Chapter Three
"Oh look at the birds! They are so beautiful!" Aelinia cried with joy, pointing towards to sky with her small fingers, she was sitting on top of Elrohir's shoulders, he decided to walk the rest of the way, as sitting on a horse too long can be uncomfortable even for an elf. And Aelinia enjoyed the journey so much he thought she might like to be out of the wagon.
"How long will it be until we reach Rivendell?" Aragorn asked, poking his head out.
Elladan turned with a smile and replied, "We shall be there quite soon, young one, after crossing this bridge," he pointed out, "we will be there."
Squealing with delight, the little boy nested his face against the wagon cloth and watched everything that went passed him, everything was so new to him, the sights along the road were all he had never seen, the creatures, the birds, even the flowers and plants were all fresh to his mind.
Gilraen sat quietly inside the wagon, watching her two children. The excitement on their faces show no trace of what had happened the night before. Of course not, she had not told them what was the real reason of their departure, and she did not intend to. Not until the time is right, thought, gazing at her children, not until the time is right.
Elladan, who was steering the horses, sensed her discomfort. "You must not hold a heavy heart my lady," He said, "there will be a new dawn in the sunset of your life, for it is not over just yet. Your husband had gone to join the stars we see above, now he can watch over you and your children so much the clearer."
Holding back the tears from her eyes, "Those are beautiful words spoken my lord, but I fear it would not be so easy."
"No one said it was going to be easy." Elladan said quietly, "but you will overcome the darkness and find light, if not for yourself, for your children."
"I fear I will not be able to face this alone."
Elladan stopped the horses and turned to face towards her. He reached for her hands and squeezed it gently, looking into her eyes he said sincerely, "You will not be alone." Gilraen held onto his hands and bit back her tears, "Thank you." She said softly.
"We are here!"
The children's screaming broke the silence within the wagon and gave Elladan quite a start. He chuckled slightly and said, "These children are going to be quite a handful."
Gilraen laughed lightly and said, "Oh Master Elf, you do not know anything yet!"
A guard of the Rivendell gates came towards them; Elladan gave the reins to the guard while the others went to the wagon and helped carry all the human's belongings. He jumped out from his place and went to assist Gilraen down. The young woman stepped down the wagon lightly, the earth beneath her feet felt soft, the wind blew slightly towards the direction of the gate as though inviting her to go in. The sight in front of her was magnificent. The gates were tall and wide, made out of shiny black steel, strong and firm to protect it's people from distant enemies, the pillars on the side were decorated with all sorts of delicate carvings and patterns she did not understand. Mallorn leaves clung onto those pillars and swirled from the top to bottom, surrounding the area were gorgeous flowers and tress, all swaying back and forth elegantly. The air filled with the sweetness of the flowers, for the first time, she felt calm.
While taking the sight in, Elladan was busy instructing the guards on what to do, Elrohir was trying to get the children in one place, but with a lot of difficulty. They were too excited to stand still, knowing that they were going to live amongst these walls proved to be too much for them. All they wanted to do was to run around and feel the wind through their fingers, while Elrohir felt nothing but sweat.
Throwing his hands up in the air, he sighed and said loudly, "I give up! I am going to make someone else do this."
"Dodging your responsibilities again? I doubt that your father is going to like that!" A new voice boomed. Everyone turned, including the children. It belonged to a tall, golden haired elf who stood on top of the steps. He wore a long blue robe lined with silvery linings; his bright blue eyes were twinkling with amusement, watching what was going on beneath.
"Ha, I would like to see YOU try, Glorfindel." Elrohir retorted, sitting down on one of the steps, exhausted.
Glorfindel descended the steps with a chuckle, "Wish I can, but as you know, I have actual responsibilities to attend to."
He walked towards Gilraen and bowed slightly, "Welcome to Rivendell, my lady, I do hope these two did not give you much trouble."
Gilraen smiled and replied, "Oh, of course not, my Lord, they had been so helpful....I really do not know what to say...." Emotions filled her heart, she smiled slightly. "The children love them."
"I am sure they do." Glorfindel grinned, seeing Aragorn jumping on top of Elrohir while he yelped in surprised. The guards have all now started to chuckle at the sight.
"Lord Elrond wanted me to come and greet you first, as today a number of adversaries from the other lands had came to discuss many issues, I am afraid he will not be able to get away from it for some time."
"Oh please do tell him not to give himself more trouble; we are fine as it is!" Gilraen said in surprise, "I do not wish to disturb him more."
A guard came up to Glorfindel and announced, "The rooms are ready, my lord."
