Chapter 2 - To Sing a Song of Goldilocks
Thoughts in : :
"Lo! the flame of fire and fierce hatred engulfed Gondolin and its glory fell, its tapering towers and its tall rooftops were laid all low, and its leaping fountains made no music more on the mount of Gwareth, and its white hewn walls were whispering ash." *
Laerlend sighed as she listened to the singers' voices lifting so sweetly and sorrowfully on the air. The Lay of Gondolin told of the fall of that fair city hidden in the caldera of Echoriath and Amon Gwareth. It was an enthralling tale, one often told of late. One of great sorrow and loss, yet one of salvation and the mysterious will of Iluvatar. But in the remnant that fled the wreck and ruin of that great city was Tuor, Idril and their son Earendil who would bear the Silmaril from the Nauglamir on his brow and sail the skies forever - a sign of hope to all oppressed by evil.
"I am oppressed by evil," she murmured, then felt a flush of shame stain her cheeks. "Nay, not evil. But something not of my choosing," she amended, lying back against the cool grass and gazing at the star filled sky above her. She ran her fingers over the soft material of her pale green silk gown, feeling the stiff silver embroidery in the pattern of flowers and stars.
".There the narrow way of Cristhorn was clove, the Cleft of Eagles, through the midmost mountains. And more is told in lays and in legend and lore of others of that weary way of the wandering folk; how the waifs of Gondolin outwitted Melko, vanished o'er the vale and vanquished the hills, how Glorfindel the golden in the gap of the Eagles battled with the Balrog and both were slain: one like flash of fire from fanged rock, one like bolted thunder black was smitten to the dreadful deep digged by Thornsir." *
She felt many eyes fall upon her at this part: eyes filled with wonder, amusement, envy, and some with sympathy. For they all knew her feelings on this subject. Why else sing the old lays and legends so often if not to convince her of the folly of her thoughts? She knew what her father was doing by encouraging this singing and tale telling, but he was going about it in quite the wrong manner, which she had told him oft enough. She sighed wearily and closed her eyes.
"What troubles you now, tithen muinthel?" [little sister] a low voice asked, colored by merriment. "Does the music not agree with you?"
She opened her eyes to find Legolas staring down her, a smile playing over his fair features. He was adorned this night in a silken tunic of rich green, a silver belt glinting at his slender waist. She snorted and rolled onto her side away from him.
"You know well what troubles me, O Hero of the Fellowship," she said sarcastically, her fingers plucking at the small white star shaped flowers that nestled in the green of the grass.
He laughed lightly and dropped comfortably to the ground beside her.
"You are merely jealous," he rejoined. "Because I have seen him and you have not."
She ground her teeth together, but was determined that he would not get the best of her this day.
"That is not true. I care not what he looks like. I will not like him if he appears as mighty and glorious as Manwe himself. Or as fair as one of the Eldar."
Legolas laughed once more and yanked playfully on the loose strands of her fair hair.
"Glorfindel is one of the Eldar, silly," he said, lightly, seeing her fair cheek redden as she turned back to him.
"I care not," she stated haughtily, sitting up and swinging her head away from him. "You have never been made to marry, so why should I be made to do so?"
"Why don't you wish to marry?" He countered deftly. "I would think that most maidens at least think on the prospect favorably."
"I am not most maidens, brother, as you well know." There were many reasons she did not wish to marry, but she feared that saying them aloud would make them sound childish or trivial. "I just don't want to," she said stubbornly, twining a lock of fair hair about one slender finger. "I don't even know him, Legolas. This isn't fair. Why can't I choose whom I want to marry? Or.or run off and have adventures with a Dwarf as you have!"
"Run off with a Dwarf?" A gruff voice behind them growled. "A Dwarf, my lady? You could choose no better companion than that."
Laerlend turned to see Gimli approaching them, a smile appearing amidst the braided reddish hair on his face. The Dwarf was wearing rich clothing of leather dyed in a russet hue, embroidered with the geometric designs that his people favored. He bowed to her, eyes twinkling as he turned to Legolas.
