O.O Ummm. . . . First, MAJOR apologies to everyone! It has been MONTHS
since the last chapter! I was rather appalled when I saw the date of the
last posting for this story! I am SO sorry! It won't happen again! That
I CAN promise safely! How very embarrassing! Please forgive me!
Author's Note -I would like to reiterate that this is very AU. I have bent and or broken the timeline of the books entirely, as I could not figure out a way to do all I wished. I apologize to canon purists for this, but I found it quite unavoidable. Also the last two chapters have had a minor alteration in them. You don't need to reread them at all since it merely concerns the OC of Aralas. He has become the son of a Wood Elf named Erioduin and Niphredil. Tanglinna the Master Archer fostered him after his parents' disappearance. That is all. :)
To recap what has gone on before (if you recall all this please skip ahead!): Lord Glorfindel is to marry the daughter of King Thranduil. He, Lord Elrond, the twins, and two escorts travel to Eryn Lasgalen for the betrothal. Glorfindel is very nervous about this as he has never contemplated marriage before, and he wonders how "the girl" will feel about it. "The girl" is not happy, even though she once had an infatuation with the golden elf lord when she was younger. She has determined to not like him regardless, and she is very stubborn and willful. The day before the Imladris party arrives she is walking in the woods with Legolas and Gimli, and they hear someone singing. She is enchanted with the voice and leaps into the trees to discover whom it is. To her surprise it is Lord Glorfindel. This distresses her, as she has a weakness for lovely voices, not to mention that he is quite lovely to look upon as well, but she is still determined to reject him. Later that night Glorfindel is lost in his memories of Gondolin, until Elrond comes to interrupt his gloomy thoughts. They have a heart to heart talk while bathing, but then are joined by the twins, Legolas and Gimli. Much splashing and playing ensues. The next day the Imladris party arrives, and is greeted by King Thranduil and his family, except for Laerlend who is plotting and planning. She has decided to flirt with Lord Elrond as he is quite "safe." They try to have a nice tea, but for fear that the tea is laced with Morn Nen water. are some misunderstandings, and Legolas is thought to have done something to the tea, but then Laerlend claims to have made it, which does not ease anyone's minds. Celebross' wife, Mirithil, arrives with fresh tea to save the day. They then move outside where Glorfindel sings, Laerlend flirts with a disconcerted Elrond, and Glorfindel turns his charms onto Laerlend's friends. Elu Heneb, an orc befriended by Legolas many years ago, and Aralas soon join them *see note above*. What a happy bunch of elves and one dwarf! That is all. :)
Special thanks to:
Andrea - for the lovely picture of Laerlend! It is hanging on the wall by my computer. Now please, please, please! Send the one you have done of Glorfindel! ;)
Marnie - for the advice given on how to handle problem OC's. I must say that it worked wonderfully. Laerlend, Glorfindel, and I thank you. :)
As always al my beta! Thank you for continuing to put up with me! I don't deserve it!
Chapter 11 - Conversations
Elrond stood in the doorway of the room that had been prepared for Glorfindel, surveying his old friend quietly. Glorfindel stood silently at the window, gazing out over the summer-clad hill and the tall stands of trees beyond. The lord of Imladris could tell by the set of the broad shoulders that Glorfindel was not pleased with the way this day had progressed thus far. Elrond sighed softly, and then entered the room as he thought much the same thing.
"It is beautiful here, isn't it?" he murmured, gazing over the other's shoulder to enjoy the view. "How are you feeling?"
"Drauth (weary)," Glorfindel said with a sigh, his long fingers toying absently with the necklace of worked golden flowers that he held. It was exactly like the one presented to Laerlend earlier this day, only this necklace had been carried from Gondolin by Voronwe and given into the care of Earendil, and then to his sons.
Elrond's brows rose slightly. Only seldom had he heard Glorfindel speaking in the language of the Noldors of Gondolin. To hear him using it now showed just how vulnerable he was at this moment.
"How is this ever going to work?" Glorfindel continued quietly, his eyes gazing intently at a blue bird singing in a nearby oak tree. "I have told myself that if we were both willing to make this relationship work, then perhaps love could grow between us. I truly hoped that . . . . " He closed his blue eyes, brows knitting in pain. "I truly hoped that I could find love with someone after all this time. You will be leaving the shores of Ennor soon, and I . . . . " Slim fingers rose to touch his brow, then swept down over his face in a gesture of defeat and weariness, his eyes opening to gaze at the necklace. "Now the only hope I see of this happening is in a childhood trinket discarded many years ago."
Surprisingly, Elrond smiled slightly.
"I had forgotten about her infatuation with you when she was a child," he said, his eyes upon the golden necklace. "Do you remember the twins sending one of your pillows to Mirkwood for her with Prince Aralith that time?"
Glorfindel turned and gazed at his lord, his blue eyes touched with amusement.
"Do *you* remember?" he quipped with a grin, recalling the Dorwinion wine laced with water from the Enchanted River that Prince Legolas had sent as a birthday present one year.
"Hmph! You know perfectly well that the effects of that water wore off long ago. And all of you went out of your way to fill me in on everything that I had forgotten . . . . or slept through." Elrond chuckled and shook his dark head. "You can never trust what the twins might do at any given time."
Glorfindel returned the smile, and moved to lay the necklace on a small table, then perched on the edge of the bed opposite his friend, the blue eyes filling with anxiety once more.
"What am I to do?" Glorfindel said, gazing at Elrond with such distress that the lighthearted quip Elrond had been about to speak died on the elf-lord's lips.
Elrond folded his long fingers into a steeple, his arms resting on the chair's carved arms.
"I admit that this is not the reception that I had anticipated," he conceded.
Glorfindel raised one brow and said only half jestingly, "You mean you didn't expect Thranduil's daughter to throw herself into your arms the moment you arrived?"
"That is not what I meant. Well, yes, I did, but I also - "
Glorfindel chuckled suddenly as color flooded Elrond's face.
"I must admit that it is rather amusing to see you so discomfited by a mere maiden," he said. Then he sobered. "I know what you mean, though. It is not quite what I expected either. At this point I don't know what I did expect, but what can I do now?"
Elrond studied his friend's face for a moment before answering. The look on the fair features reminded him of the time that Glorfindel's memories of his former life had begun to haunt the elf-lord, tearing him from sleep in the night, the recollection of flame and destruction pounding through his mind. That had not been an easy time for any of them; Celebrian, big with the twins, and Elrond fretting over her. Elrond wondered if Glorfindel would have made it through that most difficult and sorrowful time if not for Celebrian's patience and love. She had always been a calming force in their lives. If only she were here for him to speak to now. He could use her wise council and gentle words.
"You could speak with her," he finally suggested. "You know, confront the beast face to face."
Glorfindel grinned slightly.
"I don't think I will call her a 'beast' to her face. She would be highly offended to hear the that the wondrous Lord Elrond has called her that."
"I suppose that she would. Hmm . . . Perhaps *I* should call her that, then she might leave me alone," Elrond grinned hopefully.
"She might turn her charms onto one of the twins then," Glorfindel warned.
"Hmm. . . That might be interesting. Which one do you suppose she would prefer?"
"I think she would find them rather inseparable, and knowing them they would make certain that she didn't know which of the 'Els' she was with."
"They still do that to me at times," Elrond confided with a grin. "You would think that as their adar I would, after all this time, be able to tell them apart."
"They revel in keeping everyone guessing."
Glorfindel fell silent, his fingers sliding over the quilted blue silk of the bed's comforter. Many tiny flowers had been embroidered across its surface, worked skillfully in gold thread. Could he speak to her after all that had happened? Was there anything that they could possibly say to one another to work some magic that was needed? He didn't know.
"I should speak with her?" he said at last, raising troubled blue eyes to his friend.
"It couldn't hurt," Elrond said with a shrug, trying not to see the pain in the other's face. "It certainly couldn't make things any worse."
Glorfindel smiled slightly at that, but the anxiety remained. He ran a fingertip over a flower, noting the stiffness of the thread.