"Hannon Le." He replied, giving an arm for Gilraen, and led the way. Before leaving he called out to Elrohir.
"Elrohir! The rooms are ready, bring the children along!"
A grunt was all that was heard, the two of them laughed and went towards the chambers.
"How do you fare?" Glorfindel asked.
Gilraen replied, "Surprisingly well, my lord, though the pain is still fresh, I do not believe it will go away for some time."
"He was a good man."
She smiled sadly and said, "Yes, he was."
Glorfindel lead her to her room, a young elf maid opened the door just as he was about to turn the knob.
"My lord! I did not know you were coming so soon!"
Glorfindel laughed, "It is quite all right, I was just showing Gilraen the way, this is Lori," nodding, "she will be assisting you in everyway."
"Oh it is not necessary!' Gilraen reacted.
"No, my lady, it is my duty to be sure you are well settled." Lori replied, "Really, if there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask."
"Thank you so much...." Gilraen replied gratefully, she did not know what to say.
"Shall I leave you with Lori to organize your things?" Glorfindel asked, "or would you like to take a walk around?"
"I am rather tired, "Gilraen replied, "I think I shall get everything ready for the children, would you mind holding that walk until later?"
The golden haired elf smiled and said, "Of course, my Lady." He bowed to her and nodded at Lori, than he went towards Elrond's study, where the meeting took place.
Aragorn and Aelinia had been having quite the time of their life. For the whole afternoon, they held onto Elrohir while he took them around the Last Homely House. He showed them the stables and let them groomed the horses that took them there, he introduced them to all the servants who helped the family while sneaking them both off to the kitchen to steal some Elven bread. It was good the children enjoyed it or else Elrohir would have been killed by the cook. "Bringing the children to steal food!" She had said, "now that is a terrific start for them!" Elrohir could not help but chuckle, Elladan and himself had been nicking off food from her ever since he knew he could eat.
By the end of the day, the children were worn off, though Aelinia showed much more stamina than her brother, whilst Aragorn had already been tucked into bed, she showered Elrohir many questions of everything, asking enthusiastically if he will take her around more tomorrow. Elrohir looked at Gilraen for help.
Gilraen laughed and came to save the poor elf, "Now, now, Aelinia you must give poor Elrohir some space! He has been taking you around all day and you still wish to go on?"
Aelinia squealed in reply, "Oh yes mother! Rivendell is such a lovely place, there are so many things I have yet to see!"
"It will take you a long time to know everything around here."
"Well," Aelinia replied, "We have a long time! I want to know everything and anything!"
Elrohir laughed also, "My my, are we not the most curious child here? I promise I will take you tomorrow, and any day you like, but you must rest or else you will not have to strength to even get down from your bed!"
"Promise?"
"I promise." Elrohir replied. "Now go to sleep, before your mother gives a fit."
Gilraen smiled and pulled the soft blanket over her daughter, she kissed her lightly on the forehead. "Good night, Aelinia."
"Good night, Mama." She yawned, very soon after, she was fast asleep.
"All right, now that that is settled, I should be off." Elrohir said.
"Thank you so much for today, I do believe the children had taken quite the liking on you." Gilraen said.
"Oh they better."
They both chuckled, than he bid her good night and left, closing the door softly behind him.
Gilraen leaned against the wooden door and closed her eyes. Her mind was swirled with different memories and thoughts, a new home, a new life she must lead, all seems to be very overwhelming at the moment. She decided to take a walk outside to clear her mind, making sure the children were settled; she donned a light robe and stepped out.
Right outside of the chamber was a balcony, she leaned onto the railing. The scenery in front of her was so magical, unlike any other place she had ever been. Up above the night sky, it was like velvet sprinkled with stars as if trying to outshine the moon. The light shone gently, caressing the leaves of the trees, giving them a hint of silvery lining, making the whole forest glisten.
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes once again, feeling the night air, and soothing surroundings of the trees.
"It is rather late for a woman, such as yourself to still be amongst these trees at this hour."
Gilraen was startled by the new voice, she turned quickly and saw whom the voice belonged to.
An elf, tall and slender, stood a few feet away from her. His gray eyes shone like the night sky, bore into her mind, his brow arched as if catching a child not yet in bed, his face neither young nor old, but showed great wisdom and strength that the years gave him.
"I am sorry to have startled you, my lady." He said gently, seeing to her reaction.
Gilraen blushed and replied, "Oh no My lord, my mind wanders, I did not notice you were here."
"I wish I could have been there to take you and the children in myself today, but recently there had been tides of unfortunate events, causing many people from all over Middle Earth to gather for council, I do apologize."
