Chapter 6 - Anticipation
The morning sky was a pale blue; bars of gold streaked the lavender clouds that floated on the horizon. The sweet sound of birdsong filled the soft air as the world awoke from its slumber. All promised a bright, fair day. A flowering tree dripping white petals on the ground swayed outside Laerlend's window, filling her room with its fragile scent. A beautiful vase of pale stone held flowers plucked that morning from the dew kissed ground.
Laerlend of Mirkwood suppressed a sigh as Gwirith deftly wove some of the bright flowers into her hair, which hung in an intricate braid down her slim back. Small tendrils curled about her delicate face, which was flushed with soft color. Her hazel eyes stared into the mirror, though they did not see what was reflected. The joking and teasing of the night before had faded and with it the momentary lightness of her heart.
She scowled at her reflection, and then stuck her tongue out at herself. Behind her, her three friends sighed and shook their fair heads.
"Really, Laerlend. Must you always behave so childishly?" Duilinn asked, moving to stand behind her, gazing at her in the mirror, her slim hands resting on her friend's tense shoulders.
"Yes, I must!" She huffed, pushing the chair backwards and nearly knocking the other girl down in the process. "If they insist on treating me like a child, then I will act like one."
"But you are getting betrothed. That is very grown up," Milui assured her, green eyes filled with concern.
"I don't want to be betrothed," she began and Gwirith sighed heavily, placing the remaining flowers in the vase.
"Don't start that again, nin meldis {my friend}. We have heard all of your arguments and grievances and well, I for one do not think you are giving this romance a chance. If it were I -"
"If it were you then you would be running even now to meet him on the path!" Laerlend sneered. But she instantly regretted her harsh words. "I am sorry, Gwirith. Truly. But - "she sighed and looked at the floor, "I don't want to do this." Hot tears suddenly threatened in her eyes.
Her three friends moved to enfold her in their combined embrace.
"All will be well, Laerlend. It could be a lot worse. It is Lord Glorfindel after all," Duilinn said quietly into her friend's soft, sweet smelling hair. "Since you cannot marry Legolas, Glorfindel is second best."
Gwirith looked up and shook her head, her eyes bright with consternation and amusement.
"Truly, Duilinn. Be quiet! This is not what she needs to hear. You and your Legolas. Honestly, do you think of nothing else?"
Duilinn smiled and shook her head.
"Nay. Never."
The four giggled like happy children at that, knowing that Legolas did not view poor Duilinn in the same light as she saw him.
"Well," Laerlend began, wiping at the stray tear that had strayed from her eyes. "We shall see just how devoted to his lord's commands Lord Glorfindel is." She straightened and looked once more at her reflection in the mirror. She lifted her chin, and one eyebrow.
Gwirith and Milui exchanged sudden worried glances. They had seen this look before and it had always led to trouble.
"What do you mean, Laerlend?" Milui asked, her brows knitting in anxiety.
"Oh, not much. I just want to see how much Lord Goldilocks really wants to marry me." She turned quickly and marched determinedly from the room.
"Oh, no," Gwirith breathed, hurrying after her. "What is she going to do now?"
Glorfindel was kneeling in the soft grass beside the silver bell bush, his long fingers gently stroking the spray of pale blossoms, their delicate, merry sound filling the early morning air. Behind him he could hear Elladan and Elrohir laughing at one another over their 'fancy' clothing.
The Elf-lord knew they were dressed in identical dark blue tunics and pants, tucked into soft black leather boots. Their slim waists were belted with black velvet sashes that hung to their knees. Long charcoal colored cloaks swung gracefully from their shoulders; black hair held in place by slender silver circlets. They had decided it was more fun jesting about their garments than complaining, as it would make not the least bit of difference to their father how much - or how loudly - they grumped.
Tellenlagor and Curon were also dressed in somber blues and greys. They were quietly loading the packhorse in preparation for their departure from this camp. Their soft voices carried on the light air as softly as the chiming of the floral bells.
