Chapter 4 - Amidst the Twining Branches
Glorfindel leaned his head back against the cool silver trunk of the beech tree after finishing his song, his long slender legs stretched comfortably before him. He felt somewhat more relaxed than he had, and he allowed himself a small smile.
Elrond was reclining in the grass, his grey eyes on the sky. Elladan and Elrohir grinned at one another, thinking the night had turned much too quiet for their liking.
"Do you know what we intend to sing on the morrow?" Elladan asked, staring across the clearing at Glorfindel.
"I cannot imagine, young one," he answered with a smile, his eyes remaining closed.
"We thought we might sing one of Bilbo's songs, something lighthearted and funny. You know Elrohir," Elladan said in an exasperated voice. "We should have had him write a silly one about Glorfindel. Why didn't I think of that 'ere now!"
Glorfindel opened his eyes and raised one elegant golden brow.
"I understand that Master Samwise writes some very amusing poetry as well," he said dryly. "Perhaps you should ask him for a silly song."
Elrohir smiled over at him.
"Yes! I shall have to do that. They will be coming to the wedding, won't they?"
"Enough, Elrohir. Go check on the horses." Elrond moved to his sleeping roll, spreading it out on the ground and lying upon it, his eyes on the stars. It was on quiet, soft nights like this one that he missed Celebrian the most. She had enjoyed sleeping beneath the stars, making love bathed in the light of Earendil. He closed his eyes calling up a vision of his beloved wife. Her cloud of long golden hair softly framed her delicate face, blue eyes shining with the love she had felt for him. Her slim arms would wrap themselves about him as her full lips met his in a deep kiss. The lord of Imladris sighed and released the image.
"Celebrian," he breathed. "I miss you so, nin meleth." [my love]
She would have been able to put Glorfindel at ease about the upcoming betrothal, and she could even have spoken to the princess. The girl must be at least as apprehensive as the Elf-lord. Celebrian had always been a calming presence. Elrond turned his head to gaze once more at his friend. His eyes moved over to the tree Glorfindel was leaning against when he realized that someone was in that tree, perched in the branches high overhead. He didn't allow his eyes to linger, though he wondered who it could be. He allowed his gaze to move over Glorfindel. The Elf-lord was still sitting with his legs outstretched, ankles crossed. He seemed unaware of the person above him. Elrond's eyes went back to the figure. He could just make out a pale spill of hair in the moonlight and the glinting of silver embroidery on the clothing. A sudden suspicion came to his mind. Imladris' lord allowed himself a smile and spoke.
"Glorfindel, why don't you grace us with another song?"
The figure in the tree started and a leaf fell to the grass beside Glorfindel's slender blue-clad legs. Elrond's smile widened. He had surmised correctly. She had ever been a willful child.
"Perhaps a love song," he continued, leaning on one elbow so he could watch Glorfindel and the visitor.
: Little scamp, he thought, running his hand over his face to hide the grin that crept across it. Come to spy on him, have you? :
"If that is what you wish," Glorfindel answered him with a questioning look. This was not the usual request of his lord. "Do you have one in particular that you wish to hear?"
"No. Anything that you might choose will suit me."
Glorfindel sat up, crossing his legs as he prepared to sing once more. His voice needed no accompaniment though a small exquisite harp rested in his pack. He gazed quietly out into the dark forest wondering which song would "suit" his lord this night. In his mind's eyes he saw a maiden dancing in the starlight, her hair all unbound flowing about her with a movement all its own. He smiled, his gaze turning to Elrond. He could see amusement in his eyes, but also a hint of sorrow that told him where the other's thoughts lay. Yes, he knew the song that would serve. Once he and Elrond had come upon Celebrian dancing in a star filled glade in Imladris, the moon shining on her fair hair, her bare feet carrying her in a graceful dance through the grass. Glorfindel had judiciously left Elrond standing alone, mesmerized as he watched his glorious wife, eyes filled with delight and love.
