13. Alluring Arachnids
"Whatever were you thinking?" Galadriel asked the dark headed elleth standing at the terrace window, looking out over the garden.
"I was thinking of love." she replied. Galadriel crossed to her, taking one cool hand in her own, a desperate look on her face. Pale morning light filtered into the room, casting an ethereal glow upon the two women.
"Love with a human?" Galadriel demanded. "What can such a brief and fleeting creature know of the depths of love?"
"And what can a race such as ours know of how precious life is?" the other asked with a heart heavy sigh "We squander our gift, we do not live. We exist."
"Please, do not do this." Galadriel pleaded, her eyes misting. "do not give in to it."
"I cannot live without him." her voice was low and breathy. She trembled, turning empty eyes on Galadriel before crumpling to the floor.
"Luthien!" she cried out desperately, gathering the raven beauty in her arms with a painful moan. "Luthien, do not fade! Please, hold on."
"He is dead," Luthien breathed, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her flawless face. "he is dead and there is nothing more to hold on to."
"Luthien!" Galadriel sobbed rocking her in her arms. "You are my dearest friend, my sister. Please!"
"I can not be parted from him, not even in death." Luthien whispered, her eyes glassy as she drew in a shallow breath, "Beren."
"No!" Galadriel's cry shook her from sleep and she felt Celeborn's hand on her arm in the dim light of the early dawn. She buried her face in her hands with a dry sob, desperately trying to reign in her uncontrollable emotions.
"You could not save her." Celeborn said comfortingly, gathering her in his arms "It was her choice, just as it is Arwen's choice now. As much as I hate to admit it, you are right, there is nothing we can do."
"It was her fathers fault!" Galadriel said angrily, desperation finally forcing the words she had so long feared to speak. "Thingol might just as well have killed them both!"
"No," Celeborn soothed, stroking her hair as he planted a soft kiss on the top of her head. "It was the fault of love. I would die sooner than be parted from you meleth nin. Was Beren a man less worthy of love than I? Is the son of Arathorn not as deserving of love? Many were the times I might have fallen in battle but you have not loved me less. It is the risk of all love."
"And I shall always love you." she whispered, kissing his bare chest as she drew her arms around his waist. "As I shall love you." he replied tenderly.
****************************************************
The soft morning light filtered through the window, casting its first rays upon the floor of the bed chamber. Aragorn rolled over in his sleep, a smile playing across his face. A shadow passed over him but he didn't stir as he clutched his pillow like a child holding tight to a favorite toy.
"Estel." the voice was little more than a whisper and not enough to draw the young human from his peaceful slumber.
"Estel."
He sighed contentedly and the feathered end of an arrow lightly brushed his ear. He awoke with a start, nearly falling out of bed and his face reddened at the evil giggle that greeted him.
"Arwen, what are you doing here?" he asked in surprise. She was standing beside his bed in dove gray leggings and a long green silk tunic, tied with a sash around her slender waist. In one hand she held a bow and in the other she twirled an arrow.
"You are late for our match." she replied, hardly holding in her giggle at the tussled human boy.
"Did you poke me in the ear?" he asked, his face growing slightly redder.
"I did not poke." she replied in mock disdain "I tickled. And I do not have all day to wait for you, Lord Aragorn, are you coming or not?"
"It is not even dawn." He said with a frown, his blush deepening at her gentle teasing.
"Estel, I am stunned," she replied with a grin "It has been dawn for three whole minutes. A Ranger should know better." He chuckled as he looked up at her. Even dressed as a hunter she was still gloriously beautiful, the simplicity of her clothing only adding to her allure.
"Um, Arwen?" Aragorn said seriously.
"Yes?" she smiled. He motioned for her to face away and she felt her skin flush as she turned her back on him. She could hear him quickly slipping out of bed and struggling into his clothes, and she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye as he dressed.
"How did you get into my room?" he asked with a frown, pulling on his tunic and running his fingers through his hair. "I thought I bolted the door."
"The same way we are getting out." she replied "can I turn around now?"
"I suppose so." he answered trying not to laugh as she whirled to face him. Her eyes brimming with mirth and mischief as she smiled at him.
"Ada is not going to be happy when he finds we've both gone missing." he chuckled, tightening his sword belt and scooping up his bow and quiver.
"Oh we will be back before anyone has had a chance to miss us." she assured, taking his hand and drawing him out onto the terrace.
"Arwen, the door is the other way." he said seriously.