"You have done too much for me and my children already Lord Elrond, please do not apologize for something so trivial, what is the problems of my own, when compared to the great scheme of Middle Earth? Please do not worry, we had settled well with the help of your sons."
He chuckled lightly as the mention of his sons, "They have treated you well I hope?"
Gilraen smiled and said, "The children loved them."
Lord Elrond walked towards Gilraen and joined her. He too leaned against the pale, white railings and gazed at the forest. "The fate of the little ones would not come easy.'
"I know." Gilraen whispered.
"Have you had thought of when to tell them the truth?"
Gilraen gazed at the sight in front of her and sighed, such a beautiful night, yet the thoughts in her mind are far from beauty, rather darkness.
"Do not think of this as a shadow, Gilraen, for light will come when they are ready."
Gilraen looked up in surprise, "That is what Elladan said."
Lord Elrond chuckled, "Well, he is my son after all." But after, his visage turned serious, he looked at the woman and said, "I know what is it you wish."
Gilraen remained silent.
"You wish the children to remain here, to be in the care of the hands of Elves, you wish them to have a good life, and forget the memories of yesterday."
"I wish you would be able to give them love," she said quietly, "to give them the love of a father, a love they have lost too soon."
Never taking his eyes off her, he laid his hand on her shoulder, "And what of the love of a mother? You cannot leave them with only one love."
"I wish to remain with the children until I can no longer stay, one day, my lord, I would not be needed in their lives, and all I will bring is pain to them, and I cannot bare thinking that my very existence would bring them nothing."
"How is it that your existence would bring them pain? They need you, Gilraen, they need your love, they have lost one already just as you had said, can you bare it if you knew how they would feel if they have lost another?"
"Please, Lord Elrond...it is my wish....to remain until the day I cannot. It is all I ask."
The Lord of Rivendell sighed, "I know there is nothing that can change your heart, I only hope you had made the right decision."
Gilraen smiled and placed a hand on his cheek, "All I had to do, was to see your sons, than I know I had made the right decision. You are a great leader, and a great father, the two children will need your guidance."
The night no longer was young, as the two stood side by side under the moonlight, watching the gray clouds clear as the first rays of the sun appeared on the horizon. A new day has begun, but it would not be the last.
"Oh look at the birds! They are so beautiful!" Aelinia cried with joy, pointing towards to sky with her small fingers, she was sitting on top of Elrohir's shoulders, he decided to walk the rest of the way, as sitting on a horse too long can be uncomfortable even for an elf. And Aelinia enjoyed the journey so much he thought she might like to be out of the wagon.
"How long will it be until we reach Rivendell?" Aragorn asked, poking his head out.
Elladan turned with a smile and replied, "We shall be there quite soon, young one, after crossing this bridge," he pointed out, "we will be there."
Squealing with delight, the little boy nested his face against the wagon cloth and watched everything that went passed him, everything was so new to him, the sights along the road were all he had never seen, the creatures, the birds, even the flowers and plants were all fresh to his mind.
Gilraen sat quietly inside the wagon, watching her two children. The excitement on their faces show no trace of what had happened the night before. Of course not, she had not told them what was the real reason of their departure, and she did not intend to. Not until the time is right, thought, gazing at her children, not until the time is right.
Elladan, who was steering the horses, sensed her discomfort. "You must not hold a heavy heart my lady," He said, "there will be a new dawn in the sunset of your life, for it is not over just yet. Your husband had gone to join the stars we see above, now he can watch over you and your children so much the clearer."
Holding back the tears from her eyes, "Those are beautiful words spoken my lord, but I fear it would not be so easy."
"No one said it was going to be easy." Elladan said quietly, "but you will overcome the darkness and find light, if not for yourself, for your children."
"I fear I will not be able to face this alone."
Elladan stopped the horses and turned to face towards her. He reached for her hands and squeezed it gently, looking into her eyes he said sincerely, "You will not be alone." Gilraen held onto his hands and bit back her tears, "Thank you." She said softly.
"We are here!"
The children's screaming broke the silence within the wagon and gave Elladan quite a start. He chuckled slightly and said, "These children are going to be quite a handful."
Gilraen laughed lightly and said, "Oh Master Elf, you do not know anything yet!"
