Title: An Enticement of Fortune

Summary: "Elves were invincible, in all manners save two. Death in battle, and a broken heart…" The story of an elf maiden, lost for years, comes to light. (Early Third Age fairytale)

Pairings: Mirwen/Mablung

Rating: PG 13

Category: Drama/Romance

Author's Notes: I'm not one for shameless plugging or short chapters, and yet I'm about to do both.

Go read 'Not To Keep', and leave a review. ^-^ I can be a bully when I'm actually happy with the way something works out.

Reviewer Responses-

Turbo Cookie- Love the name, to begin. How randomly inane. ^-^ Here's more! (Obviously)

Sorrel Rowan – I have a strange suspicion (mostly from the fact I've never actually written Tamora Pierce fanfiction) that you may have confused me with someone else. Of course, that means that writer left an impression on you and I was able to remind you of them. Definitely a compliment. And I'm rather fond of the disclaimer myself. When I think of some of those MS's. *shudders* And as for continuity—I think you just have to look at the major no-no's and avoid them. Try it, and listen when people say "I don't think so-and-so would say that." Ahh, what do I know?

Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings, and I hope the great Professor isn't turning over in his grave. There have been greater blasphemies in fanfiction.

~... .....-*-... .....~

He was a Lord of Gondor, albeit it one of little power. One whose station and appearance befit the inevitable love that could not be, and would not be allowed to be by destiny. At first glance Mirwen had thought him to be an elf, for his features were noble and kind and good.

His name was Mablung, and he had come to Rivendell with a single purpose. His dreams were haunted by another man's memories, and no man had cured them. It was a desperate man who came seeking answers; it was a desperate man that Mirwen knew she must help…

~*~

'Lord Elrond! Lord Elrond! There is a man approaching! May I greet him?' cried Mirwen, the inevitability of news from far off rendering her almost delirious in delight.

She read in his eyes the hesitation that always accompanied her outbursts, and she lowered her eyes in shame.

'Forgive me. I have duties to attend to.'

Much to her mortification, she could not cap her excitement at the thought of sorting herbs. Her tongue spoke quickly, perhaps sensing that her mind would stop it at once if caught.

'It is just that I would like to see him before the hospitalities of the Last Homely House render him intoxicated,' she grinned at this. 'It has been many months since we have had visitors from away.'

Elrond shook his head, amazed at her perennially childish love of adventures. There was no reason to deny her the freedom she sought, but there was also no reason to grant it. Duty before pleasure, a lesson that most elves accepted with ease. Still, there was a glimmer in her eyes that brought his sons to mind. It was identical to the one they always had in their eyes as they denied having anything to do with whatever prank they were responsible for.

'Very well Mirwen, you may go for the day.'

'Hantale!' she exclaimed, practically flying out of the room.

~*~

She came upon him alone in the garden, his horse by his side. For a moment she was taken back, for such a visage had only been heard of amongst elves. But she searched it, and in time its mortal flaws revealed themselves. She loved this face in an instant, as much for its defects as its splendor. Mortal worries clouded grey eyes, and his hair was dark and curled.

She spoke to him from a perch in a tree, and he thought that the voice was that of a being from beyond the circles of the earth- for it was high and sweet, carrying joy to those whose ears chanced upon it.

She left the tree in her time, and they walked together through the gathering dark. The first snow of the season fell during this stroll, and he noticed how well the white flakes showed in her chocolate hair. The moon had nearly reached its zenith when they returned to the buildings, and she slipped ahead to make arrangements for a room.

For days this continued, and Elrond grew tired of waiting for Mirwen to give a short appearance. The newly inseparable pair talked of far away places and deeds long past in this period. In time, he told her of his dreams and she vowed to help him.

It was this vow which haunted her, which brought her the courage to offer him her heart; it was this vow that would change the lives of all who knew Mirwen of Imladris…

…

Reviews appreciated. A really short chapter, but I thought I'd give 'Mablung's Prologue' it's due.

*Hantale- Translates as roughly 'thank you', though I'm leery about the reliability of my information.