A/N: Thanks to my reviewers. Those that do anyway. No Tannari is not going to be the darks lords wife. Remember he uses people, the only thing he might value her for is a vessel. Anyway I know its been a long time and I'm sorry life it seems has carried me away (namely my darn job). Any way I hope someone will review. It's is a good thing that I'm not doing this for the reviews alone or I would have quit already. Not to say that little to no reviews doesn't hurt. Well anyway on with the story ….. As you know I don't own anything J.R.R.T.
__________________________________***___________________________________
Chapter #9
New found peace.
The sound of birds greeting the dawn finally woke the sleeping Tannari. Although reluctant to move from the heavenly covers, the soft mattress and the lavender scented pillows, Tannari stretched and pulled the covers from her face. Smiling as the warm sun caressed her face, she jumped at the sudden sound of someone knocking at the door. Jumping from her bed she grabbed the discarded robe from the chair wrapped it around her then cleared her throat.
"Please come in."
A moment later Leriel came in with other maids carrying hot pitchers of water. Leriel smiled at her then went into the other room Tannari didn't even realize was there. Peering in Tannari saw a rather large tub or small pool. She watched the maids pore hot water and oils into the pool or tub. Stepping further into the room Tannari looked around. Between marble white columns there were the most amazing paintings of elves dancing or kissing. But the pool was what really took her breath away, peering deep into it she saw the most beautiful mosaic. It was of a beautiful elf maiden carrying three jewels with the saddest look on her face.
" Far better than the sponge bath from last night I think." Leriel smiled at her while continuing to prepare the bath which was now nearly full. Snapping herself out of her daze Tannari turned and smiled at her.
"Your people are most kind Leriel I wouldn't even know how to begin to thank you."
"No need my lady. I am just glad to see you well." Ordering the other maids to leave Leriel turned to a hidden cupboard and removed three towels and set them on a beautiful couch that sat next to a wall. She then pulled two beautiful bottles out of the same cupboard and set them at the edge of the pool.
"To wash your hair with my lady." She said while gesturing to the bottles. Leriel paused at Tannari's sad expression.
"My lady what is it?"
Looking up Tannari did her best to smile but Leriel could tell it was forced because the smile did not reach her eyes.
"Tis nothing I am just most grateful for your kindness is all." This time when she smiled it did reach her eyes and Leriel smiled back.
" I will be back with a gown for breakfast. You are to dine with the lords and lady's table this morning and I will also bring a gown for tonight's feast."
"Feast?"
"To honor our new guest my lady. Your coming here is a good omen."
Standing up straight with wide eyes she was barley able to whisper. "What?"
Realizing she said the wrong thing Leriel became nervous. "Perhaps the one of the lords or the lady of light should be the one talking to you about this… I am sorry it is not my place." With that she quickly left leaving a very confused Tannari behind. Patience had never been one of her virtues but it would seem she would have to learn quick here. With a weary sigh she took off her robe and nightgown and slipped into the warm water. She decided to let things come as the came here. The smell of the oils completely relaxed her and seemed to lift all her heart ache away. Here, this place, right now she felt complete and at that moment she realized Leriel was right, she was meant to be here in the strange but beautiful place. She must have been lost in a daze because a frantic knock sounded on her bathroom door.
"Yes."
"My lady are you well? The meal is about to begin." Leriel's worried voice sounded clear on the other side of the door.
"Yes I am well I just seem to have lost track of time." With that Tannari quickly washed her hair and wrapped herself in the towel. Opening the door she could see Leriel Running around the room collecting things together and setting them in front of a mirror.
"Please my lady get dressed and I will finish here."
Tannari went over the bed were the dress lay and picked it up. It was an off white with red and gold trim. She went behind the dressing screen to change. The dress was very form fitting around the chest and the neck line was low and swooped lightly off the shoulders. The red trim lined the shoulder and the belled sleeves which made her look taller. The dress flared out at the hip and made her movements all the more seductive. Slipping on her shoes she made her way to Leriel who was patiently waiting. As Tannari sat down Leriel went to work on her hair braiding and plaiting her hair in a beautiful pattern.
When Tannari looked into the mirror she gasped. "Leriel isn't wonderful.. Thank you." Her hair was done up in front with small pink pearls and her hair was danced around a delicate silver crown that met on her forehead. The crown was a strange silver that didn't quit meet in the middle of her forehead but instead was connected by a red jewel in the shape of a sun the size of a small pea. The rest of her hair was cascading down her back in curls.