"That is very true," he murmured with a sigh. "And perhaps it might resolve things between us. . . .one way or another."
Elrond stared at him in amazement as Glorfindel hopped to his feet and hurried across the room.
"You are going *now*?" he called, rising to his own feet.
"Yes, before my courage flees," Glorfindel said, gazing back at his friend with a tremulous grin. "This 'beast' rather scares me."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Laerlend lay across her bed staring moodily at the far wall; the ornamentations were too familiar to hold her attention for very long, though her eyes lit often upon the glint of gold on her dresser. The necklace lay there, carefully arranged by Sellond, a reminder of her embarrassment . . . and her behavior this day.
Thranduil had indeed taken her aside after the others had dispersed, but he had not shrieked angrily at her as she had expected and, yes, deserved. She wished that he had. He had merely gazed at her, his magnificent eyes filled with such sorrow that she felt a jolt of shock and distress knife through her.
"Laerlend," he began in a subdued tone, "I wanted to apologize to you."
The elf maiden had stared at him in amazement. He was supposed to be demanding an apology from *her*!
"I tried very hard to be the best parent to you that I could, to make up for your naneth not being here to guide you. I can see that I have failed you in this, and I am sorry."
It took every ounce of her self-control to not to stand gaping at him in surprise and anguish. She was trembling, unable to speak. She didn't burst into the tears that wanted to be shed until he left her, the way his broad shoulders slumped cutting into her already shredded heart.
She had hurried to her room, grateful that she met no one on the way, and flung herself onto the bed, sobbing. She could not recall a worse day in all of her life, with the exception of the day her naneth had died. She had lived through many anxieties and sorrows, but there was something about this day that battered at her spirit, and the worst thing was that it could have all been avoided. There were times when she knew her behaviour was less than satisfactory, but never had she ever acted so callously and so carelessly of another person's feelings. She knew the pain she was experiencing was born of a severe disappointment in herself, and of failure. She had failed her adar and her naneth's memory with her rudeness this day, and she had failed herself.
When at last her tears had dried, leaving her feeling wasted and still very fragile and distressed, she slid from the bed and moved to stand before the ornately carved trunk that stood beneath her window. She ran her fingers wistfully over the carved flowers, a slight smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Small flecks of gold paint still clung to some of the petals, applied so carefully by a young girl obsessed with one of the heroes of a vanished kingdom. Her father had not been pleased when he discovered her handiwork, but Tawarant the chest's maker had merely laughed in delight and told her that it was now perfect, her painting the flowers having complimented and completed it. Slowly, she lifted the lid and knelt before it.
Inside were her most prized possessions. The golden flower necklace crafted by Nodfang so long ago had been in here, carefully preserved in a velvet box embossed with a golden flower. In the chest's top tray were small trinkets from her childhood: brightly colored stones from her visits abroad; dried flowers pressed between the pages of book of poems; colored hair ribbons; love letters from the many young elves that had vied for her attention over the years; a small carving in the likeness of a bird, each tiny feather exquisitely crafted and painted. This had been a gift from Brethil, Legolas' friend. He had grown into such a fine carver, and she missed him horribly.
She removed the tray after sadly stroking her little bird. In the bottom of the chest were her larger treasures: a child's green party dress; her first pair of dancing slippers; her mother's favorite shawl done in shades of silver and green; her first bow crafted by Tanglinna the former Master Archer. She took her treasures out one by one, filling with the bittersweet memories they invoked. At last she found what she was searching for: filling nearly half the bottom of the trunk was a pillow covered with faded blue velvet, tiny flowers scattered like golden stars across it. She held the pillow in her hands gazing at it, recalling how very happy she was when Aralith returned from a trip with their father to Imladris with it. The twins had sent it to her, telling her in a very nice letter, which resided in the tray, that it was Glorfindel's favorite pillow and had come from his bed. She had slept curled against it every night for many years until someone had commented that it was beginning to look a bit worn. It had lain on her bed for more years then, to be gently stroked or cuddled until she had outgrown her infatuation with the golden-tressed elf- lord.
She pressed the pillow against her face, breathing deeply as though his scent might still cling to it. There was a soft knock at the door just then, and Mirithil stuck her head around it and smiled over at her sister- in-law.
"May I come in?" she asked quietly.
Laerlend felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment and laid the pillow across her knees. Mirithil had seen her and there was no way to change that.
"Of course," she answered, one hand sliding over the velvet wistfully.
Mirithil smiled again and slipped inside, moving to carefully lower herself to the floor.
"This is getting more difficult every day," she said with a laugh as she made herself comfortable. "I will be very glad when this little one decides to come out."
Laerlend smiled, and gently stroked Mirithil's swollen stomach.
"It will be soon?" she said with a smile of her own.
"Yes, I believe so. Little Galadh is very excited about his 'laes' (baby). He is even now telling the twins all about it."
Laerlend's smile slipped slightly, and Mirithil reached over to stroke her cheek, her green eyes filled with compassion.
"Do you want to talk about it, sweetling?" she asked gently.
Laerlend drew a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Then she nodded. She felt that if there were one person she might be able to talk to about it that was Mirithil. Mirithil seldom made hasty judgment calls about anyone or anything. She had been Laerlend's confidant for many years, and a good friend besides. Yet she felt a certain reluctance. She had behaved horribly and it wasn't easy for her to admit this failure, even to one who knew of it already firsthand.
Mirithil realized that her sister-in-law would be reluctant to touch on what had happened just yet, so she decided to try another subject.
"Tell me, Laerlend, what do you think of Lord Glorfindel?"
Laerlend lifted her head to gaze at Mirithil. This was not what she had expected her to say.
"What do you mean?"
Mirithil smiled, taking the pillow from Laerlend's hands.
"I mean," she said with her eyes sparkling, " is he everything you thought he would be? Or is he a bit of a disappointment? For many years he was the sun in your sky, and I was wondering if the reality is as good as the fantasy that you wove about him. I admit I felt rather sorry for him."
Laerlend cringed slightly, thinking of the rebuke that surely was about to appear.
"I can't imagine how anyone could live up to the dreams you had concocted around him. I hope that you were not too upset with what you have seen."
Laerlend blinked several times, breathing a sigh of relief.
"Well . . .," she began, her fingers trailing over the flowers on the pillow. "He. . . "
Mirithil leaned forward slightly in a conspiratorial manner.
"Yes?"
Laerlend gazed into her sister-in-law's emerald eyes and felt like giggling as if she were a silly maiden.
"He is very . . . . "
"Yes?"
"He is very. . . nice."
"Nice?" Mirithil gasped. "Nice?! Laerlend! Of course he is nice, but surely that is not *all* you noticed about him."
Laerlend gazed innocently at the ceiling, feeling some of the pain retreating.
"He is tall," she conceded, and then collapsed into girlish giggles as Mirithil groaned in mock exasperation.
The two sat giggling for a time, glad to have something to laugh about after such a tense morning. Finally, Mirithil said as she rose awkwardly to her feet, "I am going to move to your bed, Laerlend. Your floor is highly uncomfortable."
After the two had settled on the bed, Mirithil's bare feet resting in Laerlend's lap, Glorfindel's pillow supporting her back against the headboard, the dark haired elf-maid sighed and contemplated her sister-in- law.
"Now, tithen gwathel (little sister), what did you really think?"
Laerlend sighed, feeling a slight resentment at the question rising.
"I don't want to marry him," she announced, her bottom lip thrusting out and her eyes narrowing.
Mirithil raised one brow.
"I was not speaking of the marriage, sweetling. I understand how you must feel about that. It is not fair for you to be treated like a horse or a jewel to be bartered away or traded. You must realize that Glorfindel must feel much as you do. Consider what he has accomplished in his life, what must he have felt when Elrond his closest friend told him that he was to marry Thranduil's upstart of a daughter."
Laerlend growled at her, and Mirithil winked and laughed once more. It seemed that all of Thranduil's children enjoyed growling on occasion, much like their sire.