"I thought to find you here with the prettiest maiden, and I see that I was right."
"Alas that she is my sister," Legolas sighed dramatically, holding his hand over his heart. "She is spoken for as well. Who am I to compete with Lord Glorfindel of Imladris? Will you join us, Gimli?"
"Or do you tire of hearing Lord Glorfindel's praises sung as I do," Laerlend interjected, shooting a scathing glance at her brother, who merely grinned at her in amusement and began to sing about the glories of the House of the Golden Flower in his pleasing musical voice.
"Come, Master Gimli," the Elven princess said, rising gracefully to her bare feet, turning her back on her brother. "I cannot bear to hear even one more word spoken this night about the Golden Glorfindel."
"Well," Gimli began, looking to where the small group of Elven singers was seated on a grassy knoll not far away, surrounded by an appreciative audience. He did indeed enjoy the sound of Elvish voices lifted in song or chants. But as the young maiden had said it was growing tiresome to hear the same songs sung day and night and it seemed that the only songs allowed in Thranduil's realm at present were songs of the glories of Glorfindel, Gondolin, and love. The Dwarf shrugged. "I will join you, lady, if you will permit me. Perhaps you can sing a song for me that has some other theme."
Laerlend laughed and held her hand out to him.
"Very well, but only if you will return the favor. I dare say the Dwarves have not written any songs about Goldilocks."
"Laerlend!" Legolas stood and shook his head, his blue eyes shining with exasperated amusement. "Lord Glorfindel does not deserve this sort of treatment from you. Truly sister, he may be suffering from the same feelings as you are. Perhaps he tires of hearing praises of you and your beauty touted day and night. Mayhap he is no happier with the prospect of joining with a stubborn, willful child of Thranduil's than you are of joining with the golden Goldilocks."
"I care not what he is feeling," Laerlend said, not allowing the taunt to touch her. She pulled on Gimli's hand pulling him behind her as she moved away from her brother and the singers. "I have no feelings for him whatever. Come, Gimli. Let us find an adventure this night."
The Dwarf looked back at his companion of many years and adventures who smiled and trotted after them. Legolas snatched a handful of his sister's hair playfully, yanking gently then moved past her, daring her to catch him.
"Adventures," the Dwarf huffed as his hand was released and the two Elves moved suddenly ahead of him on soundless feet, their amused laughter filling the soft night air. "I am getting too old for this. Hmph. To think they call me the 'child'," he grumped, stumping after them.
Author's Notes
* From "The Lay of Gondolin" found in the book "The Lays of Beleriand". It is an incomplete poem by Master Tolkien.
Iluvatar - God. Also called Eru.
The Silmarils were three jewels made by Feanor in which was captured the light of the Two Trees of Valinor. The Valar hallowed them so that an impure hand could not touch them. The Valar are the 14 greatest Ainur (angelic spirits) chosen to go to Arda (or the World). The tragic history of the Silmarils can be found in "The Silmarillion".
Earendil is Elrond's father and is known as the Mariner, the Blessed, and Bright Earendil. He became the most beloved star of the Elves.
The Nauglamir was a gold necklace made for Finrod by the Dwarves. When it came into King Thingol's possession he had the Dwarves of Nogrod set the Silmaril in it.
Manwe is the noblest of the Ainur and the mightiest of the Aratar (the eight chief Valar.
Response to Reviewers
JastaElf - I WANNA GO TO GONDOLIN, TOO! It sounds like a wondrous place, doesn't it! G Well, it seems that I cannot write anything without Legolas so he has made his first appearance of many I am sure! I like green growing things very much myself, hence the bush. They make wonderful presents! I think that I may have split personality disorder.seems you think so, too! G
alliwantisanelfforchristmas - Thank you for beta reading this and keeping my wicked commas that I hope are calming down at last! I know that Legolas is back at your house in his speedo. Sorry about using all the suntan lotion though!