Tannari jumped from her seat and hugged Leriel completely catching the elf off guard. Leriel just giggled and hugged her back. "I am glad you are pleased with it my lady."
"Pleased…Pleased, are you joking it's beautiful. Your hired."
Leriel just laughed. "It is my pleasure my lady."
"Tannari.. Please just call me Tannari."
Leriel just stared at her. "I can not it would be improper my lady."
"Then when we are alone can you at least call me by my name?"
Seeing the Lady was not going to budge on the issue Leriel just smile and gave a nod.
Satisfied Tannari stood up and smiled. "Good… Well then I guess we should be on our way." Just as she crossed the room and reached for the door there came a knock making Tannari jump. With a grumble she mumbled 'This is getting irritating'. She open the door and grinned at a stunned Glorfindel.
"Well don't just stand there with your mouth gaping open like a fish escort me to the dinning hall." She waved her hand in front of his face to no avail so she snapped her fingers in front of his face snapping him out of it. He turned red cleared his throat then offered his arm, Tannari accepted it and the left her room.
Leriel watched them go and once they were out of ear shot her giggles consumed her, she had never seen Glorfindel so red in her life, how she wish she could make him blush like that. Shaking her head she went about cleaning the room.
_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*
Glorfindel and Tannari turned the last corner before reaching the great hall and stopped.
"Is something wrong my friend." Glorfindel smiled at the endearment.
"No nothing I just wanted to say how beautiful you look this morning."
"Thank you… I um was wondering, if I could get some material to make something to ride and fight in?"
"Fight?"
"Yes. Fight, I'm not just a magic wielder you know."
With a grin he put his other hand on hers. "Now that is something I would love to see. If your fighting skills are as good as you powers then I believe we are in for a treat."
"Well elf you'll have to wait until I can make something to move better in. I don't want to destroy another beautiful dress."
He smiled at the memory of her ripping her dress the last time she needed leg room. Clearing his throat and straitening himself they entered the dinning hall.
Everyone in the room seemed to stop talking once they entered. Her grip tightened on Glorfindel's arm, she really didn't like it when people stared. He patted her hand in a gesture of comfort and escorted her to her seat which placed her between Glorfindel and Lord Elrond on the other side of Elrond was the lord and lady of the golden wood and next to them was Gilgalad, who had the same look on his face as Glofindel did when he first saw her. This of course did not escape the attention of Elrond who tried to hide his grin with his cup while pretending to drink from it.
It was the lady Galadriel who broke the silence. " I trust you slept well?"
"Yes, very well thank you."
" We are going to have a meeting tomorrow afternoon if you are up to it that is. There is much we need to discuses."
"Yes that will be fine. More than fine, I know we all have many questions and I would be more than happy to answer what I can. It is the least I can do for all of the kindness you have shown."
Galadriel bowed her head in acknowledgement of her praise, pleased she trusted them at least to a certain extent.
"Good then tonight we feast and tomorrow we talk. I do not mean to rush but King Gilgalad must leave soon to deal with some unfortunate problems."
"Yes I was told. If there is need for my sword please let me know."
All looked up shocked. They knew she was powerful in the ways of magic but many thought the power they first felt would have been from a male, the idea of putting a female in the line of danger was out of the question. They had never even aloud Galadriel to fight, many had come to her for advise and she attended many battle meetings but never fought in battle even if every elf was taught to defend themselves. So any help they may have asked from her would have been in the area of wisdom she had or in the worst case scenario to help defend their home front, to help Galadriel protect the women and children, should they fail and the fight come to their door step but not to ride out with the men side by side with sword in hand.
Elrond looked at her confused. "My lady how did you know of our great war?"
"Great war?" She turned her attention back to Gilgalad. " You said it was a few problems, you never said anything about a 'Great War'."
All looked at Gilgalad who shook his head and with a sad sigh her looked at her again but the look on his face softened at the concerned look on hers. "My lady it is something I, we must worry about, please do not concern yourself. You must stay here until it is safe."
Slamming her hand on the table she stood, her eyes blazing and through grinding teeth she spoke slowly. " I am not a simple women my lord nor am I fragile. What affects one affects all and I will not stand by and allow others to fight alone where I can help." Everyone was silent, sighing she gathered herself by closing her eyes. "Surly you do not mean for me to stay here in the comfort of a palace while others die around me." Opening her eyes she looked at him again pleading and continued.
