Chapter 15
Glorfindel motioned to Legolas and Isitur.
"In order to get into Imladris, we must go around the southern part of our borders and sneak in. There are Orcs all around this place, so it is imperative that we are as quick and silent as possible."
Legolas and Isitur nodded. They started to break the army into three sections; separating them by rank. When everyone was prepared, they headed out of the forest and broke for the clearing.
Lizule stayed close next to Glorfindel. She had never seen or met an Orc, and from Glorfindel's attitude, she guessed that they were extremely dangerous.
Gloried, however, didn't seem scared at the least. The proud horse took long strides and held his head high, arching his neck. Lizule fiddled with his mane out of nervousness when she came into the clearing and took in the full sight of Rivendell. It wasn't beautiful how Glorfindel had described. It was dark and gloomy, with little or no magic surrounding it. The trees were limp and brittle; the ground was soft and patchy. Lizule did not understand. She looked around at the other members of her group. None of them seemed surprised at Imladris's condition.
Gloried sniffed the air and halted, his body trembling slightly. He felt something coming.
"Whoa, boy," Lizule whispered, trying to ease the tension of the air. Glorfindel noticed the horse's wariness and so he peered out into the gloom, as if searching for something.
Glorfindel then withdrew his sword along with the rest of the legion. Legolas rode out in front, his bow strung, and gleaming from it was a golden arrow.
"You have the best eyes of us all, Legolas," Glorfindel said calmly. "Hit whatever you can."
Legolas nodded and disappeared into the gloom. Glorfindel followed with Lizule stuck to his side. As much as she resented riding so close to him because of their petty argument, she did so out of the fact that she was terrified. Trying to concentrate on something else, she said,
"How much farther to the gates, Glorfindel?"
"Five leagues."
Lizule gulped and prayed that Gloried would be swift enough to keep her safe.
After a while, Legolas came back, his eyes full of hope as he trotted out of the fog.
"I couldn't find anyone, but I have good news. The river is still flowing and no Orcs have crossed it yet. Or if they have tried, they are dead. In other words, once we get to Rivendell, the beauty of this place will be restored."
"How far to the river?" inquired Gabriel, who was fidgeting atop his horse.
"I estimate three leagues. If we gallop, we can be there by nightfall."
Glorfindel nodded and turned to the group.
"Keep your swords unsheathed and your mounts steady. I do not want to use my power unless I absolutely need to, so I am expecting all of you to fight just like the rest of us."
Lizule stared at Glorfindel questionably.
~ What power? ~
"All right, let's go," he said in a commanding tone. The horses took off, their hoof beats making imprints in the earth. Lizule hung on tight; the pain in her leg had ceased, now that they were under the possibility of attack.
For two and a half league, the riders and horses galloped peacefully with no disturbance. When the reached the outskirts of the river, though, they were brutally assaulted by some roaming Orcs. Legolas shot them down with his bow, and then they kept on going.
Lizule was petrified. She had never seen anything so frightening or as repulsive as those Orcs. Her blood froze and she swallowed hard; her heart was beating like a drum.
Finally, the reached the river. Glorfindel signaled for a halt.
"You MUST cross the river one by one, or else Lord Elrond will send down a flood. If he senses any evil presence in the water, he will release all of his power upon it. And trust me, you do not want that to happen."
He motioned to Lizule.
"She shall go first."
Lizule nodded and urged Gloried forward. The daring horse plunged into the river; sending droplets of water everywhere. The river was not very deep and soon they were scrambling up the bank. She stopped the stallion and watched the rest of them make their way over the water.
Slowly but surely, they were all across except for Glorfindel. His stallion was restless and would not enter the water. Glorfindel patiently got his horse under control and they eased into the water. Asfaloth pranced all the way through it, as if he were dancing. When they reached the other side, Asfaloth sprung forward, for he knew he was home. Glorfindel steadied him and called out,
"Now we can run free." With those words, his horse reared up and took off into the forest. Lizule and the army followed willingly; they wanted to be safe too.
****
"It's gorgeous," Lizule breathed as she tried to take in the magnificence of Rivendell all at once. Everything was shining and some things were wrought of gold, others were wrought of silver. Elves danced and sung cheerful songs as they saw soldiers approaching. Lizule smiled at their antics, noticing the beauty of each individual Elf. They were all so alike, but then they were all so different. It was intriguing to her. The houses were light and airy; the courtyard was full of sunshine and warmth. In the background of Rivendell were waterfalls, glorious waterfalls, which ran down into the river they had just crossed. She sat motionless in the saddle, for her breath had been taken away.