"And if we use it, I shall doubtless be stopped by the first guardian we pass and forced to take an entire troop of guards with us." she replied. She tossed her leg over the rail, straddling it and waving him closer. He leaned over, looking down into the woods with a tense expression before meeting her gaze again.
"It is a long way down," he said uneasily "I would not wish you to be injured."
"I have made the climb many times since I was an elfling." she replied, "Your room used to be mine. I can assure you, the way is quite safe." Without a pause she slipped over the side, climbing down the trellis in expert fashion. Aragorn shook his head in admiration, watching her a moment before following after her.
****************************************************
"But you cannot go to the ranges this morning!" Elrohir said desperately "I am meeting Eirien there and the moment she sees us together she will find us out!"
"Then arrange to meet her somewhere else!" Elladan snapped angrily as he dressed. He and Elrohir had shared the same suite since they were elflings, at their own request. This was the first morning in nearly three thousand years that he wished he had a room of his own. Elrohir was sitting on his twin's bed, a look of anxiety marring his otherwise handsome features. Elladan was trying hard not to scowl at him.
"What are you doing on the ranges this morning that is so important?" His twin demanded angrily.
"Nothing." Elladan lied.
"Well why can you not do that somewhere else?" His chest was heaving and his eyes had creased to menacing slits. The older twin shook his head, slipping an arm around the younger's shoulders as he sat beside him.
"I truly am sorry, but it cannot be helped." he said with a sigh. He felt badly over the discomfort he was causing his brother but he could see no way around it. He had promised to help Indelin this morning on the condition that she would tell no one. He had done it in part to protect Elrohir and his deception of Eirien. He could only imagine the disaster if Indelin were to tell her friend that she was meeting Elladan at the same time Eirien was. "I promise not to show my face, it is the best I can offer."
"Ada will kill us." Elrohir shook his head with an uneasy frown.
"With any luck you will already be wed to Eirien before he finds out." Elladan joked.
"Why are you dressed like me?" Elrohir asked suddenly, taking in his twin's appearance. They had made a habit of never wearing the same colors at the same time but this morning they were identical down to the last button.
"Trust me, brother, by the end of the day you will be happy I did." Elladan replied. "Did you check Estel's door this morning?"
"Yes," Elrohir nodded with a satisfied smile. "The string is still wedged in the door. Are you certain he can not get out?"
"Quite." Elladan replied grimly. "The door will open from the outside only, he will be trapped in there until someone comes looking for him."
"Do you not think it a bit cruel?" Elrohir asked uneasily.
"I think it practical." Elladan replied. "He can not meet with her if he is a prisoner in his bedchamber. We will let him out once she is sufficiently angry."
"Knowing Arwen we will not have to wait long." Elrohir cringed. "We had better hope she does not find us out. She will geld us both."
***************************************
"Indelin wherever are you going?" Meril asked, looking at the younger elleth with appraising eyes as she and Eirien descended the steps. Indelin was dressed in an archer's gown, it was sleeveless with a low scooped neck and she held a pair of leather gloves and a bow. The entry hall was empty save for the three elleths and the presence of the older two suddenly made her nervous.
"I am going to the ranges." Indelin replied, trying to look imposing like Elladan had taught her.
"Dearest, you can not shoot." Eirien pointed out.
"I am quite well aware of that." Indelin replied with a frown. "But Orophin can, and I had hoped that if I looked like I required a teacher he might oblige me." The two older maidens stared at each other with open mouths.
"It is brilliant!" Meril said with a wicked grin.
"Meril dear, why have we never thought of it?" Eirien asked.
"Indelin, I am impressed." Meril said, smiling proudly at her young friend. "Where did you get such an idea?" Indelin cringed, she was not exactly the best liar.
"It just came to me." she answered lamely.
"If it works for you I shall have to try it on Legolas." she said, her eyes sparkling mischievously, making her stunning features even more beautiful.
"Well I do not have to try it on anyone." Eirien said proudly "Elladan is meeting me at the ranges."
"Good work." Meril said slyly "at least one of us has managed to snare our elf." Indelin looked at her uneasily. She was supposed to meet Elladan in only a few minutes, what would Eirien say when she found out?
"I must be off!" Eirien giggled and she headed out the door, giving Indelin a playful poke in the arm as she passed.
"I do believe I should change!" Meril smiled, "I have that lovely little archers gown that shows off my shoulders.
"But Meril," Indelin stammered, "You're a very fine archer."