"I understand more than most my lord that this evil I felt in my dreams must be stopped before it spreads farther and it will…Farther than you can imagine. A wise ruler knows when to look past his pride and seek help."
"Perhaps we should save this discussion until tomorrow my lady." Elrond interrupted in a soft voice.
Closing her eyes again she desperately tried to gathered herself and when she felt calmer she then opened her eyes took a deep breath and turned her attention to Elrond. "My apologies My lord. You are right there will be time for this later, but be warned I will NOT let this happen again." She quietly sat down and finished her meal as the other stared on with stunned expressions.
Elrond took his glass and began sipping on it again, he wondered what she meant by again?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After the meal was done Glorfindel escorted her to the gardens in hopes to calm her. As they were wondering through the garden she bent over every now and then to smell a flower. The beauty and peace that flowed from this place continuously amazed her. Maybe if the fates allowed she could find peace here, even if there was a lot of male arrogance. Of course there was that dark man in her dreams, she could tell he would be a problem and she didn't care if the elves said no she was not going to let this new home fall to evil. She might as well say it 'this is going to be her new home' . She felt like a failure admitting that but she might as well, how could she get home now. Besides the people of her world deserved their new ruler. Her people were dead so there was nothing to go back to. Only one thing bothered her, she wanted revenge on Raven. Well If she couldn't do anything about that here, something however told her not to dismiss the idea of fighting Raven someday and she liked that idea but for now she would fight this evil here and live in as much as peace as she could.
She paused a moment before they came upon a bridge and waterfall and inhaled the sweet sent of lilacs growing near by before continuing. As they crossed to the middle of the bridge they stopped and she looked out on to Rivendell. It was amazing how it seemed to fit in with nature. The rainbows made by the large waterfall gave it an extra unearthly touch. She smiled and leaned her head on Glorfindel shoulder.
"I am glad you like it." He smiled down at her, then looked out across Rivendell when an idea hit him. " Would my lady like to see the archery field?"
Snapping her head up she looked him in the eye with a grin and he could see she was more than eager. With a grin he held her arm and escorted her through the maze of halls yet again. She was glad she had him there for she would surly have gotten lost. She could tell learning which hall went where would take some time to get use to. They soon made their way to a small field covered with targets of all kinds, both stationery and moving. Her face lit up at the sight of bows and quivers full of arrows pilled against a tree.
"My lady I did not expect to see you here." Tannari turned to see Lord Celeborn, Elrond and Gilgalad all with arrows notched in their bows.
"My lord…I um. Was showing the lady around Rivendell." Tannari looked up Glorfindel's face, clearly he had not expected them there either. Tannari smiled and looked at the lords, turning to Elrond she unlatched her arm with Glorfindel and looked around.
"You have a beautiful home my lord."
With a proud smile Elrond bowed. "I am pleased you like it my lady I hope someday you will consider it your home as well."
She looked at him again and with a sad smile she placed her hand over her heart. " I would be more than honored to call such a place as this home." What she did not see how ever was the disappointed look on Gilgalad's face.
Looking to the target her smile turned into a grin as she turned back to the others. "You gentlemen wouldn't mind if I joined you in practice this afternoon would you?"
The three lords looked at her dumbfounded. Celeborn cleared his throat. "Wouldn't the lady like it better to spend time with my wife in the painting room?"
Clearly annoyed at this Tannari marched over to the weapons picked out a bow and quiver full of arrows, marched back to the target, took one arrow and with her teeth tore off some of the feathers on one side then took out another arrow and notched them both on either side of the bow, then fired. The male elves stared on in shock as one arrow hit dead center in one target and the other arrow was in the dead center of the target five feet across from it. She took another arrow out as she spotted some apples next to Gilgalad's feet. Using the top of her foot she kicked one high into the air and looking them dead in the eye and not the target she fired. As the apple fell back down to earth she caught it in her right hand with the arrow through it's center. She walked up to Celeborn and gave him the apple. "Maybe you right what would a woman do with a silly bow and arrow anyway." Throwing the weapons back into the pill she stormed off leaving some very confused elves behind.
*Several hours later*
Still stewing about the events earlier she tried her best to convince herself this is a different place with different rules, but she'd be damned if she was going to play the damsel in distress. Hadn't she proved herself on the ride to Rivendell? She sat on the bench watching the sun set feeling herself calm down she leaned back on her hands and smiled as a bird landed in the bird bath in front of her happily cleaning it's self completely oblivious to her presents.