A guard of the Rivendell gates came towards them; Elladan gave the reins to the guard while the others went to the wagon and helped carry all the human's belongings. He jumped out from his place and went to assist Gilraen down. The young woman stepped down the wagon lightly, the earth beneath her feet felt soft, the wind blew slightly towards the direction of the gate as though inviting her to go in. The sight in front of her was magnificent. The gates were tall and wide, made out of shiny black steel, strong and firm to protect it's people from distant enemies, the pillars on the side were decorated with all sorts of delicate carvings and patterns she did not understand. Mallorn leaves clung onto those pillars and swirled from the top to bottom, surrounding the area were gorgeous flowers and tress, all swaying back and forth elegantly. The air filled with the sweetness of the flowers, for the first time, she felt calm.
While taking the sight in, Elladan was busy instructing the guards on what to do, Elrohir was trying to get the children in one place, but with a lot of difficulty. They were too excited to stand still, knowing that they were going to live amongst these walls proved to be too much for them. All they wanted to do was to run around and feel the wind through their fingers, while Elrohir felt nothing but sweat.
Throwing his hands up in the air, he sighed and said loudly, "I give up! I am going to make someone else do this."
"Dodging your responsibilities again? I doubt that your father is going to like that!" A new voice boomed. Everyone turned, including the children. It belonged to a tall, golden haired elf who stood on top of the steps. He wore a long blue robe lined with silvery linings; his bright blue eyes were twinkling with amusement, watching what was going on beneath.
"Ha, I would like to see YOU try, Glorfindel." Elrohir retorted, sitting down on one of the steps, exhausted.
Glorfindel descended the steps with a chuckle, "Wish I can, but as you know, I have actual responsibilities to attend to."
He walked towards Gilraen and bowed slightly, "Welcome to Rivendell, my lady, I do hope these two did not give you much trouble."
Gilraen smiled and replied, "Oh, of course not, my Lord, they had been so helpful....I really do not know what to say...." Emotions filled her heart, she smiled slightly. "The children love them."
"I am sure they do." Glorfindel grinned, seeing Aragorn jumping on top of Elrohir while he yelped in surprised. The guards have all now started to chuckle at the sight.
"Lord Elrond wanted me to come and greet you first, as today a number of adversaries from the other lands had came to discuss many issues, I am afraid he will not be able to get away from it for some time."
"Oh please do tell him not to give himself more trouble; we are fine as it is!" Gilraen said in surprise, "I do not wish to disturb him more."
A guard came up to Glorfindel and announced, "The rooms are ready, my lord."
"Hannon Le." He replied, giving an arm for Gilraen, and led the way. Before leaving he called out to Elrohir.
"Elrohir! The rooms are ready, bring the children along!"
A grunt was all that was heard, the two of them laughed and went towards the chambers.
"How do you fare?" Glorfindel asked.
Gilraen replied, "Surprisingly well, my lord, though the pain is still fresh, I do not believe it will go away for some time."
"He was a good man."
She smiled sadly and said, "Yes, he was."
Glorfindel lead her to her room, a young elf maid opened the door just as he was about to turn the knob.
"My lord! I did not know you were coming so soon!"
Glorfindel laughed, "It is quite all right, I was just showing Gilraen the way, this is Lori," nodding, "she will be assisting you in everyway."
"Oh it is not necessary!' Gilraen reacted.
"No, my lady, it is my duty to be sure you are well settled." Lori replied, "Really, if there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask."
"Thank you so much...." Gilraen replied gratefully, she did not know what to say.
"Shall I leave you with Lori to organize your things?" Glorfindel asked, "or would you like to take a walk around?"
"I am rather tired, "Gilraen replied, "I think I shall get everything ready for the children, would you mind holding that walk until later?"
The golden haired elf smiled and said, "Of course, my Lady." He bowed to her and nodded at Lori, than he went towards Elrond's study, where the meeting took place.
Aragorn and Aelinia had been having quite the time of their life. For the whole afternoon, they held onto Elrohir while he took them around the Last Homely House. He showed them the stables and let them groomed the horses that took them there, he introduced them to all the servants who helped the family while sneaking them both off to the kitchen to steal some Elven bread. It was good the children enjoyed it or else Elrohir would have been killed by the cook. "Bringing the children to steal food!" She had said, "now that is a terrific start for them!" Elrohir could not help but chuckle, Elladan and himself had been nicking off food from her ever since he knew he could eat.
By the end of the day, the children were worn off, though Aelinia showed much more stamina than her brother, whilst Aragorn had already been tucked into bed, she showered Elrohir many questions of everything, asking enthusiastically if he will take her around more tomorrow. Elrohir looked at Gilraen for help.
Gilraen laughed and came to save the poor elf, "Now, now, Aelinia you must give poor Elrohir some space! He has been taking you around all day and you still wish to go on?"
