Elrond Peredhel sat on the little bed in Iarwain's guest room, dressed in his spare traveling clothes. One leg rested on his knee, and his foot seemed to be quivering with pent-up energy. He had to reach Eregion! He didn't have time for Goldberry to fool around with his clothes under the pretext of washing them! Celebrimbor needed his help now.

Pushing his still-damp hair back out of his eyes, Elrond sighed. Iarwain had paddled them back upstream in the barrel boat, which had gone much more slowly than on the way down, what with the extra weight of the fish and all of the water that had soaked into Elrond's clothing. Also the fact that they were traveling upstream, and that Iarwain seemed to think that rushing was something best suited to rivers, not people.

Elrond cast his gaze out the window and watched Goldberry hanging his shirt on the line. Iarwain Aldandil was dancing to an imaginary hornpipe melody. Goldberry laughed at her husband's antics, and dropped Elrond's tunic, so that when she picked it up it was full of mud. Laughing merrily, the River-woman's daughter took the garment back to her laundry tub and began to scrub once again.

The Elf-lord ground his teeth angrily. It was nearly twilight, and he had been hoping to leave before sunset. Nearly two days in Iarwain and Goldberry's company was enough to make him homesick for Lindon. And yet at the rate which these two were going... He might not make it to Eregion before the battle was over!

Can you not go any faster? wondered Elrond irritably, curling his fingers into balls. Yavemalda was forgotten, and Elrond was finding it increasingly hard to contain his temper. I ought to simply go out, snatch my clothes, then leave before they can catch up, thought Elrond.

Goldberry finished her second washing and hung Elrond's tunic on the line. Iarwain then took her hands in his and they began to dance around the garden, laughing in pure convivial joy. Dusk settled on the cottage, bringing fireflies out to wander in the warm spring air. Iarwain began to sing in his cheerful rustic style.

Lovely Goldberry, fair daughter of the river,
Come and sing with me, set my heart a-quiver!
Laughing in the moonlight, dancing neath the stars,
Fair Goldberry, what joy lies here is ours!
Watch the glowing fire, the night-flowers that bloom,
Here and there we wander, here no shadows loom!
Come fol me rally, oh! feather dee!
How can I tell thee what joy you bring me?

Elrond stood up and walked to the other end of the room where he couldn't hear Iarwain and his wife so loudly. How could they be so happy? It wasn't... right. There was so much trouble in his world, the troubles with the orcs in Khazad-dûm, Annatar roaming around and destroying the Elven loyalties, the evil Men in the south who would not listen to wisdom, the list went on until it was all that Elrond could do to not cry out in anguish. The world was so full of problems... How could these two ignore all of this sorrow? It was wrong, very wrong.

Faint laughter reached Elrond's ears. He glanced back over his shoulder and watched the two beings frolic in the twilight. Why could they be happy... and he so troubled?

The sound of running feet startled Elrond out of his contemplation. Iarwain had run up to his window, and was gesturing for him to come out. Look, merry Elf-man! Happily be! Fair Goldberry is preparing a meal for thee! The fish that twas caught in the old fishing hole, has been cooked to become a great meal for us all!

Elrond frowned and opened his mouth to speak, but Iarwain cut him off.

Come, Elrond. Join us, he said, an odd look in his blue eyes. The peculiar little man then danced away. Goldberry was spreading a blanket on the grass for an outdoor feast when Iarwain caught up to her and the two laughed once again, lost in their secluded and happy lifestyle.

Join us...

The phrase rolled around in Elrond's head. He remembered a thought which he had had before.

Join us...

This might have been the way that Elves were supposed to be, in the past before the risings of the sun and moon. What had Iluvatar hoped for his Children? Was this it? Was this the answer?

Join us... !

Could it be? That this was what had been intended for the Elves... To be happy in Arda? It seemed... feasible to the Elf-lord, and he wondered if perhaps he had been pushing this feeling aside. Had he delved so deep into his responsibilities that he had forgotten to enjoy the world?

Elrond frowned as scenes flashed unbidden before his eyes. Growing up at the Mouths of Sirion, being captured by Maglor, saying farewell to Elros for the last time... All of his grief wearied Elrond in more ways than one. And then there were those moments when all of Arda seemed to press on his shoulders... Did it have to be that way?

Iarwain Ben-adar had shown him a peaceful life, a way of living so completely different from his own. Iarwain was not troubled by war, death, or the terrible worry that seemed to hang over Elrond's head like a blade ready to fall. It was almost as if they did not live in the same world...

The nagging thought resurfaced once again. Perhaps Iarwain knew the truth, perhaps it was right to be happy... Even though darkness lingered outside, perhaps it was right to have a safe haven away from fear and doubt. Maybe it was... -No, it was right! Yes, right! Elrond felt as if his eyes had been transformed from those of a Man to those of an Elf. He could allow himself enjoy his time in this world, he could laugh and be happy, it was not wrong!

It was right...