Out of no where it hit her. 'The party she was late for the party'. Jumping up and scaring the bird off she ran as fast as she could to her room with the help of a few elves along the way to point her in the right direction.
She burst through the door to see Leriel tapping her foot with a very annoyed look on her face. "Do you know how long I have to get you ready now."
With a sheepish laugh Tannari shrugged her shoulders.
"Not long that's what. Now undress and put that on." She pointed to a breath taking blue gown made out of silk. When Tannari undressed and redressed the dress was just as snug as the last but this one was lower cut and seemed to hug her breast even tighter making them more pronounced and her sleeves where again bell shaped and the ends nearly touching the ground but the fabric was more sheer toward the ends of the sleeves. The light blue made her look even more tan and having white hair and blue eyes made the outfit come together. Smiling she made her way to the mirror and let Leriel do her magic once more.
*_*_*_*an hour later*_*_*
Tannari made her way alone to the banquet hall, after of course Leriel showed her the way. She didn't want any male escort today she was still mad about earlier. When she entered she was glad that no one was staring this time so she made her way to the table.
The elves however where more discreet when looking at her this time they did not make it so obvious, so smiling to himself Glorfindel made his way over to her as she sat down in the seat she was at that morning. Everyone was up dancing so she was sitting alone trying to be invisible and failing miserable at it. Coming up behind her he offered his hand. Glorfindel cleared his throat "Please my lady would you honor me with a dance?"
Turning Tannari smiled at him, he was dressed in his finest and he looked incredible handsome. Standing up she took his hand and let him lead her out onto the dance floor that already had many elves on it and to her surprise some humans as well. The song changed before they finished to a slower one and couples were holding each other closer. Blushing she was about to leave the dance floor when Glorfindel pulled her tighter. "You weren't thinking of leaving so soon were you. Do I not get at least one full dance?"
She looked into his eyes and saw that mischievous glint again and she knew now was when she was getting her pay back. With a groan she gave in, what will happen will happen.
When she was finally getting the hang of the dance she saw a hand tap Glorfindel on the shoulder, when he turned she saw Gilgalad. He too was dressed in his finest. He had on a bluish silver tunic with an intricate silver design that was tied at the waist with a darker silver sash. She didn't realize she was staring until Glorfindel bowed and Gilgalad took her hand and much to her dismay it was yet another slow song. How she the 'Queen of Allyon' could feel so weak in the presence of anyone annoyed her, but here in his arm at this moment she felt some how weak and strong at the same time. No words passed between them and somehow that to felt ok, like there were no words that needed to be spoken. Before she knew it the song had ended and reality came rushing back when she noticed the others had stop dancing and were starting to slowly return to their seats.
"Um… My lord the music has stopped."
Smiling down at her the way he did gave her goose bumps. "That's funny I still hear it."
Noticing her discomfort he chuckled and held out his arm for her to take, when she did he escorted her to her seat where a grinning Glorfindel sat.
As dinner progressed the mood of the night seemed calmer and more relaxed, something she was very grateful for. She was laughing at something Elrond was saying about Glorfindel falling off a horse when he was trying to show off for a she-elf, when he was interrupted by Glorfindel.
"Lord Elrond perhaps the minstrels could sing for our guest?" Happy about the idea he nodded to the singers who got up and as the music began they sang.
When Tannari heard the singing she felt like crying. It was so angelic and unearthly. It was of course sung in either Quenya or Sindarin as Glorfindel whispered to her. When they were done singing Glorfindel turned to her and gave her the mischievous look again. Clearing his throat and smiling he looked to Elrond.
"My lord perhaps the lady could sing something for us as well." Frozen in place all she could manage was glaring at Glorfindel.
Elrond looked at her and grinned. "If the lady feels up to it we would love to hear a song from her land."
Taking a moment to collect herself she stood up and walked to the center of the room and thought a moment then with a grin at Glorfindel which told him he would be in for it she took a deep breath.
