Chapter Four: Reconciliation
Glorfindel lay sprawled on his bed with his ocean-blue eyes squeezed shut. The sunlight warmed his back, but he felt cold, so cold. His fingers were wrapped in the sheets, his sunlit hair strewn across his back. Gondolin seemed to keep popping up everywhere recently. Each time it felt like someone was stabbing him in the heart. Everyone always tried to help, tried to understand. But in truth, no one ever could.
Why does it hurt so much? he wondered suddenly. Why can't I forget?
He knew why. No one can ever relinquish their hold on the past. Not even a Balrog-slayer.
Celebrían ran down the hallways, her white-satin skirt gathered in her hands, her feet flying as if winged. She had to find Glorfindel, had to make it up to him. Guilt stayed with her, and she hated feeling guilty. She always had. Her eyes scanned each room as she passed it. She looked ahead and realized that the corridor was changing direction, so she turned and headed around the corner.
And ran right into Elrond.
They tumbled to the ground together. Celebrían collected herself quickly and sprang to her feet without a word, but before she could take another step, Elrond sat up and seized her wrist. "Celebrían, what's going on?"
"I can't talk now, Elrond. Have you seen Lord Glorfindel?" she asked, trying to pull from his grasp. He wouldn't let her, however, and he stood up and grabbed her shoulders.
"Celebrían, tell me what's wrong," he said quietly.
Celebrían could see the concern in his eyes. She sighed and leaned her head on his shoulder. She couldn't bear to have him worried about her. "I asked him about Gondolin. He told me about it, and then he left. I have to apologize."
Elrond pulled her against him and buried his face in her soft hair. "That's a touchy subject with Glorfindel. He usually goes off to think, and then he's his cheery self again. You have much to get used to, love."
Celebrían pulled away. "I'm sorry, Elrond. I'm just not the kind of person who can let things lie. I must talk to him. It will ease my conscience."
Elrond tipped his head to the side. "All right, then. He's probably in his room. He likes to be alone when this happens."
Celebrían kissed his cheek and headed off down the hallway. Elrond watched her go, smiling. She was so good.
Celebrían stood outside Glorfindel's room. She heard nothing from inside. With a deep sigh, she knocked on the door.
There was nothing for a moment. Then –
"Come in. It's open."
Celebrían exhaled. At least she knew where he was. She turned the silver doorknob and took a few cautious steps in.
Glorfindel stood by his window, one arm lifted and resting on the wall beside it, his fist against his forehead. She couldn't see his face because his back was turned. She gathered her courage and walked up beside him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of yielding. He was staring down at the river, but she knew he didn't see any of it. She could tell from the clouded expression on his face. Gently, she reached out and touched his arm. "Glorfindel?"
He looked at her. "Lady Celebrían. Do you need something?"
"I need to tell you that I'm sorry," Celebrían said, looking down at her feet.
Glorfindel stood up straight and turned to her. "For what, lady?"
"For bringing up Gondolin."
Glorfindel stared at her, stricken. Then, he gave a quiet laugh. "My lady, you've done no wrong."
Celebrían looked up at him in surprise. "What does that mean? I sent you grieving!"
"Didn't Elrond tell you?" he asked, taking her hand. "I always do this. When I talk about it, I usually need to be by myself for a bit. To…gather my feelings. I'm a bit melodramatic, I'm afraid."
"I was so afraid that I hurt you," Celebrían said. She was silent a moment. Then, she said, "You are a very peculiar Elf, Lord Glorfindel."
Glorfindel kissed her hand respectfully and bowed. "You are most definitely correct, lady. But would you like to know something?"
"What?" Celebrían asked, smiling. His optimism was very contagious.
He grinned and pushed back a wayward strand of hair. "I like it."
Reviewer Responses:
Neige: Dear goodness! Neige is reading my story! This is wonderful! I'm so glad you like it, and I love "A Friday". I literally stalked it the day you updated last, waiting for the new chapter to become available. Thank you for the review!
Malara: Aw, thanks! I was afraid it would sound too…fake. And I find your gardening quite funny. Nathariel's stickin' around. Thank you for the wonderful compliments!
anticipationnation: Poor Lindir is too often neglected. I myself adore all harpists, so of course I had to put him in. He'll be around in the next chapter. I'm glad you like my characterizations!
Dragon Confused: Once again, dear goodness! Dragon Confused likes my story! The Dragon Confused! And she likes it! Thank you! I love your work!
Zammy: There you go!
Randa-Chan: There's your answer!
Miss Piratess: There isn't a reason why, and so they are! Hope you like!