"Glorfindel! Legolas! How wonderful to see you again!" cried a sparkling voice.
Lizule saw a tall, handsome looking Elf approaching them. He had black hair that was the color of the dark of night, and his eyes were a forest green. He bore a small, silver crown upon his head and a glimmering sword was in his hand. He grinned at them, his eyes lighting up like the stars.
~ There is something different about him. What is it? ~
"Welcome! My father has been expecting both of you, along with your reinforcements," he said to Glorfindel and Legolas. Then, he faced the army.
"My name is Elladan, if you know me not. We are in your humble dept for aiding us. Hearken! You must come with as much haste as possible to my father's house. He is in great need of seeing every single one of you."
Glorfindel and Legolas dismounted and bowed to the Elvish Prince. He led them to the Last Homely House, obviously wanting to catch up on old times.
Isitur, who was now in charge, said,
"Everyone get off their horses and unbridle them. Then, you can let them go. Horses are allowed to run free here, for they will not leave this sacred place."
They all did as he asked and followed him to the Last Homely House. Lizule awaited seeing Lord Elrond with great anticipation. She wondered if he would be as handsome looking as his son. She had no idea.
**** Lizule found Glorfindel and Legolas seated next to Elladan, and beside Elladan was another Elf who looked exactly like him, but his hair was a lighter black and he was shorter.
~ Who is that? ~
When Elladan saw them approaching he stood and smiled. "Thank you for coming, every single one of you. This Elf next to me is my twin brother, Elrohir. He gives his gratitude as well. We will be holding a council tomorrow to decide what to do about the Orcs and Balrog. But since you are coming here from a very weary journey, I will lead each one of you to your rooms so you can get settled before supper."
"When will we be meeting Lord Elrond?" Lizule said tentatively, her voice small.
Elladan turned to her.
~ His eyes are so beautiful ~
"You will be meeting him tomorrow, at the council, if you do attend."
The Prince seemed bewildered that there was a female Elf in the group, but he said nothing. She was so dazzling to him that he all he could say was nothing.
Lizule bowed. "Thank you, my Lord. I plan to be in attendance."
Elladan nodded and then started to lead the Sindarin Elves through the chambers and rooms of the Noldor.
Glorfindel came up next to Lizule.
"You will be meeting Lord Elrond today," he said. "I have to talk to him about permission for the wedding."
"Okay. Is that were we are going?" she asked when he steered her off in another direction.
~ I don't want to talk about the wedding. I am not even sure I want to have the wedding ~
Glorfindel grabbed her elbow gently and pulled her close.
"Yes."
****
"Glorfindel, please, come in. I have great need to speak with you on certain matters," Lord Elrond said.
Lizule held back a gasp. His voice sounded so familiar. Where had she heard that voice before? She peeked through a crack in the door she was hiding behind. She could see Glorfindel, but there was no sign of Elrond.
"My Lord, I will graciously confer with you, but I have another matter that I need your leave of."
"Oh, is that so? What may this matter be?"
"Marriage."
"Bring her in then, so I can get a good look at her."
Glorfindel spoke. "Lizule, please come here."
Lizule swallowed and rearranged her hair. She then stepped into the Lord's chambers, unaware of the sight she was going to see before her eyes.
Lord Elrond was sitting in his chair, holding a silver scepter. His face was the image of kings and endless glory, and his blue eyes were more penetrating than Glorfindel's. His dark hair glowed, and around his head were tiny stars that twinkled under the light. He was the tallest Elf she had ever laid eyes upon, and the most enchanting one at that. His image held the essence of extraordinary power and grace, but also of terrific loss and suffering. He was ageless, like all Elves, but his presence gave that he was the wisest of the entire Eldar in Middle-earth. Lizule noticed that his right hand bore a gold ring with a blue opal in it. That was Vilya, the ring of Air, mightiest of the three. That ring had belonged to Gil-galad himself until he was slain in the War of the Last Alliance. Lord Elrond did not need a ring to show that he was the Lord of the Elves. His impression withheld it.
Lizule started to shake. She was not worthy to stand before this powerful Elf-lord, much less speak to him. She bowed low, not trusting her voice. She knew who Lord Elrond reminded her of now.
~ Totholain ~
"My Lord," she said, her voice quavering, "I am at your most humblest service. How may I be of assistance to you?"