Artanis - I should be thanking you for allowing me to write this story! I hope you continue to enjoy it. Happy birthday again!
Nancing Elf - You like Voronwe?? So do I! He is a great character and you should write a story about him! Or I will have to do it! . I have been enjoying my research. There are so many wonderful tales out there waiting to be told, aren't there!
queenie - I have also felt that Glory is overlooked. I haven't attempted a romance before so thank you for your vote of confidence. I do need a break from the craziness of my other "work of art"!
Irena - Thank you ! Thank you! So do you!!
Lakergurl13 - I never thought that Elladan's asking about the bush was like Brethil's never shutting up, but I see the similarities now that you mentioned it. And hey! What is wrong with bushes?? I happen to like them very much myself! grin
Karina - No spiders in this one, 'tis a romance after all. I am glad to see that you missed Glory, Elladan, and Elrohir, too! My biggest complaint about the movie, which I adore btw, is Glorfindel's absence and that of the other famous Rivendell Elves. But I guess that I have no say in how things were done and that is the way it goes. Looks for a shovel and wonders where PJ is JK.I think.
Angaloth - I am glad that you are enjoying this little tale of mine as well. As to my other fics, yes, at times they were hard to write. Angst, which comes so easily to other writers, is very hard for me to do at times. I become so immersed in the characters that it tends to depress me when I write it. This will sound strange, but thank you for crying when you read my other fic. I guess I did my job! Also thank you for telling your friends about my stories! I really appreciate that!
Jay - We all seem to prefer Legolas, Aragorn or Frodo, so I am enjoying concentrating on Glorfindel. He is one of my most favorite characters and I am glad for the chance to write something about him. But as you saw, Legolas had to be in this, too! Can't seem to leave him behind! As to the swiftness of my review, I check my emails in the morning and if I have the chance I go and r/r immediately! Unfortunately I am not always able to do that!
Jade - Thank you so much for taking a chance on my Glorfindel story! Legolas is in it, too, as you saw. Thus far I have managed to write one tiny snippet without him being in it. (sighs) Don't we all just love him!!
Thoughts in : :
"Lo! the flame of fire and fierce hatred engulfed Gondolin and its glory fell, its tapering towers and its tall rooftops were laid all low, and its leaping fountains made no music more on the mount of Gwareth, and its white hewn walls were whispering ash." *
Laerlend sighed as she listened to the singers' voices lifting so sweetly and sorrowfully on the air. The Lay of Gondolin told of the fall of that fair city hidden in the caldera of Echoriath and Amon Gwareth. It was an enthralling tale, one often told of late. One of great sorrow and loss, yet one of salvation and the mysterious will of Iluvatar. But in the remnant that fled the wreck and ruin of that great city was Tuor, Idril and their son Earendil who would bear the Silmaril from the Nauglamir on his brow and sail the skies forever - a sign of hope to all oppressed by evil.
"I am oppressed by evil," she murmured, then felt a flush of shame stain her cheeks. "Nay, not evil. But something not of my choosing," she amended, lying back against the cool grass and gazing at the star filled sky above her. She ran her fingers over the soft material of her pale green silk gown, feeling the stiff silver embroidery in the pattern of flowers and stars.
".There the narrow way of Cristhorn was clove, the Cleft of Eagles, through the midmost mountains. And more is told in lays and in legend and lore of others of that weary way of the wandering folk; how the waifs of Gondolin outwitted Melko, vanished o'er the vale and vanquished the hills, how Glorfindel the golden in the gap of the Eagles battled with the Balrog and both were slain: one like flash of fire from fanged rock, one like bolted thunder black was smitten to the dreadful deep digged by Thornsir." *
She felt many eyes fall upon her at this part: eyes filled with wonder, amusement, envy, and some with sympathy. For they all knew her feelings on this subject. Why else sing the old lays and legends so often if not to convince her of the folly of her thoughts? She knew what her father was doing by encouraging this singing and tale telling, but he was going about it in quite the wrong manner, which she had told him oft enough. She sighed wearily and closed her eyes.