Elrond was combing his long hair, working on a particularly stubborn snarl that had not received due attention the night before. Even while he grimaced slightly, tugging at the tangle, his eyes were on his old friend. He allowed himself a smile. Glorfindel was dressed in a dark grey tunic that fell to just above his knees, embroidered with golden flowers, vines, and leaves. A belt of butter soft black leather circled his slender frame, the clasp fashioned as a golden flower, the symbol of his house. The solemn color of the clothing complimented the spill of gold hair that fell unhindered to his waist. Tight fitting sable leggings, tucked into black boots, hugged the long slender lower limbs.
~She will not be able to resist him, ~ Imladris' lord thought as he finally managed to work the delicately carved comb through the knot. He watched as the ancient Elf-lord straightened, easily lifting the bush and carrying it to the packhorse.
Asfaloth shook his head, the tiny golden bells Glorfindel had braided into his flowing mane and tail chiming musically. He watched as his master petted the pack animal, murmuring to it. Then he joked lightly with the two Elves. Though his voice was lighthearted and filled with jests, Asfaloth could sense his master's unease. As he moved from the other horse, Asfaloth whickered at him, head bobbing in greeting.
Glorfindel smiled, running a loving hand down the horse's forehead and beneath the strong jaw, then trailing over the smooth, silky neck beneath the spill of snowy mane.
"Tir-le melui, nin roch mellon {You look lovely, my horse friend}," he murmured into one twitching ear.
Asfaloth whinnied, nodding his head as if in agreement and butted against his master's shoulder, letting him know that he too looked very lovely.
Glorfindel chuckled, plucking at one tiny bell with the end of one slender finger.
"We make a wondrous fair pair," he breathed lightly, leaning his forehead against the animal's in a time-honored tradition.
Elrond stood, smoothing his own dark charcoal colored robe. Beneath it was a long velvet tunic a few shades paler, cut up the front and back to allow him to ride comfortably. Delicate swirls were embroidered on the wide sleeves and down the black sash at his own waist. A circlet of unadorned silver crowned his brow.
"We all look rather impressive, do we not?" He said to no one in particular, his eyes moving over them all.
"We will certainly show those Mirkwood Elves how sophisticated and beautiful we residents of Imladris are," Elladan said with a graceful bow at his twin.
"I am sure they have never seen anything like us," Elrohir bowed back, equally graceful.
The two grinned at one another, and leapt lightly onto their matching grey horses.
If Glorfindel hadn't felt so distracted he would have enjoyed their joking. Even as he lifted his head to smile over at them, his fingers tightened around one of Asfaloth's tiny braids.
~I am too old to be feeling this way. 'Tis merely a betrothal, not the nuptials. Why should I feel such anxiety? ~
Partly 'the girl' was to blame. He thought it particularly unfair for her to be sneaking about the woods in the dead of night to spy upon him. She was willful and stubborn, as Elrond had said. Then he sighed, allowing a bemused smile to touch his lips. Life with her would be quite - interesting.
"To say the least," he murmured wryly to Asfaloth. "I guess it is time." He ran a hand down the horse's nose one last time and mounted. Asfaloth danced beneath him, clearly stating that he was excited and eager to be off even if someone else was not.
Tellenlagor, who was already astride his horse, took the banner of the house of the Golden Flower from Curon, who also mounted, catching up the packhorse's lead.
Elrond surveyed them all with satisfaction.
"Ah, yes. Magnificent. We will indeed show them how sophisticated and beautiful we are."
The twins grinned and made faces at one another.
"I am more beautiful than you, Elladan."
"Nay, I am the most beautiful!"
"I am!"
"I am!"
Elrond sighed, shaking his head as he mounted his horse, and stroked its neck.
"Neither of you is the most beautiful this day," he said loudly, effectively cutting them off mid-argument. "My other son is."
They all turned to gaze at Glorfindel, who raised his dark gold brows.
"Your 'son'?" He said in an even tone. "I am old enough to be your grandfather."
"Ah. That may be true, but you are not my grandfather, and for today you are my 'son'. I will stand beside you as you make your betrothal vow. I will be with you when you wed, and I will give you away to Thranduil's daughter."
