glorfindel was satisfied, not by the bitterness of his response, but the bravery of this man to speak such ill words to him. He almost smiled, despite it all, though he could not quite manufacture a smile without seeming cynical. The Elf could tell this man was hot tempered, rather shrewd and he pondered if he two daughters were alike him. Finally, the sun's rays were completely gone. Shadows from the walls of the magnificent courtyard lay upon the cobblestones, yet only slightly. In night, they would grow darker and larger.
The man, of whom he did not know the name of and had no delight in asking, walked on, seeking the counsel of Elrond. His solemn daughters followed.
Progressing into the night, the courtyard was filled with guests. Elves had arrived upon horseback, always stately, glowing, and magnificent. Men had arrived by carriages and horses, coming by the families, it seemed. The lords and ladies were furthermore socializing. They were talking amongst themselves, some flirting, some debating, others mayhap just chatting. It was so fitting to see the races unite, and willingly, as well. If this could only be magnified, we could fight the Darkness which sweeps the land of sweetness and just.
Suddenly, as the music ceased, Elrond appeared from the candle lit passageways. He was the most regal being of the whole ball. Servants and cooks, who had scurried around to keep the guests occupied, had stopped. Everything was deathly silent. And the magnificent Elrond spoke thus: "Good citizens! I welcome you to this wonderful gathering. I have long awaited seeing you all again. My, my, have times changed." There were nods and faint 'yes's' throughout the crowd. "Indeed, times are changing. But nonetheless, I shall still hold these balls, my friends! And I hold this one in recognition to those who have protected us from these ghastly of times. I dedicate this ball to the soldiers of all kingdoms. I dedicate this gathering to those who have sacrificed to help us. What bravery and gallantry they have shown," his eyes pierced Glorfindel's, "Now, let us continue!"
"Aye!" The crowd roared, some holding up the wine chalices. The Lords with their Ladies, the children playing games in the open grass flats, the start of the music once more, the obvious state of happiness and bliss is all that could be identified within this feast. It was the best feeling mortals and immortals alike have endured in a long time.
It was then Lord Elrond approached his companion. Indeed, he was the most regal of them all. "Are you enjoying yourself, Lord Glorfindel? Why have not you spoken with any of our guests? You surely are dressed handsome enough and have the wit to outlast many beings."
"I shall find time to speak, my lord," was his reply.