"What troubles you now, tithen muinthel?" [little sister] a low voice asked, colored by merriment. "Does the music not agree with you?"
She opened her eyes to find Legolas staring down her, a smile playing over his fair features. He was adorned this night in a silken tunic of rich green, a silver belt glinting at his slender waist. She snorted and rolled onto her side away from him.
"You know well what troubles me, O Hero of the Fellowship," she said sarcastically, her fingers plucking at the small white star shaped flowers that nestled in the green of the grass.
He laughed lightly and dropped comfortably to the ground beside her.
"You are merely jealous," he rejoined. "Because I have seen him and you have not."
She ground her teeth together, but was determined that he would not get the best of her this day.
"That is not true. I care not what he looks like. I will not like him if he appears as mighty and glorious as Manwe himself. Or as fair as one of the Eldar."
Legolas laughed once more and yanked playfully on the loose strands of her fair hair.
"Glorfindel is one of the Eldar, silly," he said, lightly, seeing her fair cheek redden as she turned back to him.
"I care not," she stated haughtily, sitting up and swinging her head away from him. "You have never been made to marry, so why should I be made to do so?"
"Why don't you wish to marry?" He countered deftly. "I would think that most maidens at least think on the prospect favorably."
"I am not most maidens, brother, as you well know." There were many reasons she did not wish to marry, but she feared that saying them aloud would make them sound childish or trivial. "I just don't want to," she said stubbornly, twining a lock of fair hair about one slender finger. "I don't even know him, Legolas. This isn't fair. Why can't I choose whom I want to marry? Or.or run off and have adventures with a Dwarf as you have!"
"Run off with a Dwarf?" A gruff voice behind them growled. "A Dwarf, my lady? You could choose no better companion than that."
Laerlend turned to see Gimli approaching them, a smile appearing amidst the braided reddish hair on his face. The Dwarf was wearing rich clothing of leather dyed in a russet hue, embroidered with the geometric designs that his people favored. He bowed to her, eyes twinkling as he turned to Legolas.
"I thought to find you here with the prettiest maiden, and I see that I was right."
"Alas that she is my sister," Legolas sighed dramatically, holding his hand over his heart. "She is spoken for as well. Who am I to compete with Lord Glorfindel of Imladris? Will you join us, Gimli?"
"Or do you tire of hearing Lord Glorfindel's praises sung as I do," Laerlend interjected, shooting a scathing glance at her brother, who merely grinned at her in amusement and began to sing about the glories of the House of the Golden Flower in his pleasing musical voice.
"Come, Master Gimli," the Elven princess said, rising gracefully to her bare feet, turning her back on her brother. "I cannot bear to hear even one more word spoken this night about the Golden Glorfindel."
"Well," Gimli began, looking to where the small group of Elven singers was seated on a grassy knoll not far away, surrounded by an appreciative audience. He did indeed enjoy the sound of Elvish voices lifted in song or chants. But as the young maiden had said it was growing tiresome to hear the same songs sung day and night and it seemed that the only songs allowed in Thranduil's realm at present were songs of the glories of Glorfindel, Gondolin, and love. The Dwarf shrugged. "I will join you, lady, if you will permit me. Perhaps you can sing a song for me that has some other theme."
Laerlend laughed and held her hand out to him.
"Very well, but only if you will return the favor. I dare say the Dwarves have not written any songs about Goldilocks."
"Laerlend!" Legolas stood and shook his head, his blue eyes shining with exasperated amusement. "Lord Glorfindel does not deserve this sort of treatment from you. Truly sister, he may be suffering from the same feelings as you are. Perhaps he tires of hearing praises of you and your beauty touted day and night. Mayhap he is no happier with the prospect of joining with a stubborn, willful child of Thranduil's than you are of joining with the golden Goldilocks."
"I care not what he is feeling," Laerlend said, not allowing the taunt to touch her. She pulled on Gimli's hand pulling him behind her as she moved away from her brother and the singers. "I have no feelings for him whatever. Come, Gimli. Let us find an adventure this night."