"Give him away?" Elladan laughed. "Is that what we are doing?"
"May I have his room?" Elrohir asked, dark blue eyes bright with mirth.
"No, you may not have my room," Glorfindel retorted with a laugh of his own. "I happen to like my room and will not give it up to either of you."
"We shall see," Elladan said philosophically. "What makes you think 'the girl' will like your room?"
" 'The girl' will love it," Elrond assured his son, easing his horse onto the path. "Shall we? 'The girl' awaits!"
As Glorfindel moved Asfaloth to trot behind his lord, he heard Elrohir whisper to his brother,
"I wonder if 'the girl' is as nervous as 'the boy'."
Author's Note - As I have not found much in the way of Elven Betrothal's I will be making something up. If you know anything at all other than the exchanging of silver rings, please let me know! Email me at AnakinS@aol.com. It would be much appreciated!
Response to Reviewers
Irena - Thank you so much for your kind words. That meant a lot to me. I had thought that Glorfindel would make an excellent father and hence little Emlin was born. As for the humor, I almost have to do that. I can't just write angst straight out without some laughter coming at the end. This is just a fluffy romance after all!;)
Angaloth - I like Milui too. She is going to be a lot of fun. Yes, it is Gimli she favors! How sweet! I liked Elrond too!
t - I am very thankful for my loyal fans! Thank you for following me anywhere!
al - When I read your first little paragraph I admit I panicked slightly! You are too mean! Thank you for all the splendid compliments! All those nekkid Elves really got to you, didn't they! You didn't mind the nekkid Gimli either! LOL Guess that chapter was for you! ;)
Karina - You may borrow Milui if you wish. I think that "So I Married an Ax Murderer" sounds hilarious, and that is just from the title! LOL I will probably be telling more about that night in Gondolin as the story progresses. You will know the fate of Emlin eventually. You got to have your snowball fight, I had the water fight! It was fun!
Starbrat - Glorfindel does ROCK! Glad I have found another Glory fan!
Miss V-KC - Laerlend is in for a rude awakening. No one, and I repeat, NO ONE can resist Glorfindel. She is about to find this out! Poor kid! I am glad that you like the bits of his history that I have woven into this story. I love the history myself. I am glad you appreciate Elrond's wit and humor. I like Elrond a lot and this is a side of him that I at least see, so I will use it when possible.
queenie - Someone else who liked my interpretation of Elrond! Thank you. You liked the history too! That really makes me happy!
Artanis - I must say I was ROFL when I read your review! All that talk about spanking people! Is that what you want in this story?? ;) That is not what I saw happening, but it is your birthday present.
Lakergurl13 - I think you need to try a little harder with Gimli. He is a really cool Dwarf! Arwen will be in this in time. Don't worry. There will be several more canon characters 'visiting' this fic in time. So Laerlend should run off with the twins and you will run off with Legolas??!! ROFL
Jessica - I am so glad that so many of you are enjoying the history. It is a big part of this story for me. Glorfindel is a rather obscure character and we have so little to draw on to get his background, so I use it whenever I can. Gimli is a great character and there are those of us out here that do know it! Laerlend and Glory will meet face to face in the very next chapter!
Seaweed - I think it was your love of Gimli that gave me the idea for Milui! So it is sort of you! ROFL Your review was too much fun and I was laughing quite a lot throughout! Just out of curiosity - how tall are you? Seeing that you prefer Dwarves and Hobbits! I am glad that you like my descriptions! There are Gimli fans out there, we just have to find them all!
Nancing Elf -I see that I am not the only one enchanted by beautiful voices! G The Elves in the water got your attention, did it? LOL I am glad you are enjoying this. That makes me sigh with happiness!
ccg - Thank you! Your many compliments were greatly appreciated! There are a great many books out there and you sound like me - Where are they!? My local bookstores don't carry much except the Hobbit and LOTR. I have gotten most of the History of ME from online stores. They are great books and I highly recommend them!
serpent - I love the books, loved them before there were any movies! I love Glorfindel obviously ;) and was disappointed that he didn't make an appearance in the film.