~ And I thought Legolas and Glorfindel were gods. I sure have a different perspective now ~
Elrond chuckled. "I need not your service. What I need is for you to tell me if you really love him. I sense you have grown a liking to someone else that you have meet here."
~ Elladan? How could he have guessed that? ~
When she did not answer, he said,
"It happens all the time, my dear. Do not cause unwanted fret. I know you are Sindarin, although you appear to look much like the Noldor."
Lizule blushed. "You are correct."
Glorfindel stepped forward. "My Lord, I know each race is supposed to stick to its own kind. But some rules were made to be broken, and I ask for your blessing on this joining of spirits. If you disapprove, it will be a tragedy to both of us."
Elrond stood up. "Aye, but will it be a tragedy to Lizule? How can you be so positive of your statement?"
Glorfindel raised his eyebrows.
"She wants to marry me. I inquired her back in Mirkwood."
"People alter their minds, Glorfindel. Lizule might have altered hers."
"To who?" Glorfindel demanded.
"Ask her."
Glorfindel turned to Lizule.
"Say that you love me," he pleaded. "Say you have not fallen for someone else."
Lizule glanced at Elrond, begging for help. But the Elf-lord stood silently; his handsome face set in a deep frown.
She tried to say it, but she couldn't. Ever since he had refused to help her heal Gloried, her appreciation for him had dwindled. Now that she had seen Elladan, she presumed that maybe her lover was not Glorfindel anymore. She didn't feel anything whenever they kissed, nor when he would say those three fatal words: "I love you."
"My Lord," she squeaked. "I am in much turmoil at this present moment. I ask for your leave so that I may clear my mind."
"No! I want an answer to my."
"She can go." Elrond nodded to Lizule, giving her permission. Lizule bowed and fled.
****
Lizule ran. She didn't know where she was running to, all she knew is that she was trying to run away from her problems.
~ Why can I not love Glorfindel? Why must I have feelings for Elladan? Why did Totholain have to die? Why did Legolas have to go off to war and leave Laurelin? Why? ~
So many questions but no answers for the Elf. It wasn't fair.
Lizule stopped abruptly when she found herself in a beautiful garden. All kinds of flowers were blooming to the greatest extent possible, giving off a radiance of white light.
Lizule bent down to sniff one of the flowers; it looked like a tulip. Immediately, a wonderful smell filled her nostrils. She took a deep breath, for the scent was soothing to the mind.
"They are all like that," said a voice. Lizule pulled away from the flower and spun around. Elladan was sitting on a stone bench, reading a book. He didn't even look up at her.
~ Why did I not notice him before? ~
"Every single one?' she asked, not knowing how to answer him.
"Yes. Every single one." Elladan closed his book and rested his eyes on her.
"My Father is the best healer of all the Elves. His skills surpass any being. That is why he grows these flowers. They are part of his healing processes. Flowers are vital for making someone better again."
"I see." Lizule felt her eyes start to water and she turned away from the Elvish Prince. She wiped her cheeks hurriedly, praying he did not sense her sadness.
"Does he really make you that unhappy?" Lizule froze.
"Who, my Lord?"
"You know exactly who I am talking about, Lizule."
~ How does he know my name? ~
"Glorfindel?"
"Yes."
Lizule faced Elladan slowly and swallowed.
"I wasn't afflicted with him until he refused to heal Gloried, Totholain's horse. I love animals, and I just couldn't understand his reasoning."
" Exactly. He probably used the excuse that he was too busy. But I will tell you something about Glorfindel. He could have healed that horse in less than ten minutes. He is almost as good as my father."
"No! Are you serious?"
"Yes. He only didn't want to heal the horse because horses hold little value to him. He believes that they are a living piece of property and not a real soul."
"How do you know all this?"
Elladan smiled at the pretty Elf-maiden.
"I have seen much, and I am very good at reading people's moods. You are very distraught, no doubt."
Elladan pointed to a small petunia.
"Inhale its scent. You will feel much better."
Lizule did as he implored, and soon she felt like a great load was lifted off her shoulders.
"Thank you, my Lord."
"You're welcome."
Lizule sat next to him, realizing that his eyes were identical to his father's. Less wisdom was held in them, but there was the same sense of love and understanding in them that Lord Elrond had.
"What book are you reading?"
"Oh, this? It is an account of Gil-galad from the Second Age. It is when he marched to Mordor and was slain by Sauron himself."