~I had not considered that, ~ Laerlend thought with a jolt of guilt. ~ I never wondered what he must have been feeling about this. Hmph! I probably though he would just be ecstatic to marry me! I am a fool! ~
"Now, sweetling, I want you to consider this," Mirithil continued in a light tone, knowing that at last Laerlend was thinking beyond her own hurt. "Your adar chose someone for you that he thought you would *like* to married to. Or is there someone that I do not know about? Is there some young warrior that has stolen your heart away?"
"No, there is no one that I am . . . 'sweet on,' Miri," she answered with a smile.
"Well then, I think your adar feels that he has chosen someone whom he thought you would like to be joined with."
Laerlend's cheeks flared crimson, and Mirithil laughed with delight.
"I didn't mean *that*, you silly child! Though I suppose I could have. Naughty girl," she reproved with a wink. "I merely meant someone you would want to share your life with."
Laerlend smiled with embarrassment, gazing up at Mirithil from beneath her lashes.
"I know what you meant, gwathel (sister)," she said, shaking her head to rid it of such wayward thoughts.
Mirithil grinned and shifted her bulk slightly.
And now, back to my question: what do you think of him? Other than he is nice and tall. . . and that you might want to join with him."
"Miri!" Laerlend hissed, but felt warmth creep back into her cheeks once more.
"Do you not find him very fair? I do."
"I thought you only had eyes for my silver-haired brother," Laerlend said, sounding affronted.
Mirithil chuckled, and twined one finger through a long dark lock of her hair.
"I love your brother dearly, and I would never choose another over him, but that does not mean that I do not acknowledge beauty in others when I see it. But sweetling, you are still trying to dance about my question. It is almost as though you fear to think of him at all! You know I can be just as stubborn and immovable as your adar when I choose. Or as you."
Laerlend began to gently massage her sister-in-law's feet as she contemplated the avoided question.
"I. . . I did find him fair," she finally murmured. "Very fair, much more than I had even imagined. The pictures of him from the books," she tilted her head toward the small table by the bed, "do not do him justice."
Mirithil kept her features schooled to neutrality as her gaze slid to the pile of books stacked there. She recognized the well-worn little volumes immediately. All contained some tale or song concerning the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower.
"So he is nice, tall, you might want to join with him, fair. . . anything else?" she prompted, plucking up the book on the top of the stack bound in rich blue leather: History of Gondolin. She leafed through the pages while Laerlend's eyes became soft and dreamy. Mirithil smiled as the book naturally fell open to a page on which Glorfindel's name figured prominently.
"Well," Laerlend said slowly, her gaze fixed on the curtain billowing gently at the open window, "he does sing very well."
"I was wondering if you might mention that," Mirithil said with a smile. "He certainly has a golden tongue."
"He plays the harp very well."
"Yes, his fingers seem very skilled."
"He dresses nicely."
"He looks very nice in dark grey. Imagine what he will look like in blue!"
"Blue, yes. His eyes . . . . Oh, Miri," Laerlend sighed. "He is so much more than anything I ever dreamed! And all I have done is hurt him!" Suddenly, she burst into tears.
Mirithil sighed sympathetically, and stroked the bent blonde head.
"Come here, tithen gwathel. Here, child."
Laerlend moved up the bed to lean against Mirithil's shoulder, sobbing disconsolately. Mirithil held her gently, stroking her hair and murmuring quiet reassurances. When at last her sobs died away, Mirithil rummaged in the bed table's drawer and drew out a handkerchief, handing it to the younger female.
"What am I to do, Miri? I don't want him to hate me! And Lord Elrond - oh! Lord Elrond! He must think me very foolish."
"Perhaps," Mirithil conceded, "but you may yet be able to remedy this."
"I don't see how," Laerlend sniffed, wiping her eyes. "I was horrid! And Adar never yelled at me!"
Mirithil chuckled and patted Laerlend's arm, knowing that this most unusual situation must have shown her just how grave her adar considered this situation.
"I think you should speak with Lord Glorfindel," she said softly.
"Oh, I couldn't! I would be much too embarrassed. I can't imagine what he must think of me!"
"That is why you need to speak to him, or live with him thinking that you are a spoiled brat with no manners. I have always felt that Adar and Lord Elrond should have allowed the two of you to meet before this, but that does not excuse your behaviour. You must speak with him."
Laerlend sat quietly for a moment, then nodded slowly.
"I. . . want him to like me," she murmured. "He is so. . . glorious," she ended with a sigh.
"Ah! So he is nice, tall, you might want to join with him, he has a golden tongue, skilled fingers that can pluck sweet music where he chooses, he dresses very well, his eyes are very blue, and he is glorious. Well, I must say that I agree wholeheartedly with those sentiments. So, did you wonder what it would feel like for him to kiss you with those glorious lips and golden tongue, his skilled fingers trailing over your . . . ."
"Miri!"
"Your hair," Mirithil laughed, tugging on a golden lock affectionately. "What did you think I was going to say? Little vixen!" She reached over and hugged her sister-in-law. "I see you have been thinking just those thoughts! Don't worry. I will never tell."
"I have to admit," Laerlend confessed with a giggle, "that I did. Tell me, Miri, did you know that Celebross was the only one for you when you kissed for the first time?"
"By the time we finally managed to kiss I already knew, sweetling."
"Was it wonderful?"
"Oh, yes," Mirithil said, her green eyes filling with a soft light. "The most wonderful thing ever."
"I want it to be like that for me," Laerlend sighed.
"You can always find out," Mirithil teased. "Go speak to him."
"I will. . . I . . . I owe him . . .them an apology."
"Them? You mean his lips?"
Laerlend smiled at her and laughed.
"Now who is being silly? No, Glorfindel, Lord Elrond, and of course Adar."
"Perhaps after you apologize to Glorfindel, you might try kissing his cheek. . . in reconciliation of course."
Laerlend laughed once more and clasped Mirithil's hands in her own.
"Thank you, Mirithil. I will try, and I hope he will not be as stubborn as I am about accepting my apology. I think . . . . "
There was a soft knock at the open door, and the two turned to see Lord Glorfindel standing somewhat awkwardly outside.
"Ah! My lord!" Mirithil said brightly, and slid from the bed with a wink at Laerlend. "We were just discussing you."
"Miri!" Laerlend hissed, her cheeks reddening yet again.
"You. . . you were?" Glorfindel stammered, feeling very young and very foolish suddenly, which was utterly ludicrous. "Well, then I will leave you and return later."
"No, no. I was just leaving. The babe is very restless, and I thought I would seek out my husband to accompany me for a long walk."
"Oh? Well, if you are certain. . . . I just wished to speak for a moment with Princess Laerlend."
"I am certain that I will leave you. She wished to speak with you as well, I believe. But," she turned and winked at Laerlend again, "perhaps it would be better if you went somewhere else to do it. It would be rather indecorous for you to converse here in an unmarried lady's bedchamber. . . without a chaperon."
Mirithil was rewarded by very becoming blushes from them both, and laughing softly she breezed past Glorfindel and into the hall. She noted that his blue eyes, above delightfully rose tinged cheeks, were riveted on the bed. Celebross' wife paused just behind him, and raised her brows, making kissing motions at Laerlend. Then she hurried away on silent feet, quite delighted with what had been accomplished this afternoon.
TBC
Responses to Reviewers
Seaweed - I cannot believe you never considered yourself Milui. Believe me when I say that Milui has ALWAYS been you! Always! I kid you not! :) I had to LOL over the image of Glorfindel with Elvis' gelled hairstyle! Now that image won't get out of my head! I think you were scaring Gimli in your last review! I had to laugh at how shocked he was by some of the things you said. You pick on him unmercifully at times! ;)
Nilmandra - I had nearly forgotten the necklace myself, but then there it was. :) Our past comes to haunt us at the most inopportune times. I feel somewhat sorry for Lord Elrond, but not enough to stop what is coming up. ;)
gershwin - I felt that Elu was probably the only one who could bring up the necklace and get away with it, so he did. LOL I would love for Laerlend to rescue Glorfindel from a spider. That would really be turn about! The fair damsel rescues the knight in shining armour! I love that image! LOL
Anita - Yes, you did manage to get some sense into her with your shoving her off the dike. I think it worked!! ;)
Clarenova - More Glorfindel. Things are about to swing into action!