"The leaves were long, the grass was green, The hemlock-umbels tall and fair, And in the glade a light was seen Of stars in shadow shimmering. Tinuviel was dancing there To music of a pipe unseen, And light of stars was in her hair, And in her raiment glimmering." *
Elrond could not stop the burning rush of tears that filled his eyes as the song began. He had often compared his own Celebrian to Luthien the fair. He remembered his own moonlit dances with her, the only music that of two souls joined in love and life. As Glorfindel continued to sing Elrond hoped that one day his friend might come to know the kind of love that had existed for him and Celebrian. His eyes moved to the branches of the trees where Laerlend stood, her eyes fixed on the one who sat below her.
: Mayhap there is hope; Elrond thought with a smile as his slender fingers moved to wipe away his tears. I want you to be happy, nin mellon. As happy as I was. :
Laerlend crouched on the tree branch, staring down at "him". From this vantage point she could only see his long golden hair spilling down to his slender waist, his legs crossed before him, slim hands resting on his knees. A confusion of emotions fluttered through her. She should have known that the unfamiliar voice belonged to one of the travelers from Imladris. But why did it have to be "his" voice? She peered down through the tangle of summer green leaves, wishing she could see his face.
That voice rose to her, clear and vibrant as the music of silver bells, as he sang the Tale of Tinuviel and her great love, Beren the son of Barahir. When she was younger Laerlend had been enchanted by the Tale of the Elf princess who gave up her mortality for the love of a mortal man. It was hopelessly sad and romantic, the sort of story that a young girl would sigh happily over.
"Again she fled, but swift he came. Tinuviel! Tinuviel! He called her by her elvish name; And there she halted listening. One moment stood she, and a spell His voice laid on her: Beren came And doom fell on Tinuviel That in his arms lay glistening." *
Laerlend sighed caught by the spell of his voice. It was one of the most beautiful voices she had ever heard. Many times she had fallen "in love" with minstrels for their fair voices raised in praise of love. But none had moved her the way this voice did. She closed her eyes and let his words wrap about her in a soft embrace.
Suddenly she scowled, her eyes opening then narrowing in anger.
I will not be caught as Luthien was! No voice will catch me in its spell!
She slowly backed away to make her escape on "feet as light as linden- leaves" when she noticed Elrond's blue gaze on her hiding place.
She had met the Lord of Imladris on his visits to her father's realm. On their first meeting she had been in awe of the tall, formidable Elf, staring up at him as he greeted her own formidable father. He had turned to stare down at her, and then he had swiftly knelt before her, blue eyes twinkling kindly. He tipped his head to the "Princess of Summer" and kissed her hand. She had been smitten with him ever since.
But now she felt her cheeks flush, as his eyes seemed to pierce her camouflaging of leaves and interlacing branches. How was it that he seemed to know she was here? Now she was unwilling to move. She dared not draw any more attention to herself. If the twins saw her.She shook her head. That could not happen!
She recalled her first meeting with them during that same visit when she had met Elrond. Grey flashing eyes had been filled with such mischief and delight that the child Laerlend knew they would be in trouble ere the visit ended. Elrohir had immediately lead Legolas away, chatting excitedly about the spiders. She had wrinkled her nose in disdain. Boys! What did they know!
Her eyes slid from Elrond to his sons, whom were not really listening to Glorfindel singing. Their dark heads were bent together, and she could see their lips moving. Plotting some prank, she had no doubt. The other two Elves were seated together, enjoying the song. She noticed that they gazed on the Elf seated beneath her perch with admiration and friendship shining brightly in their eyes.
Why does everyone seem to love him? She wondered, wishing once again that he would move only a bit, so she could see his face. Why do I even want to see his face? She thought angrily, tugging hard on a stray lock of hair. I don't want to see his face or any other part of him! I wish he would stop singing!
She regretted having surrendered to the power of his voice. Why hadn't she stayed with Legolas and Gimli? She wondered where they were. They should be here to help her escape!
Glorfindel finished his song to murmured comments of appreciation. He leaned back against the tree's trunk once more. Elrond's eyes seemed to not hold as much sorrow as they had, indeed he looked amused. Glorfindel smiled in content. He had helped to ease his lord's pain once more.