"That was nearly two Ages ago."
"Yes. The history of the Elven race has always intrigued me. I have tried to learn as much as possible on the subject."
"When will you know all of it?"
"When I go to Valinor. I plan to ask the Valar, especially Manwe, everything about the stories of the world and how it was created."
He stopped talking suddenly and listened.
"There is someone here," he whispered, drawing his sword.
Lizule looked around the garden. She could not see anyone, but she could feel the presence of someone or something there. She took a deep breath and drew closer to the Elvish Prince.
He shook his head, the realization coming to him.
"It is just an Elf," he murmured and sat back down. "He's spying."
"Why would he want to spy?"
"Because he is envious of the both of us."
"Why would he be envious?"
"Because he loves you."
"It's Glorfindel?"
"Yes. But don't move. He has no clue that we know it is him."
"So just act natural?"
"Precisely. Just act natural."
"Umm. okay. So what do we do?"
"I have a good idea, but I don't know if you are going to like it."
"I promise I will. Anything to get him to go away. It is so immature on his part to be spying."
"He suspects that it is me."
"Pardon?"
"He thinks I am the one you have fallen for."
~ And he is so correct ~
"He does?"
"Yes. He is upset and enraged, which therefore, causes him to spy and act like a young Elfling. Anger can make you do anything."
Lizule shrugged.
"I guess." In attempt to change the subject, she said, "What is your ingenious idea?"
"Oh, yes, that. But it is very mean and uncouth."
"It can't be that immoral. Let's hear it."
Elladan took a deep breath. He bent close to her ear and uttered two words.
"A kiss."
"Are you kidding?" Lizule said, aghast.
~ I would love to kiss him ~
"I am dead serious."
~ I would love to kiss her ~
Lizule frowned, but then she smiled.
"It can't hurt."
She raised her chin and their lips met.
Lizule felt her entire soul sink into the kiss, but she didn't pull away.
"I shouldn't be doing this," she thought. "Glorfindel is my fiancée."
But no matter how hard she tried, she could not break from their embrace. Elladan's kiss was so much more different than Glorfindel's. His kiss was hungry and impatient, but Elladan's kiss held meaning and truth to it. Lizule closed her eyes, not realizing that this was more than just a "little" kiss to infuriate Glorfindel. They both loved each other, and they both knew it.
Glorfindel knew it too. He leaped out of the trees, his face a livid red. He unsheathed his sword and thrust it under Elladan's jaw, forgetting that this was the son of Lord Elrond.
"Just what do you think you are doing?" he said, in his iciest tone. Elladan glared at him and pushed his sword away.
"You forget who you inquire, Glorfindel. You may be more powerful than me, but who holds the title?"
Glorfindel's eyes drilled holes at the Elven Prince. He loved Lizule, and he was ready to fight this Elf for her.
Lizule placed a hand on Elladan's shoulder.
"Enough, both of you." She looked at Glorfindel.
"Glorfindel, why wouldn't you heal Gloried for me?"
"I was busy, and I did not think that we should interfere with Elbereth's course of life with animals. What she does with them is her own business and we should not alter it."
Lizule sighed.
"Glorfindel, I loved you once. Honestly I did. But interests change, and now I love Elladan. I do not love you anymore. As tragic as this might seem, it is not. I am sure you like someone other than me and just have not told me yet."
Glorfindel's eyes blazed.
"So what are you saying?"
"I am saying that the wedding is off."
Glorfindel took a step back, as if slapped.
"You changed your mind in one day?"
"One day has been proven to alter many things."
~ I can't believe I am saying this! I love him, don't I? He is anything I could ever want ~
But Elladan was her soul mate, and she knew it. Just with one kiss, she knew that they were meant to be together. How could she explain this to Glorfindel? How could she explain this to herself?
Thankfully, she did not. Lord Elrond came out into the garden, his face set as hard as stone.
"Glorfindel, she has spoken. Now withdraw yourself from her, please."
Glorfindel sheathed his sword and exited the garden, his once burning white light extinguishing.
Lizule groaned and dropped to the ground. The weight of the situation was too much to bear.
Elladan offered her his hand and she took it gladly. The warmth coming from it made her stronger and she stood, her legs trembling.
"How did you know?" she said to Elrond. "How did you know how I felt?"
~ I didn't even know how I felt myself ~
Elrond smiled reassuringly.
"I saw it in your eyes."