Silmarien - I am sorry if I confused you with my breaking of the timeline. I really couldn't do what I wanted with this story and stay within the confines of the set timeline. I hope you will forgive me. I don't usually do that, so I hope you can overlook this one minor flaw. :)
JastaElf - The conspiring is about to be twisted about, so maybe you had better tell your beloved king to beware! You had better hold his . . . . hand through some of the upcoming chapters. ;)
Jessica - I am glad you delighted so in the last chapter. Laerlend deserved to be embarrassed. I should try to draw Thranduil in the "wiggly" mode. As to you taking Glory on the weekends. . . . we'll see. ;)
Jay of Lasgalen - I thought you might like the twin interaction. They are very fun to write, as you already know since you write them so very well! I did use shades of the film in the mention of the dwarvish women, but I think it said that somewhere in one of the books too. How very strange it would be to have a bearded female!
Lakergurl13 - Elu will be flitting in and out of this fic throughout the duration. The games are about to get very interesting for all involved. :) Well, I like that you tried to say something nice about Gimli . . . . emphasis on "tried."
PuterPatty - You were certainly in a very fun mood when you reviewed that last chapter! I specifically wrote the twin action in it for you. You can read it anyway you wish! You are just so obvious at times! ;) I hoped you would enjoy it. I really like Celebross and Mirithil together too. They are such a sweet couple, and so very in love with one another. . . . not to mention the other things they feel for one another. ;) I did waver on Elu being in this, but now I am glad I was brave enough to include him. He will appear again. The twins, Legolas, Gimli, Elu, Aralith, and Aralas will be appearing shortly. . . . there is one spider still lurking in Mirkwood, and she has a name. ;) No one else will know her importance. LOL Wait and see. :)
the evil witch queen - I am glad you like the flirting because there will indeed be more of it. I have stored your words for Laerlend to say away in my memory. . . . jealousy can be a very good thing.
addicted - I enjoyed your squeal of delight! :)
Angaloth - I was hoping that people had forgotten the golden necklace . . . . I almost had! It made a good addition to this tale. I admit to enjoying that little bit of torment for Laerlend! My pictures will change on occasion. Legolas the Sparkly Green is on the bio page right now, though the color is somewhat washed out looking!
erin -I am glad you are laughing and enjoying this tale!
Shalemni -It was rather fun to have her demand of a golden flower necklace come back to haunt her. I enjoyed that one myself!
IRENA - Thank you for reading my silly romance! That made my day! :)
ren - It is very fun to make Laerlend squirm. Soon there will be much more squirming!
Lady of Legolas - Make out scenes? What do you think this is? A romance???!!! ;) They are coming soon!
Katharine the Great - Wow, melaglar! You certainly played catch up! Strange how so many of us get all mushy over those elven lords! Drool indeed!! I wish Tanglinna could have been there too. But we can't, unfortunately, have everything.
Karina - It seems the twins in the last chapter were a hit. They are very fun to write, and are guaranteed to lighten up any situation they are in. Glorfindel can indeed turn it on to his advantage when he has to as Laerlend found out much to her chagrin! Serves the girl right! Save your Poor Elrond's for later . . . .;)
Phoenix Flight - It is perfectly fine to feel sorry for Laerlend. . . .though I must admit that I didn't really. :) It is just too much fun to torment her for a while!
BeeJang - I am not angry because you have changed your mind. I change mine all the time as you have seen. :) You didn't confuse me in the least! I know what you mean. We women can be very strange creatures indeed, and don't worry. The outcome will be . . . .well, wait and see. :)
Venyatuime - LOL I hope you will like some future developments that I have brewing in this romance. The tormenting isn't over yet! ;)
Katie - I will try to include more of the twins in upcoming chapters. You aren't their only fan! You are right, what problem should it be for a Balrog slayer to face down a girl?? ;)
Saturn's Hikari - Oops. Yes, inconsistency is indeed my middle name, but I am working on rectifying it. Laerlend was dropped in rather late in the game because of the nature of the story that was asked of me. She will find her proper place in all my stories. . . .eventually! ;)
Anya Ring of Sarcasm - There is a section in the Peoples Of Middle Earth Book XII I believe in the History of Middle Earth books that has a section about Glorfindel. It seems that Tolkien, had he lived longer, would have written a more in depth story for him. That would have been quite lovely! Glorfindel is hopeful, but we shall see how long it lasts!
Lady Elwing - You needn't apologize for not reviewing my stuff before. There is not enough time to read and review everything out there. I must say that I enjoyed your review very much, mellon nin. It made me feel very good! Thank you for that! When will we see more of *your* Glorfindel??
JadeGoddess - LOL Okay, to recap on the Royal Family - Thranduil has 3 sons and a daughter. I won't be changing that mix again anytime soon! Never fear! :)
Lutris - The necklace made a very fortuitous appearance, and I for one am grateful that it did! Our pasts never entirely disappear! ;)
elfie - Wow! Thank you so much! I am sorry that it has taken me so long to update this. I was having some trouble with a certain elven princess from Mirkwood, but I think we have come to an understanding. ;)
al - I had to laugh as I read this today, since I saw all the green on this chapter after you beta'd it! It does not look as though I am improving in the least, so I think that hope is gone! Ain't gonna do it! ;) Twin slashiness???!!! Have you been talking to PP??!! This is me remember! To repeat: Ain't gonna do it! ;)
LovetheEarth - I hope you have not faded away entirely. I will try to give you more chapters! Quickly! :)
Mickie - I think that perhaps Laerlend's rebellious nature stems from the fact that she feels very trapped right now, and even though it is Glorfindel that is being offered to her all she can see is her father telling her what she has to do. You sound very like Mirithil, and I think Laerlend is beginning to see this. Next chapter is confronting the Balrog! ;)
Lady of Legolas - LOL Okay! I will update more quickly!
Lindon - My goodness! You are very kind to review each and every chapter! Thank you a thousand times!! You touched on so many of the points in the story that I enjoyed myself that it was like I was reviewing it! You are about the only person who still feels just a bit sorry for Laerlend even after all she has done, myself included. I am sure your hope in her is not misplaced. I had to laugh about the Simpson's spider episode! What is it about spiders and people being so very frightened of them? LOL You are the second person to mention that she might need to rescue Glory from a spider. . . . Hmm. . . . feels like a plot bunny being born! :)
Elf of Sirannon - Another person who was kind enough to take the time to review every single chapter! Thank you!! I am glad that you realized right off that this is AU just as I said. It is a necessary AU, I think. It is funny to read about how you wondered about Legolas' brothers, and if Celebross ended up with his "hot Sylvan chick." Well, they definitely did marry and are on baby number 2. As to why not the twins and Laerlend? The only reason I can offer is that Artanis (whom I am writing this for) requested specifically Glorfindel and Thranduil's daughter in an arranged marriage. . . . so that is not much of an answer, but it is the only one I have. :) No no no! Don't read the orc stories! They are being revised. I am glad you like Mirithil, so do I.
Sake - You want Laerlend to sing something? Care to suggest something?? ;)
songelf88 and G.H.S the warg - Sorry that my updates are so long in coming. I promise to do better. :)
Gwilwileth - I am sorry I have been so slow with this tale. I admit quite freely that romance is not my normal genre, but I believe I have a handle on this story now. Thank you, and the twins, for your patience.
Hel - I had to LOL at your review. I do not know how long Mirkwood spiders live, but one may make an appearance yet. I enjoy writing Glorfindel's memories of Gondolin. They are a high point of this story for me, so there will definitely be more of them. I am glad you liked Elu's appearance. I may have to write the story of some of his and Aralas' adventures.