"Indelin dearest," Meril grinned, turning back on the steps "You and I know that, but the dear princeling does not." With a devious laugh she was gone back up the stairs and Indelin let out a heavy sigh.
It was a glorious day, bright with color and filled with the smells of autumn. The sun shone warm, a comforting contrast to the cool breeze and Indelin smiled as she slipped through the trees toward the ranges. She felt something hit the back of her head and she paused on the path to find a walnut laying at her feet.
"Elladan?" she frowned, resting her hands on her hips.
"How did you know?" he teased, stepping out from behind a tree.
"It is quite simple." Indelin replied, trying not to laugh as she rubbed the back of her head. "There are no walnut trees here.
"Ah, well, there is that." he said, giving her an almost wolfish grin as he took in her gown with obvious satisfaction. "My, don't we have a fine eye for fashion?"
"You do not think it is a bit revealing?" Indelin asked uneasily, looking at her bare arms and the low neckline with a hint of a blush.
"I think it is very revealing, that is the whole point, Indelin." he replied. He motioned her off the path and they ducked behind a hedge.
"I will be on the ranges today." he said seriously "remember your promise, you will not tell anyone?" Indelin shook her head.
"I have never even held a bow properly before." she sighed, fingering the weapon in her hands nervously. "Are there not simpler ways to snare an elf? Eirien seems to be doing quite well with you."
"Trust me, this is the simple way." Elladan chuckled in spite of himself, "Indelin, you can not be always hidden in the shadows. Flowers cannot bloom where the sun does not shine on them. Eirien is doing well because she is not afraid to be noticed and her current catch is not afraid to notice her."
"Are you in love with Eirien?" she asked wistfully, Elladan couldn't help but smile and he cupped her chin in his hand.
"Indelin, it is far too early to say." he said gently, feeling just a bit guilty for his lack of honesty. "We will see. In the mean time you have your own elf to snare."
"Elladan, I am not sure I can do this." she said biting her lip.
"You will be fine, pen neth." he smiled, "Just do not forget what I told you, and remember, we are keeping your options open. Do not be afraid if another elf approaches you."
"I think I shall probably drop dead of fright if any elf approaches me." she sighed. He could not help but laugh and he gave her a gentle nudge onto the path. Not a moment too soon he realized. As Indelin disappeared around the bend Elrohir approached from the house, a rather tense, and somewhat thrilled expression on his face. Elladan stole deeper into the trees, making his way toward the ranges. He had two sets of lovers to keep an eye on and he didn't intend to miss a thing.
*************************
Author's note - I got a question about my timeline and it occurred to me that probably a quarter of my readers haven't actually read the books. I thought maybe I should explain that my long love affair with Arda requires me to cling to cannon and a little history lesson might be in order. If you haven't read Appendix A then here's the condensed version of the historical particulars. - Aragorn meets Arwen in Imladris in 2951 of the III age when he is 20 and she is 2710, they're quite taken with each other but Elrond says that his daughter will marry no one but a king. Aragorn spends the next 30 years roaming middle earth and killing orcs when he shows up at the borders of Lothlorien at the age of 49. Arwen is there and Tolkien implies that she's either fading or incredibly depressed, [shrugs] (care to hazard a guess why?) Aragorn gives her his snake ring as an engagement present before heading out to slay orcsies again. In 3019 III in his prime at the age of 88 he kicks Sauron's butt, takes over Gondor and marries Arwen, and the rest, as they say, is history.
**********************
pua lahi lahi - Glorfindel was probably an arrogant s.o.b. once but death and balrogs loosened him up and now he's just a delinquent, but that's just my opinion.
Cerridwen - I think the Lord and Lady were resting up from their nocturnal activities, Galadriel usually has nightmares when she's "overly tired" whatever *that* means.
grumpy - For my story he's definitely a virgin. Tolkien never says but you have to figure that growing up in Rivendell the selection was pretty slim.
Converted - I learned to drive in the 80's so I can tell you first hand how dangerous that music is. One does wonder how I'm going to pull a happy ending out of this though, consider it your motivation to keep reading. And I'll consider your reviews as my motivation to keep writing (I like them when they're long, frequent and come from as many people as possible) Ok, how did you get ROTK on DVD? No wait... Yo ho yo ho a pirates life for me...
me - *Miss* Aragorn without his leggings? Isn't that a bit like saying you *missed* the 10,000 Uruk Hai at the Hornburg? How do you miss something like that? (Actually I think it's in chapter 25 but I'm not sure yet since I've only drafted to 21).