The morning sky was a pale blue; bars of gold streaked the lavender clouds that floated on the horizon. The sweet sound of birdsong filled the soft air as the world awoke from its slumber. All promised a bright, fair day. A flowering tree dripping white petals on the ground swayed outside Laerlend's window, filling her room with its fragile scent. A beautiful vase of pale stone held flowers plucked that morning from the dew kissed ground.
Laerlend of Mirkwood suppressed a sigh as Gwirith deftly wove some of the bright flowers into her hair, which hung in an intricate braid down her slim back. Small tendrils curled about her delicate face, which was flushed with soft color. Her hazel eyes stared into the mirror, though they did not see what was reflected. The joking and teasing of the night before had faded and with it the momentary lightness of her heart.
She scowled at her reflection, and then stuck her tongue out at herself. Behind her, her three friends sighed and shook their fair heads.
"Really, Laerlend. Must you always behave so childishly?" Duilinn asked, moving to stand behind her, gazing at her in the mirror, her slim hands resting on her friend's tense shoulders.
"Yes, I must!" She huffed, pushing the chair backwards and nearly knocking the other girl down in the process. "If they insist on treating me like a child, then I will act like one."
"But you are getting betrothed. That is very grown up," Milui assured her, green eyes filled with concern.
"I don't want to be betrothed," she began and Gwirith sighed heavily, placing the remaining flowers in the vase.
"Don't start that again, nin meldis {my friend}. We have heard all of your arguments and grievances and well, I for one do not think you are giving this romance a chance. If it were I -"
"If it were you then you would be running even now to meet him on the path!" Laerlend sneered. But she instantly regretted her harsh words. "I am sorry, Gwirith. Truly. But - "she sighed and looked at the floor, "I don't want to do this." Hot tears suddenly threatened in her eyes.
Her three friends moved to enfold her in their combined embrace.
"All will be well, Laerlend. It could be a lot worse. It is Lord Glorfindel after all," Duilinn said quietly into her friend's soft, sweet smelling hair. "Since you cannot marry Legolas, Glorfindel is second best."
Gwirith looked up and shook her head, her eyes bright with consternation and amusement.
"Truly, Duilinn. Be quiet! This is not what she needs to hear. You and your Legolas. Honestly, do you think of nothing else?"
Duilinn smiled and shook her head.
"Nay. Never."
The four giggled like happy children at that, knowing that Legolas did not view poor Duilinn in the same light as she saw him.
"Well," Laerlend began, wiping at the stray tear that had strayed from her eyes. "We shall see just how devoted to his lord's commands Lord Glorfindel is." She straightened and looked once more at her reflection in the mirror. She lifted her chin, and one eyebrow.
Gwirith and Milui exchanged sudden worried glances. They had seen this look before and it had always led to trouble.
"What do you mean, Laerlend?" Milui asked, her brows knitting in anxiety.
"Oh, not much. I just want to see how much Lord Goldilocks really wants to marry me." She turned quickly and marched determinedly from the room.
"Oh, no," Gwirith breathed, hurrying after her. "What is she going to do now?"
Glorfindel was kneeling in the soft grass beside the silver bell bush, his long fingers gently stroking the spray of pale blossoms, their delicate, merry sound filling the early morning air. Behind him he could hear Elladan and Elrohir laughing at one another over their 'fancy' clothing.
The Elf-lord knew they were dressed in identical dark blue tunics and pants, tucked into soft black leather boots. Their slim waists were belted with black velvet sashes that hung to their knees. Long charcoal colored cloaks swung gracefully from their shoulders; black hair held in place by slender silver circlets. They had decided it was more fun jesting about their garments than complaining, as it would make not the least bit of difference to their father how much - or how loudly - they grumped.
Tellenlagor and Curon were also dressed in somber blues and greys. They were quietly loading the packhorse in preparation for their departure from this camp. Their soft voices carried on the light air as softly as the chiming of the floral bells.