LifeIsStripped - If I had only had 5 hours of sleep in the last 42 I would be quite dead on my feet! So I applaud that you can manage so well! Your review really brightened my day, and I always love to hear from a fellow Glorfindel lover!
Author's Note -I would like to reiterate that this is very AU. I have bent and or broken the timeline of the books entirely, as I could not figure out a way to do all I wished. I apologize to canon purists for this, but I found it quite unavoidable. Also the last two chapters have had a minor alteration in them. You don't need to reread them at all since it merely concerns the OC of Aralas. He has become the son of a Wood Elf named Erioduin and Niphredil. Tanglinna the Master Archer fostered him after his parents' disappearance. That is all. :)
To recap what has gone on before (if you recall all this please skip ahead!): Lord Glorfindel is to marry the daughter of King Thranduil. He, Lord Elrond, the twins, and two escorts travel to Eryn Lasgalen for the betrothal. Glorfindel is very nervous about this as he has never contemplated marriage before, and he wonders how "the girl" will feel about it. "The girl" is not happy, even though she once had an infatuation with the golden elf lord when she was younger. She has determined to not like him regardless, and she is very stubborn and willful. The day before the Imladris party arrives she is walking in the woods with Legolas and Gimli, and they hear someone singing. She is enchanted with the voice and leaps into the trees to discover whom it is. To her surprise it is Lord Glorfindel. This distresses her, as she has a weakness for lovely voices, not to mention that he is quite lovely to look upon as well, but she is still determined to reject him. Later that night Glorfindel is lost in his memories of Gondolin, until Elrond comes to interrupt his gloomy thoughts. They have a heart to heart talk while bathing, but then are joined by the twins, Legolas and Gimli. Much splashing and playing ensues. The next day the Imladris party arrives, and is greeted by King Thranduil and his family, except for Laerlend who is plotting and planning. She has decided to flirt with Lord Elrond as he is quite "safe." They try to have a nice tea, but for fear that the tea is laced with Morn Nen water. are some misunderstandings, and Legolas is thought to have done something to the tea, but then Laerlend claims to have made it, which does not ease anyone's minds. Celebross' wife, Mirithil, arrives with fresh tea to save the day. They then move outside where Glorfindel sings, Laerlend flirts with a disconcerted Elrond, and Glorfindel turns his charms onto Laerlend's friends. Elu Heneb, an orc befriended by Legolas many years ago, and Aralas soon join them *see note above*. What a happy bunch of elves and one dwarf! That is all. :)
Special thanks to:
Andrea - for the lovely picture of Laerlend! It is hanging on the wall by my computer. Now please, please, please! Send the one you have done of Glorfindel! ;)
Marnie - for the advice given on how to handle problem OC's. I must say that it worked wonderfully. Laerlend, Glorfindel, and I thank you. :)
As always al my beta! Thank you for continuing to put up with me! I don't deserve it!
Chapter 11 - Conversations
Elrond stood in the doorway of the room that had been prepared for Glorfindel, surveying his old friend quietly. Glorfindel stood silently at the window, gazing out over the summer-clad hill and the tall stands of trees beyond. The lord of Imladris could tell by the set of the broad shoulders that Glorfindel was not pleased with the way this day had progressed thus far. Elrond sighed softly, and then entered the room as he thought much the same thing.
"It is beautiful here, isn't it?" he murmured, gazing over the other's shoulder to enjoy the view. "How are you feeling?"
"Drauth (weary)," Glorfindel said with a sigh, his long fingers toying absently with the necklace of worked golden flowers that he held. It was exactly like the one presented to Laerlend earlier this day, only this necklace had been carried from Gondolin by Voronwe and given into the care of Earendil, and then to his sons.
Elrond's brows rose slightly. Only seldom had he heard Glorfindel speaking in the language of the Noldors of Gondolin. To hear him using it now showed just how vulnerable he was at this moment.
"How is this ever going to work?" Glorfindel continued quietly, his eyes gazing intently at a blue bird singing in a nearby oak tree. "I have told myself that if we were both willing to make this relationship work, then perhaps love could grow between us. I truly hoped that . . . . " He closed his blue eyes, brows knitting in pain. "I truly hoped that I could find love with someone after all this time. You will be leaving the shores of Ennor soon, and I . . . . " Slim fingers rose to touch his brow, then swept down over his face in a gesture of defeat and weariness, his eyes opening to gaze at the necklace. "Now the only hope I see of this happening is in a childhood trinket discarded many years ago."
Surprisingly, Elrond smiled slightly.
"I had forgotten about her infatuation with you when she was a child," he said, his eyes upon the golden necklace. "Do you remember the twins sending one of your pillows to Mirkwood for her with Prince Aralith that time?"
Glorfindel turned and gazed at his lord, his blue eyes touched with amusement.
"Do *you* remember?" he quipped with a grin, recalling the Dorwinion wine laced with water from the Enchanted River that Prince Legolas had sent as a birthday present one year.
"Hmph! You know perfectly well that the effects of that water wore off long ago. And all of you went out of your way to fill me in on everything that I had forgotten . . . . or slept through." Elrond chuckled and shook his dark head. "You can never trust what the twins might do at any given time."
Glorfindel returned the smile, and moved to lay the necklace on a small table, then perched on the edge of the bed opposite his friend, the blue eyes filling with anxiety once more.
"What am I to do?" Glorfindel said, gazing at Elrond with such distress that the lighthearted quip Elrond had been about to speak died on the elf-lord's lips.
Elrond folded his long fingers into a steeple, his arms resting on the chair's carved arms.
"I admit that this is not the reception that I had anticipated," he conceded.
Glorfindel raised one brow and said only half jestingly, "You mean you didn't expect Thranduil's daughter to throw herself into your arms the moment you arrived?"
"That is not what I meant. Well, yes, I did, but I also - "
Glorfindel chuckled suddenly as color flooded Elrond's face.
"I must admit that it is rather amusing to see you so discomfited by a mere maiden," he said. Then he sobered. "I know what you mean, though. It is not quite what I expected either. At this point I don't know what I did expect, but what can I do now?"
Elrond studied his friend's face for a moment before answering. The look on the fair features reminded him of the time that Glorfindel's memories of his former life had begun to haunt the elf-lord, tearing him from sleep in the night, the recollection of flame and destruction pounding through his mind. That had not been an easy time for any of them; Celebrian, big with the twins, and Elrond fretting over her. Elrond wondered if Glorfindel would have made it through that most difficult and sorrowful time if not for Celebrian's patience and love. She had always been a calming force in their lives. If only she were here for him to speak to now. He could use her wise council and gentle words.
"You could speak with her," he finally suggested. "You know, confront the beast face to face."
Glorfindel grinned slightly.
"I don't think I will call her a 'beast' to her face. She would be highly offended to hear the that the wondrous Lord Elrond has called her that."
"I suppose that she would. Hmm . . . Perhaps *I* should call her that, then she might leave me alone," Elrond grinned hopefully.
"She might turn her charms onto one of the twins then," Glorfindel warned.
"Hmm. . . That might be interesting. Which one do you suppose she would prefer?"
"I think she would find them rather inseparable, and knowing them they would make certain that she didn't know which of the 'Els' she was with."
"They still do that to me at times," Elrond confided with a grin. "You would think that as their adar I would, after all this time, be able to tell them apart."
"They revel in keeping everyone guessing."
Glorfindel fell silent, his fingers sliding over the quilted blue silk of the bed's comforter. Many tiny flowers had been embroidered across its surface, worked skillfully in gold thread. Could he speak to her after all that had happened? Was there anything that they could possibly say to one another to work some magic that was needed? He didn't know.
"I should speak with her?" he said at last, raising troubled blue eyes to his friend.
"It couldn't hurt," Elrond said with a shrug, trying not to see the pain in the other's face. "It certainly couldn't make things any worse."
Glorfindel smiled slightly at that, but the anxiety remained. He ran a fingertip over a flower, noting the stiffness of the thread.
"That is very true," he murmured with a sigh. "And perhaps it might resolve things between us. . . .one way or another."