Suddenly there was a noise from the forest: heavy footfalls and much rustling in the undergrowth. Laerlend glanced down to the ground behind her. Legolas and Gimli were headed for the clearing where the visitors were seated. The Dwarf was making as much noise as he possibly could, muttering rather loudly about the troublesome noise that someone was making with his Elvish songs. Laerlend smiled as she realized it was for her benefit. They had come to her aid!
"Mae Govannen, Lord Elrond," Legolas began as the others rose to their feet.
As greetings and pleasantries were exchanged, Laerlend moved backwards across the branches. She watched as Legolas and Gimli embraced the twins, and nodded politely to Curon and Tellenlagor. Then they turned to Glorfindel as he stood gracefully watching as they approached. She stared at him, her eyes taking in his tall, straight form and the way the moonlight played on his golden hair. She growled and turned, leaping into the next tree, quite angered with herself for her weakness.
Another leaf drifted down, landing on the ground at Glorfindel's feet. He bent to retrieve it frowning, then glanced up into the tree. Seeing nothing he shrugged, twirling it between his fingers. He smiled and embraced his brother-in-law -to -be and the Dwarf.
Author's Note - The story of Beren and Luthien can be found in "The Silmarillion". It is a great love story as well as an action/adventure tale! *The song that Glorfindel sang (not in its entirety here) can be found in LOTR in the chapter entitled "A Knife in the Dark". Strider chants it to the Hobbits as they travel toward Rivendell.
If you like Glorfindel then you should check out some of Neon Star's fics. She has two poems about him "Glorfindel" and "Glorfindel Reborn", as well as a wondrous short story "I Shall Not Follow".
Thank you again to alliwantisanelfforchristmas for beta-ing this! She has started a new fic that is going to be such fun and mayhem "The Unauthorized Biography of Legolas Greenleaf". Go read. It is great fun!
Response to Reviewers
alli - I noticed that Nancing Elf calls you this so I will as well. It is much easier to type! Are you saying that we ff.net writers live for reviews?? Learned that one quickly, did you?? G Has Yes Dear seen your statement about marriage being more trouble than fighting a Balrog? Trouble might come then to you! Glad you enjoyed Middle Earth History in Eight Questions Or Less! Thank you for beta-ing this!
Artanis - Don't feel you need to make intelligent reviews! I will take any kind of reviews you choose to make! So, I know you love Glory and you want me to torture him much! I will try to oblige you! Don't worry though. He is strong and will endure!
Nancing Elf - I love introspections, too. I am trying to improve my writing of them, though I admit it is not my forte. I would love to sit at Glorfindel's feet and listen to him speak of the past. I would be glorious! (no pun intended!) I thought for a while about letting her crash out of the tree onto him, but I have instructions from Artanis about some things and I will stick with them as this is her request. It sounds like Gwibess Jr. is growing nicely! Btw - We watched "Gladiator" again the other night. I turned to my husband during one of the battles and said, "Where are Legolas and Boromir?" You have changed that movie for me forever! G And where is Ilarue sitting in the Coliseum? I keep looking for him!
Alon - Thank you so much for your nice words! This is my first attempt at a romance so I am not quite sure how I am doing! Glory is indeed a hunk! (sighs happily) Don't you just love him!!
aranel_elf - Wow! You are so kind to me! Thank you so much for the encouraging compliments! I will update as quickly as I can.
angaloth - Exciting in romance is very good! It will only get better I hope!
Karina, Karina - I like Gimli and if Legolas is in it, the Dwarf should be as well. It was Elrohir that wanted a spider back in An Orc in Rivendell. I honesty hadn't thought of that! I need you around to keep me straight! G I am glad my Author's Notes help. Glorfindel's story has to be dug out of sources other than LOTR, but it is a fascinating and stirring story indeed. I am enjoying writing about him a lot! He is most bodacious!
LOTR lover - Thanks so much! You know how to begin a review that makes my heart sing! I hope Laerlend is off your "not a nice Elf" list soon. She is really not too bad!