Elrond was combing his long hair, working on a particularly stubborn snarl that had not received due attention the night before. Even while he grimaced slightly, tugging at the tangle, his eyes were on his old friend. He allowed himself a smile. Glorfindel was dressed in a dark grey tunic that fell to just above his knees, embroidered with golden flowers, vines, and leaves. A belt of butter soft black leather circled his slender frame, the clasp fashioned as a golden flower, the symbol of his house. The solemn color of the clothing complimented the spill of gold hair that fell unhindered to his waist. Tight fitting sable leggings, tucked into black boots, hugged the long slender lower limbs.
~She will not be able to resist him, ~ Imladris' lord thought as he finally managed to work the delicately carved comb through the knot. He watched as the ancient Elf-lord straightened, easily lifting the bush and carrying it to the packhorse.
Asfaloth shook his head, the tiny golden bells Glorfindel had braided into his flowing mane and tail chiming musically. He watched as his master petted the pack animal, murmuring to it. Then he joked lightly with the two Elves. Though his voice was lighthearted and filled with jests, Asfaloth could sense his master's unease. As he moved from the other horse, Asfaloth whickered at him, head bobbing in greeting.
Glorfindel smiled, running a loving hand down the horse's forehead and beneath the strong jaw, then trailing over the smooth, silky neck beneath the spill of snowy mane.
"Tir-le melui, nin roch mellon {You look lovely, my horse friend}," he murmured into one twitching ear.
Asfaloth whinnied, nodding his head as if in agreement and butted against his master's shoulder, letting him know that he too looked very lovely.
Glorfindel chuckled, plucking at one tiny bell with the end of one slender finger.
"We make a wondrous fair pair," he breathed lightly, leaning his forehead against the animal's in a time-honored tradition.
Elrond stood, smoothing his own dark charcoal colored robe. Beneath it was a long velvet tunic a few shades paler, cut up the front and back to allow him to ride comfortably. Delicate swirls were embroidered on the wide sleeves and down the black sash at his own waist. A circlet of unadorned silver crowned his brow.
"We all look rather impressive, do we not?" He said to no one in particular, his eyes moving over them all.
"We will certainly show those Mirkwood Elves how sophisticated and beautiful we residents of Imladris are," Elladan said with a graceful bow at his twin.
"I am sure they have never seen anything like us," Elrohir bowed back, equally graceful.
The two grinned at one another, and leapt lightly onto their matching grey horses.
If Glorfindel hadn't felt so distracted he would have enjoyed their joking. Even as he lifted his head to smile over at them, his fingers tightened around one of Asfaloth's tiny braids.
~I am too old to be feeling this way. 'Tis merely a betrothal, not the nuptials. Why should I feel such anxiety? ~
Partly 'the girl' was to blame. He thought it particularly unfair for her to be sneaking about the woods in the dead of night to spy upon him. She was willful and stubborn, as Elrond had said. Then he sighed, allowing a bemused smile to touch his lips. Life with her would be quite - interesting.
"To say the least," he murmured wryly to Asfaloth. "I guess it is time." He ran a hand down the horse's nose one last time and mounted. Asfaloth danced beneath him, clearly stating that he was excited and eager to be off even if someone else was not.
Tellenlagor, who was already astride his horse, took the banner of the house of the Golden Flower from Curon, who also mounted, catching up the packhorse's lead.
Elrond surveyed them all with satisfaction.
"Ah, yes. Magnificent. We will indeed show them how sophisticated and beautiful we are."
The twins grinned and made faces at one another.
"I am more beautiful than you, Elladan."
"Nay, I am the most beautiful!"
"I am!"
"I am!"
Elrond sighed, shaking his head as he mounted his horse, and stroked its neck.
"Neither of you is the most beautiful this day," he said loudly, effectively cutting them off mid-argument. "My other son is."
They all turned to gaze at Glorfindel, who raised his dark gold brows.
"Your 'son'?" He said in an even tone. "I am old enough to be your grandfather."
"Ah. That may be true, but you are not my grandfather, and for today you are my 'son'. I will stand beside you as you make your betrothal vow. I will be with you when you wed, and I will give you away to Thranduil's daughter."