"Whatever were you thinking?" Galadriel asked the dark headed elleth standing at the terrace window, looking out over the garden.
"I was thinking of love." she replied. Galadriel crossed to her, taking one cool hand in her own, a desperate look on her face. Pale morning light filtered into the room, casting an ethereal glow upon the two women.
"Love with a human?" Galadriel demanded. "What can such a brief and fleeting creature know of the depths of love?"
"And what can a race such as ours know of how precious life is?" the other asked with a heart heavy sigh "We squander our gift, we do not live. We exist."
"Please, do not do this." Galadriel pleaded, her eyes misting. "do not give in to it."
"I cannot live without him." her voice was low and breathy. She trembled, turning empty eyes on Galadriel before crumpling to the floor.
"Luthien!" she cried out desperately, gathering the raven beauty in her arms with a painful moan. "Luthien, do not fade! Please, hold on."
"He is dead," Luthien breathed, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her flawless face. "he is dead and there is nothing more to hold on to."
"Luthien!" Galadriel sobbed rocking her in her arms. "You are my dearest friend, my sister. Please!"
"I can not be parted from him, not even in death." Luthien whispered, her eyes glassy as she drew in a shallow breath, "Beren."
"No!" Galadriel's cry shook her from sleep and she felt Celeborn's hand on her arm in the dim light of the early dawn. She buried her face in her hands with a dry sob, desperately trying to reign in her uncontrollable emotions.
"You could not save her." Celeborn said comfortingly, gathering her in his arms "It was her choice, just as it is Arwen's choice now. As much as I hate to admit it, you are right, there is nothing we can do."
"It was her fathers fault!" Galadriel said angrily, desperation finally forcing the words she had so long feared to speak. "Thingol might just as well have killed them both!"
"No," Celeborn soothed, stroking her hair as he planted a soft kiss on the top of her head. "It was the fault of love. I would die sooner than be parted from you meleth nin. Was Beren a man less worthy of love than I? Is the son of Arathorn not as deserving of love? Many were the times I might have fallen in battle but you have not loved me less. It is the risk of all love."
"And I shall always love you." she whispered, kissing his bare chest as she drew her arms around his waist. "As I shall love you." he replied tenderly.
****************************************************
The soft morning light filtered through the window, casting its first rays upon the floor of the bed chamber. Aragorn rolled over in his sleep, a smile playing across his face. A shadow passed over him but he didn't stir as he clutched his pillow like a child holding tight to a favorite toy.
"Estel." the voice was little more than a whisper and not enough to draw the young human from his peaceful slumber.
"Estel."
He sighed contentedly and the feathered end of an arrow lightly brushed his ear. He awoke with a start, nearly falling out of bed and his face reddened at the evil giggle that greeted him.
"Arwen, what are you doing here?" he asked in surprise. She was standing beside his bed in dove gray leggings and a long green silk tunic, tied with a sash around her slender waist. In one hand she held a bow and in the other she twirled an arrow.
"You are late for our match." she replied, hardly holding in her giggle at the tussled human boy.
"Did you poke me in the ear?" he asked, his face growing slightly redder.
"I did not poke." she replied in mock disdain "I tickled. And I do not have all day to wait for you, Lord Aragorn, are you coming or not?"
"It is not even dawn." He said with a frown, his blush deepening at her gentle teasing.
"Estel, I am stunned," she replied with a grin "It has been dawn for three whole minutes. A Ranger should know better." He chuckled as he looked up at her. Even dressed as a hunter she was still gloriously beautiful, the simplicity of her clothing only adding to her allure.
"Um, Arwen?" Aragorn said seriously.
"Yes?" she smiled. He motioned for her to face away and she felt her skin flush as she turned her back on him. She could hear him quickly slipping out of bed and struggling into his clothes, and she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye as he dressed.
"How did you get into my room?" he asked with a frown, pulling on his tunic and running his fingers through his hair. "I thought I bolted the door."
"The same way we are getting out." she replied "can I turn around now?"
"I suppose so." he answered trying not to laugh as she whirled to face him. Her eyes brimming with mirth and mischief as she smiled at him.
"Ada is not going to be happy when he finds we've both gone missing." he chuckled, tightening his sword belt and scooping up his bow and quiver.
"Oh we will be back before anyone has had a chance to miss us." she assured, taking his hand and drawing him out onto the terrace.
"Arwen, the door is the other way." he said seriously.