'You're the bravest of hearts, you're the
Strongest of souls
You're my light in the dark, you're the
Place I call home
You can say it's all right, but I know
That you're breaking up inside
I see it in your eyes
Even you face the night afraid
and alone
That's why I'll be there
When the storm rises up, when the
shadows descend
Every beat of my heart, every day
without end
Every second I live, that's the promise
I make
Darling, that's what I'll give, If that's
what it takes
If that's what it takes
You can sleep in my arms, you don't
have to explain
When your heart's crying out, Darling,
whisper my name
'Cause I've reached out for you when
the thunder is crashing up above
You've given me your love
When you smile like the sun that shines
through the pain
That's why I'll be there
When the storm rises up, when the
shadows descend
Every beat of my heart, every day
with out end
I will stand like a rock, I will bend
till I break
Till there's no more to give, If that's
what it takes
I will risk everything, I will fight,
I will bleed
I will lay down my life, If that's
what you need
Every second I live, that's the promise
I make
Darling that's what I give if that's
what it takes
Through the wind and the rain, through
the smoke and the fire
When the fear rises up, when the
wave's ever higher
I will lay down my heart, my body,
my soul
I will hold on all night and never
let go
Every second I live, that's the promise
I make
Darling that's what I give, If that's
what it takes
If that's what it takes
Every day
If that's what it takes
Every day…
[IF THAT'S WHAT IT TAKES by: Celine Dion]
She Focused on the crowd in front of her once she finished and began to feel very self conscious when she was met with silence. When the elves had finished their singing they were met with praise and clapping but here she stood in pure silence. She looked down to her hands that were playing with her sleeves when a loud roar of applause broke out. The music was unlike anything they had ever heard and the change it seemed was a delightful one. Her heart began to beat again as she made her way back to her seat.
As the feast began to end she excused herself and went for a walk in the moon light. Luckily she found her way back to the bridge sat down dangling her feet over the edge and watched as Rivendell bathed in the light of the moon. Leaning back on her hands and tilting her head to the sky she completely relaxed, when she heard the light sound of foot steps, with a groan she sat up straight and turn expecting to see Glorfindel. More than likely wanting to tease her about trying to embarrass her this evening only to see Gilgalad push his way through the last tree. He too seem surprised but the expression quickly changed, so fast in fact that she doubted she saw it.
In a few strides he made his way to the bridge. "Mind If I join you?"
Smiling she patted the stone next to her. " The more the merrier."
As he sat down next to her he let out a content sigh then turn to her. She swore she saw the stars in his eyes and yet again it seemed as thou his body devoured the light from the moon and stars themselves.
"I thought I was the only one who ever came out here for the view."
At that moment she knew Glorfindel had another reason for showing her this place and she swore revenge would be sweat. Remembering he was talking to her tried to pretend nothing was wrong.
"I was given a tour today remember My Lord. When I was shown this place I was wondering what it looked like with the moon and star light…. I knew it would be amazing I just didn't realize how much."
"That is why I love this spot. The view always seems to put me at peace, and when things get rough it reminds me what were fighting for." Realizing the conversation could easily go down hill from that comment he quickly changed the subject.
"Do you remember the stars I showed you the other night."
Blushing at the memory of how close she was to him then and was now, he took her silence as a no and scooted closer to her placing one hand behind her and another as he had the other night. Shouldn't she feel guilty, but then she remembered Galadriel's words and decided to give in, just a little wouldn't hurt….right?
She felt his strong chest as he leaned in showing her the stars once again and once again all she could hear was the blood rushing in her ears.
"I said can you name that one..?"
"What I'm sorry.." She said as she turned to look at him but because she was so close when she turned she was now nearly nose to nose. She could almost taste the honey wine they had at the feast, her heart seemed to be pounding in her chest now.
For a moment they each just stared at each other not moving or talking. Her lips suddenly felt so dry and she licked them, it was then she noticed the difference in the look in his eyes, they seemed glazed over and she didn't doubt that hers were as well.
Then she did something that she had never done and thought herself incapable of ever doing, she leaned in and gentle placed a kiss on his lips. She was just about to pull away when he slid a hand up to her face and held her head in place as he deepened the kiss.
Gilgalad had been shocked at first that she had done what he was to afraid to do but when she tried to pull away he felt his heart break at the loss of contact so he held her there. Ever since he saw her, his heart ached to be close to her and when she sang at dinner he felt she sang for him, and now she had kissed him, he felt his heart soaring among the stars. For the first time in his life he felt complete. As the kiss ended he traced his thumb along her lips as he caught his breath.
"Forgive my, my lord I don't understand, this is not like me to… to…"
"Shh." And with that he kissed her again but this time the kiss was more desperate and had more passion behind it.
-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
A/N: What a place to end it. Aren't I cruel. I promise the next one will not take as long.