The Dwarf looked back at his companion of many years and adventures who smiled and trotted after them. Legolas snatched a handful of his sister's hair playfully, yanking gently then moved past her, daring her to catch him.
"Adventures," the Dwarf huffed as his hand was released and the two Elves moved suddenly ahead of him on soundless feet, their amused laughter filling the soft night air. "I am getting too old for this. Hmph. To think they call me the 'child'," he grumped, stumping after them.
Author's Notes
* From "The Lay of Gondolin" found in the book "The Lays of Beleriand". It is an incomplete poem by Master Tolkien.
Iluvatar - God. Also called Eru.
The Silmarils were three jewels made by Feanor in which was captured the light of the Two Trees of Valinor. The Valar hallowed them so that an impure hand could not touch them. The Valar are the 14 greatest Ainur (angelic spirits) chosen to go to Arda (or the World). The tragic history of the Silmarils can be found in "The Silmarillion".
Earendil is Elrond's father and is known as the Mariner, the Blessed, and Bright Earendil. He became the most beloved star of the Elves.
The Nauglamir was a gold necklace made for Finrod by the Dwarves. When it came into King Thingol's possession he had the Dwarves of Nogrod set the Silmaril in it.
Manwe is the noblest of the Ainur and the mightiest of the Aratar (the eight chief Valar.
Response to Reviewers
JastaElf - I WANNA GO TO GONDOLIN, TOO! It sounds like a wondrous place, doesn't it! G Well, it seems that I cannot write anything without Legolas so he has made his first appearance of many I am sure! I like green growing things very much myself, hence the bush. They make wonderful presents! I think that I may have split personality disorder.seems you think so, too! G
alliwantisanelfforchristmas - Thank you for beta reading this and keeping my wicked commas that I hope are calming down at last! I know that Legolas is back at your house in his speedo. Sorry about using all the suntan lotion though!
Artanis - I should be thanking you for allowing me to write this story! I hope you continue to enjoy it. Happy birthday again!
Nancing Elf - You like Voronwe?? So do I! He is a great character and you should write a story about him! Or I will have to do it! . I have been enjoying my research. There are so many wonderful tales out there waiting to be told, aren't there!
queenie - I have also felt that Glory is overlooked. I haven't attempted a romance before so thank you for your vote of confidence. I do need a break from the craziness of my other "work of art"!
Irena - Thank you ! Thank you! So do you!!
Lakergurl13 - I never thought that Elladan's asking about the bush was like Brethil's never shutting up, but I see the similarities now that you mentioned it. And hey! What is wrong with bushes?? I happen to like them very much myself! grin
Karina - No spiders in this one, 'tis a romance after all. I am glad to see that you missed Glory, Elladan, and Elrohir, too! My biggest complaint about the movie, which I adore btw, is Glorfindel's absence and that of the other famous Rivendell Elves. But I guess that I have no say in how things were done and that is the way it goes. Looks for a shovel and wonders where PJ is JK.I think.
Angaloth - I am glad that you are enjoying this little tale of mine as well. As to my other fics, yes, at times they were hard to write. Angst, which comes so easily to other writers, is very hard for me to do at times. I become so immersed in the characters that it tends to depress me when I write it. This will sound strange, but thank you for crying when you read my other fic. I guess I did my job! Also thank you for telling your friends about my stories! I really appreciate that!
Jay - We all seem to prefer Legolas, Aragorn or Frodo, so I am enjoying concentrating on Glorfindel. He is one of my most favorite characters and I am glad for the chance to write something about him. But as you saw, Legolas had to be in this, too! Can't seem to leave him behind! As to the swiftness of my review, I check my emails in the morning and if I have the chance I go and r/r immediately! Unfortunately I am not always able to do that!
Jade - Thank you so much for taking a chance on my Glorfindel story! Legolas is in it, too, as you saw. Thus far I have managed to write one tiny snippet without him being in it. (sighs) Don't we all just love him!!