Elrond stared at him in amazement as Glorfindel hopped to his feet and hurried across the room.
"You are going *now*?" he called, rising to his own feet.
"Yes, before my courage flees," Glorfindel said, gazing back at his friend with a tremulous grin. "This 'beast' rather scares me."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Laerlend lay across her bed staring moodily at the far wall; the ornamentations were too familiar to hold her attention for very long, though her eyes lit often upon the glint of gold on her dresser. The necklace lay there, carefully arranged by Sellond, a reminder of her embarrassment . . . and her behavior this day.
Thranduil had indeed taken her aside after the others had dispersed, but he had not shrieked angrily at her as she had expected and, yes, deserved. She wished that he had. He had merely gazed at her, his magnificent eyes filled with such sorrow that she felt a jolt of shock and distress knife through her.
"Laerlend," he began in a subdued tone, "I wanted to apologize to you."
The elf maiden had stared at him in amazement. He was supposed to be demanding an apology from *her*!
"I tried very hard to be the best parent to you that I could, to make up for your naneth not being here to guide you. I can see that I have failed you in this, and I am sorry."
It took every ounce of her self-control to not to stand gaping at him in surprise and anguish. She was trembling, unable to speak. She didn't burst into the tears that wanted to be shed until he left her, the way his broad shoulders slumped cutting into her already shredded heart.
She had hurried to her room, grateful that she met no one on the way, and flung herself onto the bed, sobbing. She could not recall a worse day in all of her life, with the exception of the day her naneth had died. She had lived through many anxieties and sorrows, but there was something about this day that battered at her spirit, and the worst thing was that it could have all been avoided. There were times when she knew her behaviour was less than satisfactory, but never had she ever acted so callously and so carelessly of another person's feelings. She knew the pain she was experiencing was born of a severe disappointment in herself, and of failure. She had failed her adar and her naneth's memory with her rudeness this day, and she had failed herself.
When at last her tears had dried, leaving her feeling wasted and still very fragile and distressed, she slid from the bed and moved to stand before the ornately carved trunk that stood beneath her window. She ran her fingers wistfully over the carved flowers, a slight smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Small flecks of gold paint still clung to some of the petals, applied so carefully by a young girl obsessed with one of the heroes of a vanished kingdom. Her father had not been pleased when he discovered her handiwork, but Tawarant the chest's maker had merely laughed in delight and told her that it was now perfect, her painting the flowers having complimented and completed it. Slowly, she lifted the lid and knelt before it.
Inside were her most prized possessions. The golden flower necklace crafted by Nodfang so long ago had been in here, carefully preserved in a velvet box embossed with a golden flower. In the chest's top tray were small trinkets from her childhood: brightly colored stones from her visits abroad; dried flowers pressed between the pages of book of poems; colored hair ribbons; love letters from the many young elves that had vied for her attention over the years; a small carving in the likeness of a bird, each tiny feather exquisitely crafted and painted. This had been a gift from Brethil, Legolas' friend. He had grown into such a fine carver, and she missed him horribly.
She removed the tray after sadly stroking her little bird. In the bottom of the chest were her larger treasures: a child's green party dress; her first pair of dancing slippers; her mother's favorite shawl done in shades of silver and green; her first bow crafted by Tanglinna the former Master Archer. She took her treasures out one by one, filling with the bittersweet memories they invoked. At last she found what she was searching for: filling nearly half the bottom of the trunk was a pillow covered with faded blue velvet, tiny flowers scattered like golden stars across it. She held the pillow in her hands gazing at it, recalling how very happy she was when Aralith returned from a trip with their father to Imladris with it. The twins had sent it to her, telling her in a very nice letter, which resided in the tray, that it was Glorfindel's favorite pillow and had come from his bed. She had slept curled against it every night for many years until someone had commented that it was beginning to look a bit worn. It had lain on her bed for more years then, to be gently stroked or cuddled until she had outgrown her infatuation with the golden-tressed elf- lord.
She pressed the pillow against her face, breathing deeply as though his scent might still cling to it. There was a soft knock at the door just then, and Mirithil stuck her head around it and smiled over at her sister- in-law.
"May I come in?" she asked quietly.
Laerlend felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment and laid the pillow across her knees. Mirithil had seen her and there was no way to change that.
"Of course," she answered, one hand sliding over the velvet wistfully.
Mirithil smiled again and slipped inside, moving to carefully lower herself to the floor.
"This is getting more difficult every day," she said with a laugh as she made herself comfortable. "I will be very glad when this little one decides to come out."
Laerlend smiled, and gently stroked Mirithil's swollen stomach.
"It will be soon?" she said with a smile of her own.
"Yes, I believe so. Little Galadh is very excited about his 'laes' (baby). He is even now telling the twins all about it."
Laerlend's smile slipped slightly, and Mirithil reached over to stroke her cheek, her green eyes filled with compassion.
"Do you want to talk about it, sweetling?" she asked gently.
Laerlend drew a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Then she nodded. She felt that if there were one person she might be able to talk to about it that was Mirithil. Mirithil seldom made hasty judgment calls about anyone or anything. She had been Laerlend's confidant for many years, and a good friend besides. Yet she felt a certain reluctance. She had behaved horribly and it wasn't easy for her to admit this failure, even to one who knew of it already firsthand.
Mirithil realized that her sister-in-law would be reluctant to touch on what had happened just yet, so she decided to try another subject.
"Tell me, Laerlend, what do you think of Lord Glorfindel?"
Laerlend lifted her head to gaze at Mirithil. This was not what she had expected her to say.
"What do you mean?"
Mirithil smiled, taking the pillow from Laerlend's hands.
"I mean," she said with her eyes sparkling, " is he everything you thought he would be? Or is he a bit of a disappointment? For many years he was the sun in your sky, and I was wondering if the reality is as good as the fantasy that you wove about him. I admit I felt rather sorry for him."
Laerlend cringed slightly, thinking of the rebuke that surely was about to appear.
"I can't imagine how anyone could live up to the dreams you had concocted around him. I hope that you were not too upset with what you have seen."
Laerlend blinked several times, breathing a sigh of relief.
"Well . . .," she began, her fingers trailing over the flowers on the pillow. "He. . . "
Mirithil leaned forward slightly in a conspiratorial manner.
"Yes?"
Laerlend gazed into her sister-in-law's emerald eyes and felt like giggling as if she were a silly maiden.
"He is very . . . . "
"Yes?"
"He is very. . . nice."
"Nice?" Mirithil gasped. "Nice?! Laerlend! Of course he is nice, but surely that is not *all* you noticed about him."
Laerlend gazed innocently at the ceiling, feeling some of the pain retreating.
"He is tall," she conceded, and then collapsed into girlish giggles as Mirithil groaned in mock exasperation.
The two sat giggling for a time, glad to have something to laugh about after such a tense morning. Finally, Mirithil said as she rose awkwardly to her feet, "I am going to move to your bed, Laerlend. Your floor is highly uncomfortable."
After the two had settled on the bed, Mirithil's bare feet resting in Laerlend's lap, Glorfindel's pillow supporting her back against the headboard, the dark haired elf-maid sighed and contemplated her sister-in- law.
"Now, tithen gwathel (little sister), what did you really think?"
Laerlend sighed, feeling a slight resentment at the question rising.
"I don't want to marry him," she announced, her bottom lip thrusting out and her eyes narrowing.
Mirithil raised one brow.
"I was not speaking of the marriage, sweetling. I understand how you must feel about that. It is not fair for you to be treated like a horse or a jewel to be bartered away or traded. You must realize that Glorfindel must feel much as you do. Consider what he has accomplished in his life, what must he have felt when Elrond his closest friend told him that he was to marry Thranduil's upstart of a daughter."
Laerlend growled at her, and Mirithil winked and laughed once more. It seemed that all of Thranduil's children enjoyed growling on occasion, much like their sire.