Noone - Thanks for asking about my view on the subject of the two Glorfindels. As you probably know there are two schools of thought about the subject. I am of the thought that they are indeed one and the same. Obvious I guess! G And don't think you are being rude about asking questions! You aren't, they are intelligent questions! There are some good articles to be found online about the question of Glorfindel and Master Tolkien even wrote something about it, which appears in "The Peoples of Middle Earth" in the section called "Last Writings". He speaks about that how after Glorfindel of Gondolin was slain while fighting the Balrog he went, as all slain Elves do, to Mandos to be judged. He would remain in the Halls of Waiting until Manwe the Valar released him. After his release he went to the Blessed Realm for his city had been destroyed and most if not all of his kin slain. He became innocent as the First-borns were and he lived there with the Elves that had never rebelled, in companionship with the Maiar of which Olorin (Gandalf) is one. Glorfindel returned to Middle Earth probably in the Second Age to assist Elrond in the fight against Sauron. He has been with Elrond ever since. Enough history for you?? G Sorry about that attack of Brethilitis! BTW - I think Gimli is awesome, too!
KT Welsh - There is always angst, isn't there! I don't particularly like to write it, but I can when needed. And yes, romances would be dull without it! G I am glad you like my humorous interjections. That is my reward to myself for writing angst!
Lakergurl13 - True, I did not get a bush as a wedding gift, but anything that Glory would give me would be wonderful! (sighs happily) Er..Okay..Well, maybe you will be amused by Laerlend's reception of the bush! And, yes! Please be nice to Gimli. I really like him! You know I love to torture you guys! I live for it! (evil laughter)
queenie - It pleases me greatly that you like the Tolkien lore. I love the rich history that he gave us and I am glad to utilize some of it in this fic.
Miss V-KC - Thank you so much for that really kind review! I had never thought of the "Sleeping Beauty" angle before, but it is there! I love Sleeping Beauty, too. Many layers of meanings there! Guess my love of it slipped through without me knowing it. G I am glad you like the history, it does add so much more to the story!
Glorfindel leaned his head back against the cool silver trunk of the beech tree after finishing his song, his long slender legs stretched comfortably before him. He felt somewhat more relaxed than he had, and he allowed himself a small smile.
Elrond was reclining in the grass, his grey eyes on the sky. Elladan and Elrohir grinned at one another, thinking the night had turned much too quiet for their liking.
"Do you know what we intend to sing on the morrow?" Elladan asked, staring across the clearing at Glorfindel.
"I cannot imagine, young one," he answered with a smile, his eyes remaining closed.
"We thought we might sing one of Bilbo's songs, something lighthearted and funny. You know Elrohir," Elladan said in an exasperated voice. "We should have had him write a silly one about Glorfindel. Why didn't I think of that 'ere now!"
Glorfindel opened his eyes and raised one elegant golden brow.
"I understand that Master Samwise writes some very amusing poetry as well," he said dryly. "Perhaps you should ask him for a silly song."
Elrohir smiled over at him.
"Yes! I shall have to do that. They will be coming to the wedding, won't they?"
"Enough, Elrohir. Go check on the horses." Elrond moved to his sleeping roll, spreading it out on the ground and lying upon it, his eyes on the stars. It was on quiet, soft nights like this one that he missed Celebrian the most. She had enjoyed sleeping beneath the stars, making love bathed in the light of Earendil. He closed his eyes calling up a vision of his beloved wife. Her cloud of long golden hair softly framed her delicate face, blue eyes shining with the love she had felt for him. Her slim arms would wrap themselves about him as her full lips met his in a deep kiss. The lord of Imladris sighed and released the image.
