Chapter XVIII: Foreshadowing

Elerrina sighed as Elyndiriel squirmed in her arms again. She glanced down at her daughter and smiled. Elyndiriel was not a fussy baby, but she did not like to remain still. Her little hands were always trying to grasp something, and her legs were always kicking. Elerrina nuzzled Elyndiriel's soft cheek, and the baby grabbed her hair. Elerrina gently untangled Elyndiriel's hand from her hair and whispered soothingly to her.

"My sweet, you must stay still for Nana."

Elerrina looked at Hithaer apologetically, but he just smiled and continued to paint. As she sat, her mind began to wander to Glorfindel. She knew that he would love this portrait of her and Elyndiriel, but it was difficult for her to endure the painting. She had not painted since that day in the library three years ago. Painting brought back too many horrible memories.

She suppressed a shudder at the thought of Nenthalion. Sometimes the memories still plagued her, no matter how hard she tried to forget them. She frowned. She would not allow that horrid Elf to enter her mind this day and ruin this gift for Glorfindel. Glorfindel was far too precious to her, and this was something that she wanted to give him. And, for some odd reason, she felt that she needed to do it soon.


Elerrina left Hithaer's study and began to walk home. It had taken several days, but at last, the painting was finished. Soon she would give it to her beloved husband. She looked down at the sleeping baby in her arms and smiled. She was three months old now and was the most beautiful baby that Elerrina had ever seen. How could I be so fortunate? I am blessed with a loving husband and precious daughter. Everything is so wonderful, but I fear that I shall awaken and find it all to be a dream.

She quietly entered the house and went into the common room, but she started in surprise as she saw Glorfindel and Erestor sitting there deep in conversation. She placed a finger to her lips for silence, but it was too late, for Elyndiriel awoke and began to cry. The two ellyn grimaced and looked at her apologetically. She glared at them and began to soothe the baby. After a moment, the baby quieted and looked at Glorfindel and Erestor with wide eyes. Glorfindel walked over and kissed Elerrina and the baby.

"Hello, my loves," he said.

Elerrina smiled, and Glorfindel led them to a nearby chair. Erestor smiled at them.

"I have not seen this little one since last week," Erestor said. He grinned as the baby grasped his finger.

"Would you like to hold her?" Elerrina asked.

Erestor's smile faded, and he stared at them in alarm. "I have never held a babe before. I could drop her."

Elerrina laughed. "Nonsense. Anyone can hold a baby."

Before Erestor could protest further, Elerrina placed the baby in his arms. He sat stiffly and the look on his face was one of pure terror. Elerrina and Glorfindel both suppressed a smile at his expression.

"Just relax, Erestor. She will not break," Elerrina told him.

Elyndiriel looked at Erestor for a moment, before she reached out and grabbed a handful of his hair. He grinned as she lightly tugged on his hair. He held her for a few moments before relinquishing her into her father's willing arms. Glorfindel smiled as she began swatting at the house symbol that hung from his neck.

"Do you like this, little one?" he asked.

Glorfindel laid the babe on his knees, and removed his house symbol. He tightened the leather cord that it hung from, and placed it around Elyndiriel's neck. She took hold of it, and he laughed as she placed it in her mouth. Babies. Always wanting to taste the world around them. He gently removed the medallion from her mouth, and kissed her soft cheek. He held her close, and she soon fell asleep in his arms. He looked up and saw Elerrina and Erestor grinning at him. He smiled, and the three of them began to talk, ever careful not to wake the sleeping babe.


Elerrina studied the painting and smiled. Hithaer had just finished hanging it, and she could not wait for Glorfindel to arrive home. Today was the anniversary of their betrothal, and it had taken her weeks to decide what to give him. She wanted to give him something special, something that he would love; and this painting was perfect.

She waited for him in the common room and grinned as the front door opened. He entered the room, and she threw herself into his arms. She kissed him, the way that he liked, and did not cease until he drew back, breathless. She placed her hand over his eyes, and took his hand.

"Come with me, my love," she whispered into his ear. "I have something to show you."

She led him into the bedchamber, and stopped before the painting. She removed her hand from his eyes, and smiled as he gasped. He gaped at the painting in silence for a long moment, before he looked at her.

"Does it please you, beloved?" she asked. "I—"

But she could not finish her statement, for he pulled her into his arms and kissed her in a way that made her knees go weak. She laughed softly as he released her.

"I am going to assume that was a yes, Glorfindel."

"Oh, yes. I love it. The two of you are beautiful." He grinned at her. "Close you eyes. I have something for you as well."

She did as he asked, and she soon felt him come up behind her and fasten something around her neck. She opened her eyes and smiled at the exquisitenecklace that now hung from her neck. It was small and delicate, and several emeralds sparkled brightly against the lovely mithril design.

"It is beautiful, Glorfindel."

"No, my love. You are beautiful. I treasure every day of our life together, and will continue to do so until the very end of time."

He wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her to him in a passionate kiss. After a heady moment, he broke the kiss and embraced her tenderly. She relaxed in his arms, but she frowned as a strange feeling came upon her. Everything was so perfect now, but why did she feel that everything was about to change?


Late one afternoon, Elerrina strolled through the city, Elyndiriel in her arms. She loved to walk and revel in the beauty of Rivendell, and Elyndiriel seemed to enjoy the walk as well. She was six months old now, and curious about everything. Her eyes were so intelligent, and she was always taking everything in. Elerrina smiled as she came upon Lady Celebrian and the twins. Celebrian smiled in greeting, and the twins rushed over to Elerrina.

"Hello, little ones."

"Can we play with her, Elerrina?" Elladan asked.

Elerrina smiled at them. "I suppose so. But you must be careful."

They nodded, and Elerrina spread her cloak on the ground. She laid Elyndiriel on it, and sat beside her. The elflings began to play with the baby, and Elyndiriel giggled with delight. Elerrina smiled as Celebrian sat beside her.

"She is beautiful, Elerrina, and growing so fast. It will not be long before she is walking around and talking."

"I know. Time has passed so quickly. It seems like only yesterday, she was placed in my arms for the first time."

Celebrian grinned as the baby laughed. "She looks so much like you, Elerrina, but she definitely has Glorfindel's smile."

"Yes. Every time she smiles, I can see him."

Celebrian smiled, and she and Elerrina continued to talk, while the twins played with the baby. When dusk fell, Elerrina bid them farewell and took the baby home. A strange feeling overcame her, and she knew that she needed to be with Glorfindel.


Glorfindel smiled as Elerrina and Elyndiriel arrived home. He kissed Elerrina and took Elyndiriel in his arms. Elyndiriel squealed as he kissed her, and he grinned.

"How are you, my loves?" he asked.

Elerrina smiled. "We are wonderful. Elyndiriel and I went for a walk, and she played with Elladan and Elrohir. She really seems to love them."

Glorfindel looked down at his daughter. "You are far too young for suitors, little one."

Elerrina laughed and lifted Elyndiriel from his arms. Elerrina placed the baby in her cradle and smiled as she drifted off into slumber.

"Sweet dreams, my love," she whispered.

She smiled as she felt Glorfindel's arms around her. She turned in his arms and kissed him. He smiled at her.

"Let us go for a walk around the countryside tomorrow, Elerrina."