~I had not considered that, ~ Laerlend thought with a jolt of guilt. ~ I never wondered what he must have been feeling about this. Hmph! I probably though he would just be ecstatic to marry me! I am a fool! ~
"Now, sweetling, I want you to consider this," Mirithil continued in a light tone, knowing that at last Laerlend was thinking beyond her own hurt. "Your adar chose someone for you that he thought you would *like* to married to. Or is there someone that I do not know about? Is there some young warrior that has stolen your heart away?"
"No, there is no one that I am . . . 'sweet on,' Miri," she answered with a smile.
"Well then, I think your adar feels that he has chosen someone whom he thought you would like to be joined with."
Laerlend's cheeks flared crimson, and Mirithil laughed with delight.
"I didn't mean *that*, you silly child! Though I suppose I could have. Naughty girl," she reproved with a wink. "I merely meant someone you would want to share your life with."
Laerlend smiled with embarrassment, gazing up at Mirithil from beneath her lashes.
"I know what you meant, gwathel (sister)," she said, shaking her head to rid it of such wayward thoughts.
Mirithil grinned and shifted her bulk slightly.
And now, back to my question: what do you think of him? Other than he is nice and tall. . . and that you might want to join with him."
"Miri!" Laerlend hissed, but felt warmth creep back into her cheeks once more.
"Do you not find him very fair? I do."
"I thought you only had eyes for my silver-haired brother," Laerlend said, sounding affronted.
Mirithil chuckled, and twined one finger through a long dark lock of her hair.
"I love your brother dearly, and I would never choose another over him, but that does not mean that I do not acknowledge beauty in others when I see it. But sweetling, you are still trying to dance about my question. It is almost as though you fear to think of him at all! You know I can be just as stubborn and immovable as your adar when I choose. Or as you."
Laerlend began to gently massage her sister-in-law's feet as she contemplated the avoided question.
"I. . . I did find him fair," she finally murmured. "Very fair, much more than I had even imagined. The pictures of him from the books," she tilted her head toward the small table by the bed, "do not do him justice."
Mirithil kept her features schooled to neutrality as her gaze slid to the pile of books stacked there. She recognized the well-worn little volumes immediately. All contained some tale or song concerning the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower.
"So he is nice, tall, you might want to join with him, fair. . . anything else?" she prompted, plucking up the book on the top of the stack bound in rich blue leather: History of Gondolin. She leafed through the pages while Laerlend's eyes became soft and dreamy. Mirithil smiled as the book naturally fell open to a page on which Glorfindel's name figured prominently.
"Well," Laerlend said slowly, her gaze fixed on the curtain billowing gently at the open window, "he does sing very well."
"I was wondering if you might mention that," Mirithil said with a smile. "He certainly has a golden tongue."
"He plays the harp very well."
"Yes, his fingers seem very skilled."
"He dresses nicely."
"He looks very nice in dark grey. Imagine what he will look like in blue!"
"Blue, yes. His eyes . . . . Oh, Miri," Laerlend sighed. "He is so much more than anything I ever dreamed! And all I have done is hurt him!" Suddenly, she burst into tears.
Mirithil sighed sympathetically, and stroked the bent blonde head.
"Come here, tithen gwathel. Here, child."
Laerlend moved up the bed to lean against Mirithil's shoulder, sobbing disconsolately. Mirithil held her gently, stroking her hair and murmuring quiet reassurances. When at last her sobs died away, Mirithil rummaged in the bed table's drawer and drew out a handkerchief, handing it to the younger female.
"What am I to do, Miri? I don't want him to hate me! And Lord Elrond - oh! Lord Elrond! He must think me very foolish."
"Perhaps," Mirithil conceded, "but you may yet be able to remedy this."
"I don't see how," Laerlend sniffed, wiping her eyes. "I was horrid! And Adar never yelled at me!"
Mirithil chuckled and patted Laerlend's arm, knowing that this most unusual situation must have shown her just how grave her adar considered this situation.
"I think you should speak with Lord Glorfindel," she said softly.
"Oh, I couldn't! I would be much too embarrassed. I can't imagine what he must think of me!"
"That is why you need to speak to him, or live with him thinking that you are a spoiled brat with no manners. I have always felt that Adar and Lord Elrond should have allowed the two of you to meet before this, but that does not excuse your behaviour. You must speak with him."
Laerlend sat quietly for a moment, then nodded slowly.
"I. . . want him to like me," she murmured. "He is so. . . glorious," she ended with a sigh.
"Ah! So he is nice, tall, you might want to join with him, he has a golden tongue, skilled fingers that can pluck sweet music where he chooses, he dresses very well, his eyes are very blue, and he is glorious. Well, I must say that I agree wholeheartedly with those sentiments. So, did you wonder what it would feel like for him to kiss you with those glorious lips and golden tongue, his skilled fingers trailing over your . . . ."
"Miri!"
"Your hair," Mirithil laughed, tugging on a golden lock affectionately. "What did you think I was going to say? Little vixen!" She reached over and hugged her sister-in-law. "I see you have been thinking just those thoughts! Don't worry. I will never tell."
"I have to admit," Laerlend confessed with a giggle, "that I did. Tell me, Miri, did you know that Celebross was the only one for you when you kissed for the first time?"
"By the time we finally managed to kiss I already knew, sweetling."
"Was it wonderful?"
"Oh, yes," Mirithil said, her green eyes filling with a soft light. "The most wonderful thing ever."
"I want it to be like that for me," Laerlend sighed.
"You can always find out," Mirithil teased. "Go speak to him."
"I will. . . I . . . I owe him . . .them an apology."
"Them? You mean his lips?"
Laerlend smiled at her and laughed.
"Now who is being silly? No, Glorfindel, Lord Elrond, and of course Adar."
"Perhaps after you apologize to Glorfindel, you might try kissing his cheek. . . in reconciliation of course."
Laerlend laughed once more and clasped Mirithil's hands in her own.
"Thank you, Mirithil. I will try, and I hope he will not be as stubborn as I am about accepting my apology. I think . . . . "
There was a soft knock at the open door, and the two turned to see Lord Glorfindel standing somewhat awkwardly outside.
"Ah! My lord!" Mirithil said brightly, and slid from the bed with a wink at Laerlend. "We were just discussing you."
"Miri!" Laerlend hissed, her cheeks reddening yet again.
"You. . . you were?" Glorfindel stammered, feeling very young and very foolish suddenly, which was utterly ludicrous. "Well, then I will leave you and return later."
"No, no. I was just leaving. The babe is very restless, and I thought I would seek out my husband to accompany me for a long walk."
"Oh? Well, if you are certain. . . . I just wished to speak for a moment with Princess Laerlend."
"I am certain that I will leave you. She wished to speak with you as well, I believe. But," she turned and winked at Laerlend again, "perhaps it would be better if you went somewhere else to do it. It would be rather indecorous for you to converse here in an unmarried lady's bedchamber. . . without a chaperon."
Mirithil was rewarded by very becoming blushes from them both, and laughing softly she breezed past Glorfindel and into the hall. She noted that his blue eyes, above delightfully rose tinged cheeks, were riveted on the bed. Celebross' wife paused just behind him, and raised her brows, making kissing motions at Laerlend. Then she hurried away on silent feet, quite delighted with what had been accomplished this afternoon.
TBC
Responses to Reviewers
Seaweed - I cannot believe you never considered yourself Milui. Believe me when I say that Milui has ALWAYS been you! Always! I kid you not! :) I had to LOL over the image of Glorfindel with Elvis' gelled hairstyle! Now that image won't get out of my head! I think you were scaring Gimli in your last review! I had to laugh at how shocked he was by some of the things you said. You pick on him unmercifully at times! ;)
Nilmandra - I had nearly forgotten the necklace myself, but then there it was. :) Our past comes to haunt us at the most inopportune times. I feel somewhat sorry for Lord Elrond, but not enough to stop what is coming up. ;)
gershwin - I felt that Elu was probably the only one who could bring up the necklace and get away with it, so he did. LOL I would love for Laerlend to rescue Glorfindel from a spider. That would really be turn about! The fair damsel rescues the knight in shining armour! I love that image! LOL
Anita - Yes, you did manage to get some sense into her with your shoving her off the dike. I think it worked!! ;)
Clarenova - More Glorfindel. Things are about to swing into action!