"And if we use it, I shall doubtless be stopped by the first guardian we pass and forced to take an entire troop of guards with us." she replied. She tossed her leg over the rail, straddling it and waving him closer. He leaned over, looking down into the woods with a tense expression before meeting her gaze again.
"It is a long way down," he said uneasily "I would not wish you to be injured."
"I have made the climb many times since I was an elfling." she replied, "Your room used to be mine. I can assure you, the way is quite safe." Without a pause she slipped over the side, climbing down the trellis in expert fashion. Aragorn shook his head in admiration, watching her a moment before following after her.
****************************************************
"But you cannot go to the ranges this morning!" Elrohir said desperately "I am meeting Eirien there and the moment she sees us together she will find us out!"
"Then arrange to meet her somewhere else!" Elladan snapped angrily as he dressed. He and Elrohir had shared the same suite since they were elflings, at their own request. This was the first morning in nearly three thousand years that he wished he had a room of his own. Elrohir was sitting on his twin's bed, a look of anxiety marring his otherwise handsome features. Elladan was trying hard not to scowl at him.
"What are you doing on the ranges this morning that is so important?" His twin demanded angrily.
"Nothing." Elladan lied.
"Well why can you not do that somewhere else?" His chest was heaving and his eyes had creased to menacing slits. The older twin shook his head, slipping an arm around the younger's shoulders as he sat beside him.
"I truly am sorry, but it cannot be helped." he said with a sigh. He felt badly over the discomfort he was causing his brother but he could see no way around it. He had promised to help Indelin this morning on the condition that she would tell no one. He had done it in part to protect Elrohir and his deception of Eirien. He could only imagine the disaster if Indelin were to tell her friend that she was meeting Elladan at the same time Eirien was. "I promise not to show my face, it is the best I can offer."
"Ada will kill us." Elrohir shook his head with an uneasy frown.
"With any luck you will already be wed to Eirien before he finds out." Elladan joked.
"Why are you dressed like me?" Elrohir asked suddenly, taking in his twin's appearance. They had made a habit of never wearing the same colors at the same time but this morning they were identical down to the last button.
"Trust me, brother, by the end of the day you will be happy I did." Elladan replied. "Did you check Estel's door this morning?"
"Yes," Elrohir nodded with a satisfied smile. "The string is still wedged in the door. Are you certain he can not get out?"
"Quite." Elladan replied grimly. "The door will open from the outside only, he will be trapped in there until someone comes looking for him."
"Do you not think it a bit cruel?" Elrohir asked uneasily.
"I think it practical." Elladan replied. "He can not meet with her if he is a prisoner in his bedchamber. We will let him out once she is sufficiently angry."
"Knowing Arwen we will not have to wait long." Elrohir cringed. "We had better hope she does not find us out. She will geld us both."
***************************************
"Indelin wherever are you going?" Meril asked, looking at the younger elleth with appraising eyes as she and Eirien descended the steps. Indelin was dressed in an archer's gown, it was sleeveless with a low scooped neck and she held a pair of leather gloves and a bow. The entry hall was empty save for the three elleths and the presence of the older two suddenly made her nervous.
"I am going to the ranges." Indelin replied, trying to look imposing like Elladan had taught her.
"Dearest, you can not shoot." Eirien pointed out.
"I am quite well aware of that." Indelin replied with a frown. "But Orophin can, and I had hoped that if I looked like I required a teacher he might oblige me." The two older maidens stared at each other with open mouths.
"It is brilliant!" Meril said with a wicked grin.
"Meril dear, why have we never thought of it?" Eirien asked.
"Indelin, I am impressed." Meril said, smiling proudly at her young friend. "Where did you get such an idea?" Indelin cringed, she was not exactly the best liar.
"It just came to me." she answered lamely.
"If it works for you I shall have to try it on Legolas." she said, her eyes sparkling mischievously, making her stunning features even more beautiful.
"Well I do not have to try it on anyone." Eirien said proudly "Elladan is meeting me at the ranges."
"Good work." Meril said slyly "at least one of us has managed to snare our elf." Indelin looked at her uneasily. She was supposed to meet Elladan in only a few minutes, what would Eirien say when she found out?
"I must be off!" Eirien giggled and she headed out the door, giving Indelin a playful poke in the arm as she passed.
"I do believe I should change!" Meril smiled, "I have that lovely little archers gown that shows off my shoulders.
"But Meril," Indelin stammered, "You're a very fine archer."