Aelinia squealed in reply, "Oh yes mother! Rivendell is such a lovely place, there are so many things I have yet to see!"
"It will take you a long time to know everything around here."
"Well," Aelinia replied, "We have a long time! I want to know everything and anything!"
Elrohir laughed also, "My my, are we not the most curious child here? I promise I will take you tomorrow, and any day you like, but you must rest or else you will not have to strength to even get down from your bed!"
"Promise?"
"I promise." Elrohir replied. "Now go to sleep, before your mother gives a fit."
Gilraen smiled and pulled the soft blanket over her daughter, she kissed her lightly on the forehead. "Good night, Aelinia."
"Good night, Mama." She yawned, very soon after, she was fast asleep.
"All right, now that that is settled, I should be off." Elrohir said.
"Thank you so much for today, I do believe the children had taken quite the liking on you." Gilraen said.
"Oh they better."
They both chuckled, than he bid her good night and left, closing the door softly behind him.
Gilraen leaned against the wooden door and closed her eyes. Her mind was swirled with different memories and thoughts, a new home, a new life she must lead, all seems to be very overwhelming at the moment. She decided to take a walk outside to clear her mind, making sure the children were settled; she donned a light robe and stepped out.
Right outside of the chamber was a balcony, she leaned onto the railing. The scenery in front of her was so magical, unlike any other place she had ever been. Up above the night sky, it was like velvet sprinkled with stars as if trying to outshine the moon. The light shone gently, caressing the leaves of the trees, giving them a hint of silvery lining, making the whole forest glisten.
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes once again, feeling the night air, and soothing surroundings of the trees.
"It is rather late for a woman, such as yourself to still be amongst these trees at this hour."
Gilraen was startled by the new voice, she turned quickly and saw whom the voice belonged to.
An elf, tall and slender, stood a few feet away from her. His gray eyes shone like the night sky, bore into her mind, his brow arched as if catching a child not yet in bed, his face neither young nor old, but showed great wisdom and strength that the years gave him.
"I am sorry to have startled you, my lady." He said gently, seeing to her reaction.
Gilraen blushed and replied, "Oh no My lord, my mind wanders, I did not notice you were here."
"I wish I could have been there to take you and the children in myself today, but recently there had been tides of unfortunate events, causing many people from all over Middle Earth to gather for council, I do apologize."
"You have done too much for me and my children already Lord Elrond, please do not apologize for something so trivial, what is the problems of my own, when compared to the great scheme of Middle Earth? Please do not worry, we had settled well with the help of your sons."
He chuckled lightly as the mention of his sons, "They have treated you well I hope?"
Gilraen smiled and said, "The children loved them."
Lord Elrond walked towards Gilraen and joined her. He too leaned against the pale, white railings and gazed at the forest. "The fate of the little ones would not come easy.'
"I know." Gilraen whispered.
"Have you had thought of when to tell them the truth?"
Gilraen gazed at the sight in front of her and sighed, such a beautiful night, yet the thoughts in her mind are far from beauty, rather darkness.
"Do not think of this as a shadow, Gilraen, for light will come when they are ready."
Gilraen looked up in surprise, "That is what Elladan said."
Lord Elrond chuckled, "Well, he is my son after all." But after, his visage turned serious, he looked at the woman and said, "I know what is it you wish."
Gilraen remained silent.
"You wish the children to remain here, to be in the care of the hands of Elves, you wish them to have a good life, and forget the memories of yesterday."
"I wish you would be able to give them love," she said quietly, "to give them the love of a father, a love they have lost too soon."
Never taking his eyes off her, he laid his hand on her shoulder, "And what of the love of a mother? You cannot leave them with only one love."
"I wish to remain with the children until I can no longer stay, one day, my lord, I would not be needed in their lives, and all I will bring is pain to them, and I cannot bare thinking that my very existence would bring them nothing."
"How is it that your existence would bring them pain? They need you, Gilraen, they need your love, they have lost one already just as you had said, can you bare it if you knew how they would feel if they have lost another?"
"Please, Lord Elrond...it is my wish....to remain until the day I cannot. It is all I ask."
The Lord of Rivendell sighed, "I know there is nothing that can change your heart, I only hope you had made the right decision."
Gilraen smiled and placed a hand on his cheek, "All I had to do, was to see your sons, than I know I had made the right decision. You are a great leader, and a great father, the two children will need your guidance."
The night no longer was young, as the two stood side by side under the moonlight, watching the gray clouds clear as the first rays of the sun appeared on the horizon. A new day has begun, but it would not be the last.