A feeling of relief spread over Elrond, and he felt his heart rise in his chest. Enjoyment of the world, happiness in one's gifts and in the bliss of others, being with those beloved... that was what had been called for in the Vision of Iluvatar. Eru had wanted happiness for his Children!

A laugh escaped his lips. It startled Elrond for a moment before he realized what was so humorous. I believe I have just discovered the meaning of my existence... in the house of Iarwain Aldandil! More laughter overcame the Elf-lord, and he was at ease with the burden of his responsibilities. His duties seemed lighter, knowing that there would be joy in his life if he took the time to find it. And for the moment, that joy would be enough for Elrond Peredhel.

He ran outside into the darkness, and Goldberry laughed in amazement as she saw him glow in the night. Iarwain smiled when he saw his guest so contented, saying, So you have decided to join us, Master Peredhello!

Elrond smiled pensively, finally comprehending what Iarwain had known all along. That I have, Master Aldandil.

Goldberry jumped to her feet, laughing in the moonlight. Tilion was at his brightest, giving the three ample illumination to see by. The fish is nearly cooked, Master Elf! Come dance!

Elrond hesitated, his old sense of responsibility returning to irk him. He had wanted to leave tonight...

Yet suddenly that seemed immaterial. He was expected at Eregion within the fortnight, and it would not be polite to his hosts to decline their hospitality when he still had time to spare. Elrond decided that he would leave on the morrow, and in the meantime... he would dance.

Taking Goldberry's hands, the Elf and River-woman's daughter leaped about the clearing as Iarwain sang a rollicking melody about an otter. Warm starlight shone down, mingling with Tilion's glow. Goldberry twirled about, her feet seeming to barely touch the ground. Elrond smiled and remembered his grandmother, Idril. She had danced in a similar fashion.

Then Iarwain began a new song and Goldberry let Elrond take the lead. He smiled, wondering what he must look like. Luthien may have been a dancer, but Elrond doubted that that characteristic had passed to him. Still, it felt good to stretch his legs after the ride in the barrel boat. And, to be honest, it was enjoyable.

Iarwain finished his tune and took Goldberry's hands. Come, Master Elf, a melody for us! Sing a happy music to dance to through the dusk!

Elrond nodded, shaking his dark hair out of his eyes. It had dried surprisingly fast, what with him moving around so quickly. It was strange, now that he thought about it. There were very few songs that would fit his emotions at that moment. At last his mind came across a melody which he had heard long ago, when he had been but an Elfling. It was not particularly beautiful, yet that did not really matter at the moment. In many ways, it reminded him of Iarwain and Goldberry.

An Elf in the forest did merrily walk,
His steps running happily up a tree's stalk,
Aloof in the branches the Elf did sit,
Waiting for his friend to pay a visit.

An Elf-maiden ran under the trees,
Looking for the world like Manwe's true breeze,
She sped through the pathways, looking for he,
Not knowing that her friend was high in a tree.

A small little laugh did give him away,
The Elf-maiden saw him and he bid her stay,
Climbing down from his leafy flet,
And seeing her there the Elf-maiden met.

Happy to see him was the lady Elf,
Smiling the lady did introduce herself,
Laughing then the two did wander through the glade,
Stopping to rest in a pool of shade.

Merry Elf-lad and merry Elf-lass,
Whilst they were together much time did pass,
Wandering happily through the forest maze,
They wander there still til the end of days.

Goldberry clapped delightedly as Elrond finished the song. Struck by sudden inspiration the Elf-lord bowed. Thinking back on the song, it didn't quite make sense, but then again it was a children's verse, not a true Lay. And, like dancing, it was enjoyable.

I like this song better than the one of the seagulls, said Goldberry, her face radiant with happiness. It is much prettier! She and Iarwain danced once more around the lawns, seeming to embody delight itself.

Elrond bit back a smile. I wouldn't say that, but... if she likes it...

Cooking time for fish is done, time to eat the scaly one! said Iarwain when he and Goldberry had finished their romp about the lawn.

Elrond looked over at the little cookfire which Iarwain had set up outside. The fish Elrond had caught was giving off a delectable aroma, expertly cleaned and dressed by Iarwain himself. Goldberry rushed over to the main course and sprinkled some herbs onto the fish. Then Aldandil took one end of the spit as Goldberry grasped the other, and the two beings lifted the meal off of the fire. Elrond looked for a way to be useful, and ended up holding a large wooden trencher as Goldberry removed the spit from the meat.

Once again Elrond had to be impressed by the fare cooked up by the rustic couple. Goldberry had managed to outdo herself with different sorts of cheese and bread, as well as a whole tray of lettuce and celery from her garden. Iarwain carefully brought out a bowl of springwater from inside his cottage and dropped a sprig of mint into the mazer.

Setting the feast down on the blanket, Iarwain and Goldberry's picnic seemed to be utterly perfect. What Elrond would have normally called foolishness was not foolish at all; it was the way that these two lived. They were happy beings, and Elrond regretted that he had ever thought anything against them. It was hard to hate people who managed to be such a light in black ages.