Silmarien - I am sorry if I confused you with my breaking of the timeline. I really couldn't do what I wanted with this story and stay within the confines of the set timeline. I hope you will forgive me. I don't usually do that, so I hope you can overlook this one minor flaw. :)
JastaElf - The conspiring is about to be twisted about, so maybe you had better tell your beloved king to beware! You had better hold his . . . . hand through some of the upcoming chapters. ;)
Jessica - I am glad you delighted so in the last chapter. Laerlend deserved to be embarrassed. I should try to draw Thranduil in the "wiggly" mode. As to you taking Glory on the weekends. . . . we'll see. ;)
Jay of Lasgalen - I thought you might like the twin interaction. They are very fun to write, as you already know since you write them so very well! I did use shades of the film in the mention of the dwarvish women, but I think it said that somewhere in one of the books too. How very strange it would be to have a bearded female!
Lakergurl13 - Elu will be flitting in and out of this fic throughout the duration. The games are about to get very interesting for all involved. :) Well, I like that you tried to say something nice about Gimli . . . . emphasis on "tried."
PuterPatty - You were certainly in a very fun mood when you reviewed that last chapter! I specifically wrote the twin action in it for you. You can read it anyway you wish! You are just so obvious at times! ;) I hoped you would enjoy it. I really like Celebross and Mirithil together too. They are such a sweet couple, and so very in love with one another. . . . not to mention the other things they feel for one another. ;) I did waver on Elu being in this, but now I am glad I was brave enough to include him. He will appear again. The twins, Legolas, Gimli, Elu, Aralith, and Aralas will be appearing shortly. . . . there is one spider still lurking in Mirkwood, and she has a name. ;) No one else will know her importance. LOL Wait and see. :)
the evil witch queen - I am glad you like the flirting because there will indeed be more of it. I have stored your words for Laerlend to say away in my memory. . . . jealousy can be a very good thing.
addicted - I enjoyed your squeal of delight! :)
Angaloth - I was hoping that people had forgotten the golden necklace . . . . I almost had! It made a good addition to this tale. I admit to enjoying that little bit of torment for Laerlend! My pictures will change on occasion. Legolas the Sparkly Green is on the bio page right now, though the color is somewhat washed out looking!
erin -I am glad you are laughing and enjoying this tale!
Shalemni -It was rather fun to have her demand of a golden flower necklace come back to haunt her. I enjoyed that one myself!
IRENA - Thank you for reading my silly romance! That made my day! :)
ren - It is very fun to make Laerlend squirm. Soon there will be much more squirming!
Lady of Legolas - Make out scenes? What do you think this is? A romance???!!! ;) They are coming soon!
Katharine the Great - Wow, melaglar! You certainly played catch up! Strange how so many of us get all mushy over those elven lords! Drool indeed!! I wish Tanglinna could have been there too. But we can't, unfortunately, have everything.
Karina - It seems the twins in the last chapter were a hit. They are very fun to write, and are guaranteed to lighten up any situation they are in. Glorfindel can indeed turn it on to his advantage when he has to as Laerlend found out much to her chagrin! Serves the girl right! Save your Poor Elrond's for later . . . .;)
Phoenix Flight - It is perfectly fine to feel sorry for Laerlend. . . .though I must admit that I didn't really. :) It is just too much fun to torment her for a while!
BeeJang - I am not angry because you have changed your mind. I change mine all the time as you have seen. :) You didn't confuse me in the least! I know what you mean. We women can be very strange creatures indeed, and don't worry. The outcome will be . . . .well, wait and see. :)
Venyatuime - LOL I hope you will like some future developments that I have brewing in this romance. The tormenting isn't over yet! ;)
Katie - I will try to include more of the twins in upcoming chapters. You aren't their only fan! You are right, what problem should it be for a Balrog slayer to face down a girl?? ;)
Saturn's Hikari - Oops. Yes, inconsistency is indeed my middle name, but I am working on rectifying it. Laerlend was dropped in rather late in the game because of the nature of the story that was asked of me. She will find her proper place in all my stories. . . .eventually! ;)
Anya Ring of Sarcasm - There is a section in the Peoples Of Middle Earth Book XII I believe in the History of Middle Earth books that has a section about Glorfindel. It seems that Tolkien, had he lived longer, would have written a more in depth story for him. That would have been quite lovely! Glorfindel is hopeful, but we shall see how long it lasts!
Lady Elwing - You needn't apologize for not reviewing my stuff before. There is not enough time to read and review everything out there. I must say that I enjoyed your review very much, mellon nin. It made me feel very good! Thank you for that! When will we see more of *your* Glorfindel??
JadeGoddess - LOL Okay, to recap on the Royal Family - Thranduil has 3 sons and a daughter. I won't be changing that mix again anytime soon! Never fear! :)
Lutris - The necklace made a very fortuitous appearance, and I for one am grateful that it did! Our pasts never entirely disappear! ;)
elfie - Wow! Thank you so much! I am sorry that it has taken me so long to update this. I was having some trouble with a certain elven princess from Mirkwood, but I think we have come to an understanding. ;)
al - I had to laugh as I read this today, since I saw all the green on this chapter after you beta'd it! It does not look as though I am improving in the least, so I think that hope is gone! Ain't gonna do it! ;) Twin slashiness???!!! Have you been talking to PP??!! This is me remember! To repeat: Ain't gonna do it! ;)
LovetheEarth - I hope you have not faded away entirely. I will try to give you more chapters! Quickly! :)
Mickie - I think that perhaps Laerlend's rebellious nature stems from the fact that she feels very trapped right now, and even though it is Glorfindel that is being offered to her all she can see is her father telling her what she has to do. You sound very like Mirithil, and I think Laerlend is beginning to see this. Next chapter is confronting the Balrog! ;)
Lady of Legolas - LOL Okay! I will update more quickly!
Lindon - My goodness! You are very kind to review each and every chapter! Thank you a thousand times!! You touched on so many of the points in the story that I enjoyed myself that it was like I was reviewing it! You are about the only person who still feels just a bit sorry for Laerlend even after all she has done, myself included. I am sure your hope in her is not misplaced. I had to laugh about the Simpson's spider episode! What is it about spiders and people being so very frightened of them? LOL You are the second person to mention that she might need to rescue Glory from a spider. . . . Hmm. . . . feels like a plot bunny being born! :)
Elf of Sirannon - Another person who was kind enough to take the time to review every single chapter! Thank you!! I am glad that you realized right off that this is AU just as I said. It is a necessary AU, I think. It is funny to read about how you wondered about Legolas' brothers, and if Celebross ended up with his "hot Sylvan chick." Well, they definitely did marry and are on baby number 2. As to why not the twins and Laerlend? The only reason I can offer is that Artanis (whom I am writing this for) requested specifically Glorfindel and Thranduil's daughter in an arranged marriage. . . . so that is not much of an answer, but it is the only one I have. :) No no no! Don't read the orc stories! They are being revised. I am glad you like Mirithil, so do I.
Sake - You want Laerlend to sing something? Care to suggest something?? ;)
songelf88 and G.H.S the warg - Sorry that my updates are so long in coming. I promise to do better. :)
Gwilwileth - I am sorry I have been so slow with this tale. I admit quite freely that romance is not my normal genre, but I believe I have a handle on this story now. Thank you, and the twins, for your patience.
Hel - I had to LOL at your review. I do not know how long Mirkwood spiders live, but one may make an appearance yet. I enjoy writing Glorfindel's memories of Gondolin. They are a high point of this story for me, so there will definitely be more of them. I am glad you liked Elu's appearance. I may have to write the story of some of his and Aralas' adventures.
LifeIsStripped - If I had only had 5 hours of sleep in the last 42 I would be quite dead on my feet! So I applaud that you can manage so well! Your review really brightened my day, and I always love to hear from a fellow Glorfindel lover!