"Give him away?" Elladan laughed. "Is that what we are doing?"
"May I have his room?" Elrohir asked, dark blue eyes bright with mirth.
"No, you may not have my room," Glorfindel retorted with a laugh of his own. "I happen to like my room and will not give it up to either of you."
"We shall see," Elladan said philosophically. "What makes you think 'the girl' will like your room?"
" 'The girl' will love it," Elrond assured his son, easing his horse onto the path. "Shall we? 'The girl' awaits!"
As Glorfindel moved Asfaloth to trot behind his lord, he heard Elrohir whisper to his brother,
"I wonder if 'the girl' is as nervous as 'the boy'."
Author's Note - As I have not found much in the way of Elven Betrothal's I will be making something up. If you know anything at all other than the exchanging of silver rings, please let me know! Email me at AnakinS@aol.com. It would be much appreciated!
Response to Reviewers
Irena - Thank you so much for your kind words. That meant a lot to me. I had thought that Glorfindel would make an excellent father and hence little Emlin was born. As for the humor, I almost have to do that. I can't just write angst straight out without some laughter coming at the end. This is just a fluffy romance after all!;)
Angaloth - I like Milui too. She is going to be a lot of fun. Yes, it is Gimli she favors! How sweet! I liked Elrond too!
t - I am very thankful for my loyal fans! Thank you for following me anywhere!
al - When I read your first little paragraph I admit I panicked slightly! You are too mean! Thank you for all the splendid compliments! All those nekkid Elves really got to you, didn't they! You didn't mind the nekkid Gimli either! LOL Guess that chapter was for you! ;)
Karina - You may borrow Milui if you wish. I think that "So I Married an Ax Murderer" sounds hilarious, and that is just from the title! LOL I will probably be telling more about that night in Gondolin as the story progresses. You will know the fate of Emlin eventually. You got to have your snowball fight, I had the water fight! It was fun!
Starbrat - Glorfindel does ROCK! Glad I have found another Glory fan!
Miss V-KC - Laerlend is in for a rude awakening. No one, and I repeat, NO ONE can resist Glorfindel. She is about to find this out! Poor kid! I am glad that you like the bits of his history that I have woven into this story. I love the history myself. I am glad you appreciate Elrond's wit and humor. I like Elrond a lot and this is a side of him that I at least see, so I will use it when possible.
queenie - Someone else who liked my interpretation of Elrond! Thank you. You liked the history too! That really makes me happy!
Artanis - I must say I was ROFL when I read your review! All that talk about spanking people! Is that what you want in this story?? ;) That is not what I saw happening, but it is your birthday present.
Lakergurl13 - I think you need to try a little harder with Gimli. He is a really cool Dwarf! Arwen will be in this in time. Don't worry. There will be several more canon characters 'visiting' this fic in time. So Laerlend should run off with the twins and you will run off with Legolas??!! ROFL
Jessica - I am so glad that so many of you are enjoying the history. It is a big part of this story for me. Glorfindel is a rather obscure character and we have so little to draw on to get his background, so I use it whenever I can. Gimli is a great character and there are those of us out here that do know it! Laerlend and Glory will meet face to face in the very next chapter!
Seaweed - I think it was your love of Gimli that gave me the idea for Milui! So it is sort of you! ROFL Your review was too much fun and I was laughing quite a lot throughout! Just out of curiosity - how tall are you? Seeing that you prefer Dwarves and Hobbits! I am glad that you like my descriptions! There are Gimli fans out there, we just have to find them all!
Nancing Elf -I see that I am not the only one enchanted by beautiful voices! G The Elves in the water got your attention, did it? LOL I am glad you are enjoying this. That makes me sigh with happiness!
ccg - Thank you! Your many compliments were greatly appreciated! There are a great many books out there and you sound like me - Where are they!? My local bookstores don't carry much except the Hobbit and LOTR. I have gotten most of the History of ME from online stores. They are great books and I highly recommend them!
serpent - I love the books, loved them before there were any movies! I love Glorfindel obviously ;) and was disappointed that he didn't make an appearance in the film.