Glorfindel motioned to Legolas and Isitur.
"In order to get into Imladris, we must go around the southern part of our borders and sneak in. There are Orcs all around this place, so it is imperative that we are as quick and silent as possible."
Legolas and Isitur nodded. They started to break the army into three sections; separating them by rank. When everyone was prepared, they headed out of the forest and broke for the clearing.
Lizule stayed close next to Glorfindel. She had never seen or met an Orc, and from Glorfindel's attitude, she guessed that they were extremely dangerous.
Gloried, however, didn't seem scared at the least. The proud horse took long strides and held his head high, arching his neck. Lizule fiddled with his mane out of nervousness when she came into the clearing and took in the full sight of Rivendell. It wasn't beautiful how Glorfindel had described. It was dark and gloomy, with little or no magic surrounding it. The trees were limp and brittle; the ground was soft and patchy. Lizule did not understand. She looked around at the other members of her group. None of them seemed surprised at Imladris's condition.
Gloried sniffed the air and halted, his body trembling slightly. He felt something coming.
"Whoa, boy," Lizule whispered, trying to ease the tension of the air. Glorfindel noticed the horse's wariness and so he peered out into the gloom, as if searching for something.
Glorfindel then withdrew his sword along with the rest of the legion. Legolas rode out in front, his bow strung, and gleaming from it was a golden arrow.
"You have the best eyes of us all, Legolas," Glorfindel said calmly. "Hit whatever you can."
Legolas nodded and disappeared into the gloom. Glorfindel followed with Lizule stuck to his side. As much as she resented riding so close to him because of their petty argument, she did so out of the fact that she was terrified. Trying to concentrate on something else, she said,
"How much farther to the gates, Glorfindel?"
"Five leagues."
Lizule gulped and prayed that Gloried would be swift enough to keep her safe.
After a while, Legolas came back, his eyes full of hope as he trotted out of the fog.
"I couldn't find anyone, but I have good news. The river is still flowing and no Orcs have crossed it yet. Or if they have tried, they are dead. In other words, once we get to Rivendell, the beauty of this place will be restored."
"How far to the river?" inquired Gabriel, who was fidgeting atop his horse.
"I estimate three leagues. If we gallop, we can be there by nightfall."
Glorfindel nodded and turned to the group.
"Keep your swords unsheathed and your mounts steady. I do not want to use my power unless I absolutely need to, so I am expecting all of you to fight just like the rest of us."
Lizule stared at Glorfindel questionably.
~ What power? ~
"All right, let's go," he said in a commanding tone. The horses took off, their hoof beats making imprints in the earth. Lizule hung on tight; the pain in her leg had ceased, now that they were under the possibility of attack.
For two and a half league, the riders and horses galloped peacefully with no disturbance. When the reached the outskirts of the river, though, they were brutally assaulted by some roaming Orcs. Legolas shot them down with his bow, and then they kept on going.
Lizule was petrified. She had never seen anything so frightening or as repulsive as those Orcs. Her blood froze and she swallowed hard; her heart was beating like a drum.
Finally, the reached the river. Glorfindel signaled for a halt.
"You MUST cross the river one by one, or else Lord Elrond will send down a flood. If he senses any evil presence in the water, he will release all of his power upon it. And trust me, you do not want that to happen."
He motioned to Lizule.
"She shall go first."
Lizule nodded and urged Gloried forward. The daring horse plunged into the river; sending droplets of water everywhere. The river was not very deep and soon they were scrambling up the bank. She stopped the stallion and watched the rest of them make their way over the water.
Slowly but surely, they were all across except for Glorfindel. His stallion was restless and would not enter the water. Glorfindel patiently got his horse under control and they eased into the water. Asfaloth pranced all the way through it, as if he were dancing. When they reached the other side, Asfaloth sprung forward, for he knew he was home. Glorfindel steadied him and called out,
"Now we can run free." With those words, his horse reared up and took off into the forest. Lizule and the army followed willingly; they wanted to be safe too.
****
"It's gorgeous," Lizule breathed as she tried to take in the magnificence of Rivendell all at once. Everything was shining and some things were wrought of gold, others were wrought of silver. Elves danced and sung cheerful songs as they saw soldiers approaching. Lizule smiled at their antics, noticing the beauty of each individual Elf. They were all so alike, but then they were all so different. It was intriguing to her. The houses were light and airy; the courtyard was full of sunshine and warmth. In the background of Rivendell were waterfalls, glorious waterfalls, which ran down into the river they had just crossed. She sat motionless in the saddle, for her breath had been taken away.