The meal was every bit as good as it looked. Elrond's Fish, as it was called by Goldberry, was the best that she had ever tasted. And that was a great compliment from the daughter of the River. Iarwain sang some more songs, and Goldberry gave a rendition of one of her husband's tunes, which made it seem sweeter, like pouring honey on a hardy country pudding. For an instance Elrond was mesmerized as Goldberry transformed once more into Yavemalda, the pure creature that had been revealed to him the previous evening.

Once the three had finished eating, Elrond helped carry the dishes back to Iarwain's cottage. This amused Iarwain to no end, especially when Goldberry ordered Elrond to stand by as a dish-rack and pass her the bowls as she cleaned them. It seemed to Elrond as if these two delighted in every mundane task. And when they were happy they sang more and more, lapsing in and out of common dialogue with bits of various tunes.

At last Goldberry finished the last plate, Iarwain drying them with a soft moss-like towel. Then the River-daughter chuckled and pinched Elrond's wrist. Elrond tapped her gently on the side of the head, and Goldberry responded by running lightly out the door. Iarwain laughed and took off after his wife, leaving Elrond to finish the dishes.

I wonder if this is what it is like to have children, mused Elrond as he watched Iarwain catch up to Goldberry and begin another dance. A bit of shame returned to Peredhel as he remembered his earlier discomfort. If so, I doubt I would make a good father.

At last Iarwain returned to the house to fetch the Elf-lord, and the three of them went out to sit down in the lawn once more. They turned their heads upward and watched the stars. Elrond smiled as the starlight fell over his face. Elbereth's creations were beautiful, pure and lovely in all senses of the words. Elrond scanned the dark sky before he found his favorite star. There it was.

Eärendil was bright that night. Rays of light from the heavenly Silmaril soothed Elrond's mind, as if he was sinking into a warm bath back in Lindon. His father was up there, and it was always a comfort to Elrond to know that.

Goldberry was smiling, admiring the beauty above her. Elrond did not know what significance starlight held for the Blonde Pincher, but he was almost certain that it was of some importance to Yavemalda. This was quite a relief to Elrond, as he fervently hoped that Yavemalda held a stronger influence over Goldberry than the Blonde Pincher.

Iarwain also looked happy to see the stars, and his eyes seemed to glaze over in memory. If all that he had said was true, then the funny little man had witnessed the stars' creation. Elrond could not help being a bit envious. To have seen the sky at its blackest, then all aglow with the lights of Laurelin and Telpirion!

Elrond began to sing a song of the Two Trees, softly at first, then stronger as his spirit rose with the melody. It was a wonderful night for singing. The last note seemed to hang in the darkness as Elrond finished, until finally it ceased to be.

Iarwain was silent. Elrond watched him from the corner of his eye, and was surprised to see a look of sadness on his host's cheerful face. It only lasted an instant, before being replaced by a gentle smile. Iarwain knew the burden of immortality, it seemed. Yet he had conquered the despair with joy.

More songs! More songs! cried Goldberry suddenly, disturbing the thoughtful silence.

Iarwain laughed and leapt to his feet. Anything for my pretty lady! he replied jovially.

The funny little man entertained his wife with more songs, which, though not suited to Elrond's tastes, still managed to bring a pleasant feeling to the Elf-lord. In later years Elrond would never be quite able to recall all of the songs sung by his host, yet there was one which remained with him throughout the next age.

Ho, now! Iarwain, Master Aldandillo!
Blue his jacket is and his boots are yellow!
Underneath the starlight,
Iarwain sings in twilight!
Songs to please his pretty lady, River-daughter fair!

In summer Iarwain walks through the glade,
Looking for flowers for his pretty maid!
Ho! tis getting late!
Goldberry does wait!
For flowers please my pretty lady, River-daughter fair!

In autumn Iarwain dances o'er leaves,
Gathering harvest from under the eaves,
Look! the weather breaks!
Winter the greening takes!
Brings snowflakes for my pretty lady, River-daughter fair!

In winter the snow does fall to the earth,
Here to bring happiness and love-ely mirth!
Trees look as bone!
The forest seems alone!
But not for Iarwain's pretty lady, River-daughter fair!

In spring the warm sun brings new life back,
Iarwain wanders through his winding track!
Flowers burst in bloom!
Joyous days do loom!
Especially for Iarwain's pretty lady, River-daughter fair!

*********

Author's Notes: End chapter four, the Epiphany. I always tend to write those, and I honestly don't know where it comes from. Also, I would like to now state that any opinions formulated in this chapter are not meant to be preachy and/or religious. It is a question of outlook, as I see it.

In the next and final chapter: Elrond bids farewell to Iarwain and Goldberry and sets out over the Barrow-downs. Parting gifts, and we learn where the name came from. Until then, read, review, enjoy!