Lindir was walking down the hallway when he saw a white-clad figure emerge from the infirmary. After a moment's inspection, he realized it was Celebrían. With a cry of joy, he ran toward her and halted in front of her, barely stopping to bow. "You've awakened!" he cried.
Celebrían laughed. "Yes, I have."
"I was very worried," Lindir said, suddenly looking shy.
"I appreciate it. And you were very quick-thinking to take me as fast as you did."
Lindir returned her smile. "Thank you, Lady. But may I ask, what was wrong?"
"Nothing. It's common for things like that to happen," she said.
"I'm glad to hear that you are well," he replied. He kissed her hand and dashed off.
Watching him go, Celebrían shook her head and laughed.
Succumbing to his frustration, Glorfindel let go of the strands of hair that he'd been trying to braid. He could never get them braided the right way, which is why he usually left them loose, much to Erestor's annoyance. He stood away from his mirror and dropped into his bed, pulling his pillow over his face. Everyone said he was always so graceful – what did they know? With a sigh, he dropped his arms over the sides of the bed and left them to dangle.
"Glorfindel?" came a confused voice from outside the door. "Why do you have a pillow on your face?"
It was Erestor. Glorfindel groaned. "Because I am annoyed."
He could hear Erestor sigh and walk into the room. "And why are you annoyed?"
"Because I can't braid my hair."
There was silence for a moment, then Erestor said, "Move over."
Glorfindel pulled the pillow off of his head and tossed it to the floor. He shifted so that he was only lying on half of the bed, and Erestor plopped down beside him.
"Do you need something?" Glorfindel asked after a few seconds.
"Nothing in particular," Erestor replied. "I've completed my duties for the day, so…"
Glorfindel snorted. "You live for your duties, Erestor. I think overwork can become fatal."
"Ha, ha. Very amusing."
"I know I am. Thank you."
Erestor sighed again. "You are a very irritating person."
Glorfindel grinned. "I am aware of that."
"This is pointless. Perhaps I can engage someone in an intelligent conversation," Erestor muttered. He got out of the bed, but before he could leave, Glorfindel caught him by the hair. Erestor rolled his eyes. "What?"
"Could you…do my hair for me?"
Erestor sighed once more (something he did a lot around Glorfindel). "Why, the so-called Lord of the House of the Golden Flower and self-proclaimed Balrog-slayer can't even fix his own hair?"
"Skip the sarcasm and please do this for me without any ridicule," Glorfindel pleaded. "I want to look decent for once."
Erestor looked at him in surprise. "Everyone likes your messiness," he said.
Glorfindel looked equally surprised. "They do?" he asked.
"They do."
Glorfindel sat up and took a handful of his golden tresses, gazed at them thoughtfully. Then he sprang up, swept on his black cloak, and asked, "Would you like to take a walk?"
Erestor grimaced. "I have a bit of organizing to do in the library, and besides, it's still snowing."
"Ah, don't be so sour!" Glorfindel laughed. "Lady Celebrían told me all about your snowball fight."
Erestor went red. "She did?"
Glorfindel grinned wickedly. "She did," he confirmed with a nod.
"Please don't tell anyone," Erestor begged. "It's not my usual manner, but I was having fun, and she does something to people – "
Glorfindel laughed. "I know that all too well."
Erestor sighed and tugged on his robes. "I suppose a walk would do me some good."
"Very well, then!" Glorfindel seized his hand and pulled him out of the room and down the hall.
"You didn't make your bed!" Erestor protested.
Glorfindel looked back at him. "Weren't you the one who just said that everyone likes my messiness?"
Erestor moaned. Why did he have to encourage him?
Reviewer Responses:
Kalayna: That's all right. I hope to get it published soon. A GUY named ELBERETH? Someone needs help… I'm glad you liked it!
Malara: Many thanks! Yes, Celebrían leaving is sad, but at least Elrond was reunited with her in the end, right? I just really like figuring out family trees. Sounds nuts, but I worked out Sirius Black's, and found out that (very distantly) Draco is related to Ron! Go read OoTP, sit for a while, work it out. It all makes sense in the end. And if it doesn't, I'll explain. Greenwood/Mirkwood is so much fun! And yes, the song is my own.
Miss Piratess: It is? (bounces with joy) YES!
swee-haret179: Here's your update, and the novel will take some time. First one book, then the entire fantasy community, then THE WORLD!