"Glorfindel! Legolas! How wonderful to see you again!" cried a sparkling voice.
Lizule saw a tall, handsome looking Elf approaching them. He had black hair that was the color of the dark of night, and his eyes were a forest green. He bore a small, silver crown upon his head and a glimmering sword was in his hand. He grinned at them, his eyes lighting up like the stars.
~ There is something different about him. What is it? ~
"Welcome! My father has been expecting both of you, along with your reinforcements," he said to Glorfindel and Legolas. Then, he faced the army.
"My name is Elladan, if you know me not. We are in your humble dept for aiding us. Hearken! You must come with as much haste as possible to my father's house. He is in great need of seeing every single one of you."
Glorfindel and Legolas dismounted and bowed to the Elvish Prince. He led them to the Last Homely House, obviously wanting to catch up on old times.
Isitur, who was now in charge, said,
"Everyone get off their horses and unbridle them. Then, you can let them go. Horses are allowed to run free here, for they will not leave this sacred place."
They all did as he asked and followed him to the Last Homely House. Lizule awaited seeing Lord Elrond with great anticipation. She wondered if he would be as handsome looking as his son. She had no idea.
**** Lizule found Glorfindel and Legolas seated next to Elladan, and beside Elladan was another Elf who looked exactly like him, but his hair was a lighter black and he was shorter.
~ Who is that? ~
When Elladan saw them approaching he stood and smiled. "Thank you for coming, every single one of you. This Elf next to me is my twin brother, Elrohir. He gives his gratitude as well. We will be holding a council tomorrow to decide what to do about the Orcs and Balrog. But since you are coming here from a very weary journey, I will lead each one of you to your rooms so you can get settled before supper."
"When will we be meeting Lord Elrond?" Lizule said tentatively, her voice small.
Elladan turned to her.
~ His eyes are so beautiful ~
"You will be meeting him tomorrow, at the council, if you do attend."
The Prince seemed bewildered that there was a female Elf in the group, but he said nothing. She was so dazzling to him that he all he could say was nothing.
Lizule bowed. "Thank you, my Lord. I plan to be in attendance."
Elladan nodded and then started to lead the Sindarin Elves through the chambers and rooms of the Noldor.
Glorfindel came up next to Lizule.
"You will be meeting Lord Elrond today," he said. "I have to talk to him about permission for the wedding."
"Okay. Is that were we are going?" she asked when he steered her off in another direction.
~ I don't want to talk about the wedding. I am not even sure I want to have the wedding ~
Glorfindel grabbed her elbow gently and pulled her close.
"Yes."
****
"Glorfindel, please, come in. I have great need to speak with you on certain matters," Lord Elrond said.
Lizule held back a gasp. His voice sounded so familiar. Where had she heard that voice before? She peeked through a crack in the door she was hiding behind. She could see Glorfindel, but there was no sign of Elrond.
"My Lord, I will graciously confer with you, but I have another matter that I need your leave of."
"Oh, is that so? What may this matter be?"
"Marriage."
"Bring her in then, so I can get a good look at her."
Glorfindel spoke. "Lizule, please come here."
Lizule swallowed and rearranged her hair. She then stepped into the Lord's chambers, unaware of the sight she was going to see before her eyes.
Lord Elrond was sitting in his chair, holding a silver scepter. His face was the image of kings and endless glory, and his blue eyes were more penetrating than Glorfindel's. His dark hair glowed, and around his head were tiny stars that twinkled under the light. He was the tallest Elf she had ever laid eyes upon, and the most enchanting one at that. His image held the essence of extraordinary power and grace, but also of terrific loss and suffering. He was ageless, like all Elves, but his presence gave that he was the wisest of the entire Eldar in Middle-earth. Lizule noticed that his right hand bore a gold ring with a blue opal in it. That was Vilya, the ring of Air, mightiest of the three. That ring had belonged to Gil-galad himself until he was slain in the War of the Last Alliance. Lord Elrond did not need a ring to show that he was the Lord of the Elves. His impression withheld it.
Lizule started to shake. She was not worthy to stand before this powerful Elf-lord, much less speak to him. She bowed low, not trusting her voice. She knew who Lord Elrond reminded her of now.
~ Totholain ~
"My Lord," she said, her voice quavering, "I am at your most humblest service. How may I be of assistance to you?"
