Disclaimer: I only own Margaret , Sulwen, and any other characters not created by Tolkein.
Glorfindel raised a hand to halt his troops. They had reached the edge of the forest, and would need to check for safety before they stepped out into an open field. Well, it wasnt exactly a field.
Glorfindel was standing on top of a cliff, about twenty feet high, over looking a large stretch of rolling hills and green meadows. It seemed that the land beneath them moved as the wind blew the grass in another direction. Tiny villages were places many leagues apart over the land, and from his point of view, Glorfindel could see almost all of them. Only a single stream ran through the hills below, and allowed the use of water to reach the people.
At his lieutenants nod, Glorfindel once again started moving forward. He made a left, and took the path down to the ground beneath them. He had decided that they would check on each village while they were out here. The first one was about half a league away, so he expected they would reach it in the late evening.
As they walked on, Glorfindels thoughts once again turned to the little lost elf. But this time, it was a different memory. This time, Glorfindel could recall that the elf was no longer little.
" You wish me to take a message to Lothlorien?" asked Glorfindel incredulously, " Lord Elrond, with all do respect, I am not a messenger. Nor am I one of your council or scribes. I am a warrior who leads those serving to protect you."
" Glorfindel," said Elrond in exasperation, " Believe me, I would not ask you this except the rode over the mountains is getting dangerous again. You and I both know it. The orcs are multiplying faster than we can exterminate them. I do not wish to risk the life of someone incapable of defending themselves properly. And this is important. I need someone who can act as a representative for Imladris."
" You have one scribe who can stand up to orcs as good as any of my warriors. He has also played the part of your representative many times over. If it would please you, I could also send some warriors along with him."
" But the elf you speak of only returned a week ago from Gondor. He has traveled enough for me. I do not wish to ask more of him."
" Elrond," Glorfindel argued, " He is part of your council. He is a scribe. He can defend himself. And he has been to Lothlorien more times than I! This is his job, Elrond, not mine."
" Very well," said Elrond decidedly, " But send at least two of your warriors with him. I want him to be safe."
Glorfindel smiled, " So do I."
Glorfindel shook himself of these thoughts. ' Enough,'he scolded himself, ' It happened long ago and the past cannot be change. Thinking about it now will only distract you from the true task at hand."
About an hour later, Glorfindel entered the village, accompanied by three warriors. The rest of the warriors set up camp just outside the town. He thought it would be best not to seem intimidating or interfering with the head of the village.
Walking past small houses and up the dirt road, Glorfindel finally found the place he was looking for. He knocked on the door and waited for someone to open it.
" Yes?" asked a young girl as she slid the door open slightly.
Glorfindel gave a small bow. " I am Lord Glorfindel of Imladris, my lady. I am searching for the head of the village."
The young girl looked slightly frightened, but opened the door to let them in. Glorfindel gave the guards a look that told them to stand post outside. They nodded their heads and took up stance a few feet from the entrance.
" May I help you?" asked a middle aged man walking into the room. He stopped and looked at Glorfindel for a moment.
" I know you," he said, " It has been many years since we last met, but I still remember you. Lord Glorfindel, I believe is what my father called you."
" Haomon," said Glorfindel with a smile, " It must indeed have been many years, for you were only twelve summers old when I saw you last."
The man smiled back at Glorfindel, " Yes, it has indeed been long," he said, " Come and have a seat. There is much talking we have to do. I believe you havent yet been introduced to my daughter."
Haomon took the young girl who had opened the door by the elbow and gently pulled her forward. Glorfindel could see that she was at least four years older than Margaret. Their appearances were also no short of different. The young girl in front of him was blond haired and blue eyed. She was quite tall and her facial features were beginning to show signs that her childhood was coming to an end. While the girl was shy, she radiated happiness and cheer.
" This is Lalaonna," said Haomon.
"Hello," said Glorfindel kindly.
" Why dont you go and get Lord Glorfindel some food and drink," said Haomon to Lalaonna. The girl nodded and went out of the room.
" So tell me," said Haomon, " What brings you here?"
" The normal routine patrol. I decided it was high time to check on the people. It has been too long. I see also that you have become head of the village."
" Yes," said Haomon, " My father passed down to me the responsibilities a year before he died. The people willingly agreed with him that I become the next leader, so here I am."
" Your father was a good man," said Glorfindel, " My sympathies to you."
Haomon shrugged. " He lived a good long life."
Glorfindel chuckled a bit, elating a smile from Haomon.
" Well," said the man, " Long enough for us mortals. So how are things in Imladris?"
" They are well," said Glorfindel. Then he hesitated. " I have a child now."
" Oh?" asked Haomon sitting up.
" Yes. A human child."
No one spoke for a few minutes. Lalaonna came and set a tray of cheese and tea down on a small table in front of the two. She curtsied slightly and walked away.
" How did a child come to be in Imladris?" asked Haomon after a few moments.
Glorfindel sighed and told Haomon how he found Margaret in the woods. He told all about her living in Imladris and the life she lead there. He then told Haomon about the choice that Margaret would have to make when she was older. When Glorfindel finished, Haomon remained silent.
" Margaret sounds like a lovely child," said Haomon after a while, " You should bring her to meet Lalaonna sometime."
" Actually," said Glorfindel, " I was thinking I could do just that. I want her to have sometime with her own race before she makes her decision. I want her to see both sides. I dont want to hold her back if this is where she would be happy."
" Then you should let her stay here sometime."
" Thank you, Haomon," said Glorfindel, " I may take you up on that offer when she is older."
" Why do you not stay here for the night?" suggested Haomon, " I would not have you sleep outside. If you would like, the guards outside our door can stay as well."
Glorfindel smiled. He knew that he would be offered a bed in the village. It was like that every time he came. And he excepted it out of courtesy and respect.
" Thank you, friend," said Glorfindel with a smile.
A/N: Ok, I was ready to go on and on with this chapter, but time is short. It is also very near a holiday for me. Plus these chapters are getting harder and harder to write. Sorry for any errors! If you have any comments, please feel free to review!
Thank you to all my reviewers!( I hope I didnt miss any replies. If I did, Im sorry!)
Idirl Miriel- I think I would travel to just about anywhere. Im glad you are still liking it! Thanks for your review!
Chiriri- haha! yea I update once a week. Your punc was fine, I think. Im not entirely sure. Lol. Thanks for your review!
IwishChan- Haha, it sounds like our friends would get along : ) Ive ridden horses a lot. I love to ride. What accident? Lucky for me, if I fall off a horse, I usually land on my feet. Thanks for your review!