"Celebrian," he breathed. "I miss you so, nin meleth." [my love]
She would have been able to put Glorfindel at ease about the upcoming betrothal, and she could even have spoken to the princess. The girl must be at least as apprehensive as the Elf-lord. Celebrian had always been a calming presence. Elrond turned his head to gaze once more at his friend. His eyes moved over to the tree Glorfindel was leaning against when he realized that someone was in that tree, perched in the branches high overhead. He didn't allow his eyes to linger, though he wondered who it could be. He allowed his gaze to move over Glorfindel. The Elf-lord was still sitting with his legs outstretched, ankles crossed. He seemed unaware of the person above him. Elrond's eyes went back to the figure. He could just make out a pale spill of hair in the moonlight and the glinting of silver embroidery on the clothing. A sudden suspicion came to his mind. Imladris' lord allowed himself a smile and spoke.
"Glorfindel, why don't you grace us with another song?"
The figure in the tree started and a leaf fell to the grass beside Glorfindel's slender blue-clad legs. Elrond's smile widened. He had surmised correctly. She had ever been a willful child.
"Perhaps a love song," he continued, leaning on one elbow so he could watch Glorfindel and the visitor.
: Little scamp, he thought, running his hand over his face to hide the grin that crept across it. Come to spy on him, have you? :
"If that is what you wish," Glorfindel answered him with a questioning look. This was not the usual request of his lord. "Do you have one in particular that you wish to hear?"
"No. Anything that you might choose will suit me."
Glorfindel sat up, crossing his legs as he prepared to sing once more. His voice needed no accompaniment though a small exquisite harp rested in his pack. He gazed quietly out into the dark forest wondering which song would "suit" his lord this night. In his mind's eyes he saw a maiden dancing in the starlight, her hair all unbound flowing about her with a movement all its own. He smiled, his gaze turning to Elrond. He could see amusement in his eyes, but also a hint of sorrow that told him where the other's thoughts lay. Yes, he knew the song that would serve. Once he and Elrond had come upon Celebrian dancing in a star filled glade in Imladris, the moon shining on her fair hair, her bare feet carrying her in a graceful dance through the grass. Glorfindel had judiciously left Elrond standing alone, mesmerized as he watched his glorious wife, eyes filled with delight and love.
"The leaves were long, the grass was green, The hemlock-umbels tall and fair, And in the glade a light was seen Of stars in shadow shimmering. Tinuviel was dancing there To music of a pipe unseen, And light of stars was in her hair, And in her raiment glimmering." *
Elrond could not stop the burning rush of tears that filled his eyes as the song began. He had often compared his own Celebrian to Luthien the fair. He remembered his own moonlit dances with her, the only music that of two souls joined in love and life. As Glorfindel continued to sing Elrond hoped that one day his friend might come to know the kind of love that had existed for him and Celebrian. His eyes moved to the branches of the trees where Laerlend stood, her eyes fixed on the one who sat below her.
: Mayhap there is hope; Elrond thought with a smile as his slender fingers moved to wipe away his tears. I want you to be happy, nin mellon. As happy as I was. :
Laerlend crouched on the tree branch, staring down at "him". From this vantage point she could only see his long golden hair spilling down to his slender waist, his legs crossed before him, slim hands resting on his knees. A confusion of emotions fluttered through her. She should have known that the unfamiliar voice belonged to one of the travelers from Imladris. But why did it have to be "his" voice? She peered down through the tangle of summer green leaves, wishing she could see his face.
That voice rose to her, clear and vibrant as the music of silver bells, as he sang the Tale of Tinuviel and her great love, Beren the son of Barahir. When she was younger Laerlend had been enchanted by the Tale of the Elf princess who gave up her mortality for the love of a mortal man. It was hopelessly sad and romantic, the sort of story that a young girl would sigh happily over.
"Again she fled, but swift he came. Tinuviel! Tinuviel! He called her by her elvish name; And there she halted listening. One moment stood she, and a spell His voice laid on her: Beren came And doom fell on Tinuviel That in his arms lay glistening." *
Laerlend sighed caught by the spell of his voice. It was one of the most beautiful voices she had ever heard. Many times she had fallen "in love" with minstrels for their fair voices raised in praise of love. But none had moved her the way this voice did. She closed her eyes and let his words wrap about her in a soft embrace.
Suddenly she scowled, her eyes opening then narrowing in anger.
I will not be caught as Luthien was! No voice will catch me in its spell!