~ And I thought Legolas and Glorfindel were gods. I sure have a different perspective now ~
Elrond chuckled. "I need not your service. What I need is for you to tell me if you really love him. I sense you have grown a liking to someone else that you have meet here."
~ Elladan? How could he have guessed that? ~
When she did not answer, he said,
"It happens all the time, my dear. Do not cause unwanted fret. I know you are Sindarin, although you appear to look much like the Noldor."
Lizule blushed. "You are correct."
Glorfindel stepped forward. "My Lord, I know each race is supposed to stick to its own kind. But some rules were made to be broken, and I ask for your blessing on this joining of spirits. If you disapprove, it will be a tragedy to both of us."
Elrond stood up. "Aye, but will it be a tragedy to Lizule? How can you be so positive of your statement?"
Glorfindel raised his eyebrows.
"She wants to marry me. I inquired her back in Mirkwood."
"People alter their minds, Glorfindel. Lizule might have altered hers."
"To who?" Glorfindel demanded.
"Ask her."
Glorfindel turned to Lizule.
"Say that you love me," he pleaded. "Say you have not fallen for someone else."
Lizule glanced at Elrond, begging for help. But the Elf-lord stood silently; his handsome face set in a deep frown.
She tried to say it, but she couldn't. Ever since he had refused to help her heal Gloried, her appreciation for him had dwindled. Now that she had seen Elladan, she presumed that maybe her lover was not Glorfindel anymore. She didn't feel anything whenever they kissed, nor when he would say those three fatal words: "I love you."
"My Lord," she squeaked. "I am in much turmoil at this present moment. I ask for your leave so that I may clear my mind."
"No! I want an answer to my."
"She can go." Elrond nodded to Lizule, giving her permission. Lizule bowed and fled.
****
Lizule ran. She didn't know where she was running to, all she knew is that she was trying to run away from her problems.
~ Why can I not love Glorfindel? Why must I have feelings for Elladan? Why did Totholain have to die? Why did Legolas have to go off to war and leave Laurelin? Why? ~
So many questions but no answers for the Elf. It wasn't fair.
Lizule stopped abruptly when she found herself in a beautiful garden. All kinds of flowers were blooming to the greatest extent possible, giving off a radiance of white light.
Lizule bent down to sniff one of the flowers; it looked like a tulip. Immediately, a wonderful smell filled her nostrils. She took a deep breath, for the scent was soothing to the mind.
"They are all like that," said a voice. Lizule pulled away from the flower and spun around. Elladan was sitting on a stone bench, reading a book. He didn't even look up at her.
~ Why did I not notice him before? ~
"Every single one?' she asked, not knowing how to answer him.
"Yes. Every single one." Elladan closed his book and rested his eyes on her.
"My Father is the best healer of all the Elves. His skills surpass any being. That is why he grows these flowers. They are part of his healing processes. Flowers are vital for making someone better again."
"I see." Lizule felt her eyes start to water and she turned away from the Elvish Prince. She wiped her cheeks hurriedly, praying he did not sense her sadness.
"Does he really make you that unhappy?" Lizule froze.
"Who, my Lord?"
"You know exactly who I am talking about, Lizule."
~ How does he know my name? ~
"Glorfindel?"
"Yes."
Lizule faced Elladan slowly and swallowed.
"I wasn't afflicted with him until he refused to heal Gloried, Totholain's horse. I love animals, and I just couldn't understand his reasoning."
" Exactly. He probably used the excuse that he was too busy. But I will tell you something about Glorfindel. He could have healed that horse in less than ten minutes. He is almost as good as my father."
"No! Are you serious?"
"Yes. He only didn't want to heal the horse because horses hold little value to him. He believes that they are a living piece of property and not a real soul."
"How do you know all this?"
Elladan smiled at the pretty Elf-maiden.
"I have seen much, and I am very good at reading people's moods. You are very distraught, no doubt."
Elladan pointed to a small petunia.
"Inhale its scent. You will feel much better."
Lizule did as he implored, and soon she felt like a great load was lifted off her shoulders.
"Thank you, my Lord."
"You're welcome."
Lizule sat next to him, realizing that his eyes were identical to his father's. Less wisdom was held in them, but there was the same sense of love and understanding in them that Lord Elrond had.
"What book are you reading?"
"Oh, this? It is an account of Gil-galad from the Second Age. It is when he marched to Mordor and was slain by Sauron himself."