"Indelin dearest," Meril grinned, turning back on the steps "You and I know that, but the dear princeling does not." With a devious laugh she was gone back up the stairs and Indelin let out a heavy sigh.
It was a glorious day, bright with color and filled with the smells of autumn. The sun shone warm, a comforting contrast to the cool breeze and Indelin smiled as she slipped through the trees toward the ranges. She felt something hit the back of her head and she paused on the path to find a walnut laying at her feet.
"Elladan?" she frowned, resting her hands on her hips.
"How did you know?" he teased, stepping out from behind a tree.
"It is quite simple." Indelin replied, trying not to laugh as she rubbed the back of her head. "There are no walnut trees here.
"Ah, well, there is that." he said, giving her an almost wolfish grin as he took in her gown with obvious satisfaction. "My, don't we have a fine eye for fashion?"
"You do not think it is a bit revealing?" Indelin asked uneasily, looking at her bare arms and the low neckline with a hint of a blush.
"I think it is very revealing, that is the whole point, Indelin." he replied. He motioned her off the path and they ducked behind a hedge.
"I will be on the ranges today." he said seriously "remember your promise, you will not tell anyone?" Indelin shook her head.
"I have never even held a bow properly before." she sighed, fingering the weapon in her hands nervously. "Are there not simpler ways to snare an elf? Eirien seems to be doing quite well with you."
"Trust me, this is the simple way." Elladan chuckled in spite of himself, "Indelin, you can not be always hidden in the shadows. Flowers cannot bloom where the sun does not shine on them. Eirien is doing well because she is not afraid to be noticed and her current catch is not afraid to notice her."
"Are you in love with Eirien?" she asked wistfully, Elladan couldn't help but smile and he cupped her chin in his hand.
"Indelin, it is far too early to say." he said gently, feeling just a bit guilty for his lack of honesty. "We will see. In the mean time you have your own elf to snare."
"Elladan, I am not sure I can do this." she said biting her lip.
"You will be fine, pen neth." he smiled, "Just do not forget what I told you, and remember, we are keeping your options open. Do not be afraid if another elf approaches you."
"I think I shall probably drop dead of fright if any elf approaches me." she sighed. He could not help but laugh and he gave her a gentle nudge onto the path. Not a moment too soon he realized. As Indelin disappeared around the bend Elrohir approached from the house, a rather tense, and somewhat thrilled expression on his face. Elladan stole deeper into the trees, making his way toward the ranges. He had two sets of lovers to keep an eye on and he didn't intend to miss a thing.
*************************
Author's note - I got a question about my timeline and it occurred to me that probably a quarter of my readers haven't actually read the books. I thought maybe I should explain that my long love affair with Arda requires me to cling to cannon and a little history lesson might be in order. If you haven't read Appendix A then here's the condensed version of the historical particulars. - Aragorn meets Arwen in Imladris in 2951 of the III age when he is 20 and she is 2710, they're quite taken with each other but Elrond says that his daughter will marry no one but a king. Aragorn spends the next 30 years roaming middle earth and killing orcs when he shows up at the borders of Lothlorien at the age of 49. Arwen is there and Tolkien implies that she's either fading or incredibly depressed, [shrugs] (care to hazard a guess why?) Aragorn gives her his snake ring as an engagement present before heading out to slay orcsies again. In 3019 III in his prime at the age of 88 he kicks Sauron's butt, takes over Gondor and marries Arwen, and the rest, as they say, is history.
**********************
pua lahi lahi - Glorfindel was probably an arrogant s.o.b. once but death and balrogs loosened him up and now he's just a delinquent, but that's just my opinion.
Cerridwen - I think the Lord and Lady were resting up from their nocturnal activities, Galadriel usually has nightmares when she's "overly tired" whatever *that* means.
grumpy - For my story he's definitely a virgin. Tolkien never says but you have to figure that growing up in Rivendell the selection was pretty slim.
Converted - I learned to drive in the 80's so I can tell you first hand how dangerous that music is. One does wonder how I'm going to pull a happy ending out of this though, consider it your motivation to keep reading. And I'll consider your reviews as my motivation to keep writing (I like them when they're long, frequent and come from as many people as possible) Ok, how did you get ROTK on DVD? No wait... Yo ho yo ho a pirates life for me...
me - *Miss* Aragorn without his leggings? Isn't that a bit like saying you *missed* the 10,000 Uruk Hai at the Hornburg? How do you miss something like that? (Actually I think it's in chapter 25 but I'm not sure yet since I've only drafted to 21).