She slowly backed away to make her escape on "feet as light as linden- leaves" when she noticed Elrond's blue gaze on her hiding place.
She had met the Lord of Imladris on his visits to her father's realm. On their first meeting she had been in awe of the tall, formidable Elf, staring up at him as he greeted her own formidable father. He had turned to stare down at her, and then he had swiftly knelt before her, blue eyes twinkling kindly. He tipped his head to the "Princess of Summer" and kissed her hand. She had been smitten with him ever since.
But now she felt her cheeks flush, as his eyes seemed to pierce her camouflaging of leaves and interlacing branches. How was it that he seemed to know she was here? Now she was unwilling to move. She dared not draw any more attention to herself. If the twins saw her.She shook her head. That could not happen!
She recalled her first meeting with them during that same visit when she had met Elrond. Grey flashing eyes had been filled with such mischief and delight that the child Laerlend knew they would be in trouble ere the visit ended. Elrohir had immediately lead Legolas away, chatting excitedly about the spiders. She had wrinkled her nose in disdain. Boys! What did they know!
Her eyes slid from Elrond to his sons, whom were not really listening to Glorfindel singing. Their dark heads were bent together, and she could see their lips moving. Plotting some prank, she had no doubt. The other two Elves were seated together, enjoying the song. She noticed that they gazed on the Elf seated beneath her perch with admiration and friendship shining brightly in their eyes.
Why does everyone seem to love him? She wondered, wishing once again that he would move only a bit, so she could see his face. Why do I even want to see his face? She thought angrily, tugging hard on a stray lock of hair. I don't want to see his face or any other part of him! I wish he would stop singing!
She regretted having surrendered to the power of his voice. Why hadn't she stayed with Legolas and Gimli? She wondered where they were. They should be here to help her escape!
Glorfindel finished his song to murmured comments of appreciation. He leaned back against the tree's trunk once more. Elrond's eyes seemed to not hold as much sorrow as they had, indeed he looked amused. Glorfindel smiled in content. He had helped to ease his lord's pain once more.
Suddenly there was a noise from the forest: heavy footfalls and much rustling in the undergrowth. Laerlend glanced down to the ground behind her. Legolas and Gimli were headed for the clearing where the visitors were seated. The Dwarf was making as much noise as he possibly could, muttering rather loudly about the troublesome noise that someone was making with his Elvish songs. Laerlend smiled as she realized it was for her benefit. They had come to her aid!
"Mae Govannen, Lord Elrond," Legolas began as the others rose to their feet.
As greetings and pleasantries were exchanged, Laerlend moved backwards across the branches. She watched as Legolas and Gimli embraced the twins, and nodded politely to Curon and Tellenlagor. Then they turned to Glorfindel as he stood gracefully watching as they approached. She stared at him, her eyes taking in his tall, straight form and the way the moonlight played on his golden hair. She growled and turned, leaping into the next tree, quite angered with herself for her weakness.
Another leaf drifted down, landing on the ground at Glorfindel's feet. He bent to retrieve it frowning, then glanced up into the tree. Seeing nothing he shrugged, twirling it between his fingers. He smiled and embraced his brother-in-law -to -be and the Dwarf.
Author's Note - The story of Beren and Luthien can be found in "The Silmarillion". It is a great love story as well as an action/adventure tale! *The song that Glorfindel sang (not in its entirety here) can be found in LOTR in the chapter entitled "A Knife in the Dark". Strider chants it to the Hobbits as they travel toward Rivendell.
If you like Glorfindel then you should check out some of Neon Star's fics. She has two poems about him "Glorfindel" and "Glorfindel Reborn", as well as a wondrous short story "I Shall Not Follow".
Thank you again to alliwantisanelfforchristmas for beta-ing this! She has started a new fic that is going to be such fun and mayhem "The Unauthorized Biography of Legolas Greenleaf". Go read. It is great fun!