"That was nearly two Ages ago."
"Yes. The history of the Elven race has always intrigued me. I have tried to learn as much as possible on the subject."
"When will you know all of it?"
"When I go to Valinor. I plan to ask the Valar, especially Manwe, everything about the stories of the world and how it was created."
He stopped talking suddenly and listened.
"There is someone here," he whispered, drawing his sword.
Lizule looked around the garden. She could not see anyone, but she could feel the presence of someone or something there. She took a deep breath and drew closer to the Elvish Prince.
He shook his head, the realization coming to him.
"It is just an Elf," he murmured and sat back down. "He's spying."
"Why would he want to spy?"
"Because he is envious of the both of us."
"Why would he be envious?"
"Because he loves you."
"It's Glorfindel?"
"Yes. But don't move. He has no clue that we know it is him."
"So just act natural?"
"Precisely. Just act natural."
"Umm. okay. So what do we do?"
"I have a good idea, but I don't know if you are going to like it."
"I promise I will. Anything to get him to go away. It is so immature on his part to be spying."
"He suspects that it is me."
"Pardon?"
"He thinks I am the one you have fallen for."
~ And he is so correct ~
"He does?"
"Yes. He is upset and enraged, which therefore, causes him to spy and act like a young Elfling. Anger can make you do anything."
Lizule shrugged.
"I guess." In attempt to change the subject, she said, "What is your ingenious idea?"
"Oh, yes, that. But it is very mean and uncouth."
"It can't be that immoral. Let's hear it."
Elladan took a deep breath. He bent close to her ear and uttered two words.
"A kiss."
"Are you kidding?" Lizule said, aghast.
~ I would love to kiss him ~
"I am dead serious."
~ I would love to kiss her ~
Lizule frowned, but then she smiled.
"It can't hurt."
She raised her chin and their lips met.
Lizule felt her entire soul sink into the kiss, but she didn't pull away.
"I shouldn't be doing this," she thought. "Glorfindel is my fiancée."
But no matter how hard she tried, she could not break from their embrace. Elladan's kiss was so much more different than Glorfindel's. His kiss was hungry and impatient, but Elladan's kiss held meaning and truth to it. Lizule closed her eyes, not realizing that this was more than just a "little" kiss to infuriate Glorfindel. They both loved each other, and they both knew it.
Glorfindel knew it too. He leaped out of the trees, his face a livid red. He unsheathed his sword and thrust it under Elladan's jaw, forgetting that this was the son of Lord Elrond.
"Just what do you think you are doing?" he said, in his iciest tone. Elladan glared at him and pushed his sword away.
"You forget who you inquire, Glorfindel. You may be more powerful than me, but who holds the title?"
Glorfindel's eyes drilled holes at the Elven Prince. He loved Lizule, and he was ready to fight this Elf for her.
Lizule placed a hand on Elladan's shoulder.
"Enough, both of you." She looked at Glorfindel.
"Glorfindel, why wouldn't you heal Gloried for me?"
"I was busy, and I did not think that we should interfere with Elbereth's course of life with animals. What she does with them is her own business and we should not alter it."
Lizule sighed.
"Glorfindel, I loved you once. Honestly I did. But interests change, and now I love Elladan. I do not love you anymore. As tragic as this might seem, it is not. I am sure you like someone other than me and just have not told me yet."
Glorfindel's eyes blazed.
"So what are you saying?"
"I am saying that the wedding is off."
Glorfindel took a step back, as if slapped.
"You changed your mind in one day?"
"One day has been proven to alter many things."
~ I can't believe I am saying this! I love him, don't I? He is anything I could ever want ~
But Elladan was her soul mate, and she knew it. Just with one kiss, she knew that they were meant to be together. How could she explain this to Glorfindel? How could she explain this to herself?
Thankfully, she did not. Lord Elrond came out into the garden, his face set as hard as stone.
"Glorfindel, she has spoken. Now withdraw yourself from her, please."
Glorfindel sheathed his sword and exited the garden, his once burning white light extinguishing.
Lizule groaned and dropped to the ground. The weight of the situation was too much to bear.
Elladan offered her his hand and she took it gladly. The warmth coming from it made her stronger and she stood, her legs trembling.
"How did you know?" she said to Elrond. "How did you know how I felt?"
~ I didn't even know how I felt myself ~
Elrond smiled reassuringly.
"I saw it in your eyes."