Authors' Note: Here is my twelfth chapter. I am so sorry that I have not updated quicker. I have been very busy with my other stories and my own writing. I thank you so much for your patience. The next chapter after this one, however will unfortunately be the last one. I thank you again for all the wonderful reviews I have received. Thanks! I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.
Chapter 12 Elrond's Advice
Figwit winced and gulped as he heard the heavy wooden door slam shut behind Lord Elrond. All eyes were upon him and even Glorfindel and Erestor seemed quite terrified, for it was not often when the Lord of Imladris lost his temper, but often enough for everyone to know to stay clear of him. But now, it was different. The wolf had singled out a stray sheep and was moving in for the slaughter and Figwit just so happened to be that misfortunate creature. The young elf looked around the room for help, but no one would heed his plea. Most averted their eyes are pretended to be preoccupied with their wounds, some just simply stared straight back at him, with a look of pure refusal written on their faces. The elf let a shuddering sigh escape his being. There would be no avoiding it. He stood, not knowing if the trembling of his knees was due to the head injury or fear and made his way slowly to the door. He had the condemned look of an elf heading to his execution and not one person stepped forward to offer him comfort or solace. But finally, as his hand brushed against the ornamentally carved door, Arwen voiced her consoling words.
"Do not fear Figwit," she said cheerfully, "Ada did not seem too angry."
Elrond forced himself to remain emotionless. His young advisor stood shaking before him. The elf's face was pale despite the stitches that adorned his forehead. Even though he was still quite upset with the councilor, he could not help but pity him. The lad was clearly love struck, completely swept up in the smile that was the Lorien maiden's. After a few moments of looking over Figwit, Elrond felt his anger slipping away. He smiled and let a small chuckle escape his lips. Figwit's head snapped up. Oh no, he thought, Lord Elrond must really be planning something horrible for me, I have never seen him like this before. But Elrond continued to laugh.
"Oh, my dear boy, you have to let her go," the young elf did a double take when he heard his lord say this.
"What do you mean hir nin?" he stuttered, he was truly lost.
"I know that you fancy the Lorien maiden," he continued. "But she is in love with someone else and you cannot hope to separate them." Figwit felt his heart begin to beat rapidly in his chest. How could Lord Elrond know this? He had taken care as to alert as few people as possible. But now, his own lord was speaking plain about it.
"I did not know that you were aware of this hir nin," the young elf continued his voice shaking.
"Figwit, my lad," the older elf stood and walked to the other's side, "I was the one to found this elven refuge and I know a great deal about its residents. And when all goes quiet and Glorfindel and Erestor manage to stop bickering for at least a day, I came to my conclusions. Besides the look on your face alone told me all that I needed to know." The advisor dropped his head in shame and for the first time, he gave up hope of ever gaining the affection of Minyoiel. Elrond seemed to sense his depression and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "But you must not despair," he said softly. "You have had but your first taste of love and it is not true love. When you finally find the one meant for your care, you will know it. And I know that now you feel very hurt and alone, but believe me you are not, for I myself went through the same thing when I was about your age." Figwit raised his head in surprise once more. For some reason he couldn't imagine the Lord of Imladris bumbling around as he had just this very day. Yet, Elrond nodded gravely and let a small smile appear on his face. "When I was younger I met a beautiful maiden. Such was her beauty that I could barely believe my eyes. But like Minyoiel, she was already claimed by a bold and gallant elf lord. So for weeks I tried and tried to gain her favor, but she ignored me until I thought I would fade from grief. I returned to my home, despairing and defeated in my quest to win her love. A few years past by, well many years actually and then I met Celebrian. I thought my heart would burst upon first laying my eyes on her. The love I felt for her was nothing compared to the one I had felt for the pervious maiden. And as you see, I now have three beautiful children and even though she is not with me, I still love my dear wife." The young elf smiled, feeling happiness creep back into him at the words of his lord. "Let Haldir have the maiden," Elrond continued. "You can do much better than her anyway, understood?"
"Yes, hir nin," he stood up straight and proud once more, ready for the new challenge of finding his own true love. But then, a question pushed itself into his mind and in his boldness, he dared to ask it. "Does this mean that I am still in trouble, Lord Elrond?" he asked brightly thinking that the answer would be a positive one.
"Oh yes, Figwit, you are still in an enormous amount of trouble," the lord's smile widened. "I am just waiting for the arrival of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel to decide your punishment." The grin quickly faded from the young elf's face.
"Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel?" he squeaked. "When are they due to arrive?" And as if the Valar had decided to answer his question for him, a strong knock sounded on the door.
"My lord Elrond," a voice called. "The Lord and Lady of Lorien have arrived!"
Ada: Father
Hir nin: My Lord