Response to Reviewers
alli - I noticed that Nancing Elf calls you this so I will as well. It is much easier to type! Are you saying that we ff.net writers live for reviews?? Learned that one quickly, did you?? G Has Yes Dear seen your statement about marriage being more trouble than fighting a Balrog? Trouble might come then to you! Glad you enjoyed Middle Earth History in Eight Questions Or Less! Thank you for beta-ing this!
Artanis - Don't feel you need to make intelligent reviews! I will take any kind of reviews you choose to make! So, I know you love Glory and you want me to torture him much! I will try to oblige you! Don't worry though. He is strong and will endure!
Nancing Elf - I love introspections, too. I am trying to improve my writing of them, though I admit it is not my forte. I would love to sit at Glorfindel's feet and listen to him speak of the past. I would be glorious! (no pun intended!) I thought for a while about letting her crash out of the tree onto him, but I have instructions from Artanis about some things and I will stick with them as this is her request. It sounds like Gwibess Jr. is growing nicely! Btw - We watched "Gladiator" again the other night. I turned to my husband during one of the battles and said, "Where are Legolas and Boromir?" You have changed that movie for me forever! G And where is Ilarue sitting in the Coliseum? I keep looking for him!
Alon - Thank you so much for your nice words! This is my first attempt at a romance so I am not quite sure how I am doing! Glory is indeed a hunk! (sighs happily) Don't you just love him!!
aranel_elf - Wow! You are so kind to me! Thank you so much for the encouraging compliments! I will update as quickly as I can.
angaloth - Exciting in romance is very good! It will only get better I hope!
Karina, Karina - I like Gimli and if Legolas is in it, the Dwarf should be as well. It was Elrohir that wanted a spider back in An Orc in Rivendell. I honesty hadn't thought of that! I need you around to keep me straight! G I am glad my Author's Notes help. Glorfindel's story has to be dug out of sources other than LOTR, but it is a fascinating and stirring story indeed. I am enjoying writing about him a lot! He is most bodacious!
LOTR lover - Thanks so much! You know how to begin a review that makes my heart sing! I hope Laerlend is off your "not a nice Elf" list soon. She is really not too bad!
Noone - Thanks for asking about my view on the subject of the two Glorfindels. As you probably know there are two schools of thought about the subject. I am of the thought that they are indeed one and the same. Obvious I guess! G And don't think you are being rude about asking questions! You aren't, they are intelligent questions! There are some good articles to be found online about the question of Glorfindel and Master Tolkien even wrote something about it, which appears in "The Peoples of Middle Earth" in the section called "Last Writings". He speaks about that how after Glorfindel of Gondolin was slain while fighting the Balrog he went, as all slain Elves do, to Mandos to be judged. He would remain in the Halls of Waiting until Manwe the Valar released him. After his release he went to the Blessed Realm for his city had been destroyed and most if not all of his kin slain. He became innocent as the First-borns were and he lived there with the Elves that had never rebelled, in companionship with the Maiar of which Olorin (Gandalf) is one. Glorfindel returned to Middle Earth probably in the Second Age to assist Elrond in the fight against Sauron. He has been with Elrond ever since. Enough history for you?? G Sorry about that attack of Brethilitis! BTW - I think Gimli is awesome, too!
KT Welsh - There is always angst, isn't there! I don't particularly like to write it, but I can when needed. And yes, romances would be dull without it! G I am glad you like my humorous interjections. That is my reward to myself for writing angst!
Lakergurl13 - True, I did not get a bush as a wedding gift, but anything that Glory would give me would be wonderful! (sighs happily) Er..Okay..Well, maybe you will be amused by Laerlend's reception of the bush! And, yes! Please be nice to Gimli. I really like him! You know I love to torture you guys! I live for it! (evil laughter)
queenie - It pleases me greatly that you like the Tolkien lore. I love the rich history that he gave us and I am glad to utilize some of it in this fic.
Miss V-KC - Thank you so much for that really kind review! I had never thought of the "Sleeping Beauty" angle before, but it is there! I love Sleeping Beauty, too. Many layers of meanings there! Guess my love of it slipped through without me knowing it. G I am glad you like the history, it does add so much more to the story!