The 'Life in Imladris' Arc – stories focused on the inhabitants of Rivendell.
Deception and Heartbreak

Disclaimer: This fictional story is completely made up for fun and no profit is made from it. Any similarities to real events or other writings is purely coincidental.

Please leave me a review or constructive criticism. I want to be a better writer. Thank yous and translations are at the end of the chapter.

Chapter Six

Glorfindel stood silently in the dark room, only able to see the still form of the one on the bed before him because of his elven eyes. It had become almost a nightly ritual of his to sneak in Lindir's bedchamber and watch the younger elf sleep. He would first make sure that the minstrel's sleep was undisturbed and then let his mind wander back over their long history together.

Tonight was no different. His meeting with Legolas on the archery field had brought back a particular memory and the images floated through his mind as he watched the one who should have been his sleep peacefully.

"My lord! Refuges from Tauno-Osto are seeking sanctuary in Imladris," the young guard informed Glorfindel.

"We will admit them," Glorfindel replied. "Send a messenger to Lord Elrond."

"Aye, my lord," the guard bowed slightly and then sprinted away to do as he was told.

An hour later the wearied travelers stood huddled together in Imladris' main courtyard. Glorfindel stood with Erestor, watching as Elrond skillfully assigned rooms to his unexpected guests and gave comfort to those who grieved for their loved ones lost. He checked minor wounds and had guards and servants assist the more grievously wounded to the Hall of Healing.

One female from the group seemed familiar to Glorfindel, as if he knew her from a dream. Cautiously, he approached her. "Madam?" She turned to him and her eyes widened as she took in his muscled form and shining golden hair.

"Praise the Valar, it is a miracle. Glorfindel of Gondolin walks among us again." This brought the eyes of many of the refuges upon him and he swallowed thickly before pulling the familiar elf away from the crowd.

"It gladdens me that you know who I am and I admit you look familiar to me, though it is as if I only met you in a dream."

"I do not suppose you would remember me," the elder elf-woman smiled. "You were always too preoccupied with my best friend to notice me."

"You are Virë then," Glorfindel remembered. "Have you news of Ancalë?" Virë suddenly looked broken-hearted and much more aged than an elf ever should. Glorfindel's heart clenched in his chest.

"She is slain, my lord," Virë whispered. "Just two weeks past, when our village was destroyed by orcs."

"Tell me you lie!" Glorfindel cried, grief suddenly overwhelming him. Ancalë, his beautiful lover from his first life, had been alive the whole time he had been in Imladris with Elrond, only a nine-day journey away? And now that he finally learned of her, it was to learn she was dead? Life dealt him a cruel hand.

"I wish it were so," Virë said painfully. "I know this, Lord Glorfindel. She loved you up until the very last day."

"Virë?" a young voice called, and it was only then that Glorfindel noticed the tow-headed elfling clutching fearfully to Virë's skirt. "I am tired."

"I know you are, precious one. But first, you must pay your respects to Lord Glorfindel. He is a very brave warrior who lived in the same city as your mother a long time ago," Virë told him. Wide hazel eyes, filled with a torrential combination of fear, exhaustion, sadness, and a hint of wonder, turned to him, and instantly Glorfindel's heart was lost. He would know those eyes anywhere, in this life or his first.

He dropped to one knee before the traumatized youth and held out a hand, allowing the skittish child to grow comfortable to his presence before reaching out to brush a lock of dirty blond hair from his face. "My lord, allow me to introduce you to Lindir Loswanion, Ancalë's only child."

Glorfindel looked upon the child in amazement. So much of Ancalë he could see in Lindir that it was almost as if his father had no part in the elfling's creation. "I am honored to meet you, Lindir," Glorfindel said, his voice nearly catching in his throat.

"I am honored to meet you as well, my lord," Lindir mumbled shyly, bowing his head.

"Please call me Glorfindel." Eventually, dear orphan, I will have you call me Ada.

Glorfindel squeezed his eyes shut against the gathering tears and took a deep breath, composing himself. "Someday, sinquelë, you will understand why I have to distance myself from you."

"Lindir, I have a great favor to ask of you," Elrond said once the blond aide to Erestor appeared in Elrond's study the next morning. Erestor was already seated at his desk, parchments stacked neatly in front of him.

"Yes, my lord?" Lindir questioned curiously. He seriously hoped it had nothing to do with copying more documents. The work was tedious and he didn't want any opportunity for his mind to wander.

"Celebrían and I have discussed it and we feel that the prince, with his tendency to sneak away, should not be left unattended. With all the arrangements still needing to be made for the feast, we are very short staffed. In short, would you mind spending time with him this morning and then escorting him to the training fields after midday meal?"

Lindir wasn't sure if he was in the mood to baby-sit, but he felt guilty refusing to do one of his lord's biddings, so he nodded yes.

"Thank you, hina, your assistance is much appreciated. Not only have you saved me from a large headache but you have saved an elfling from a very boring day indeed. Celebrían is with him now in our rooms."

"By your leave then, I will go to them," Lindir said.

"Of course," Elrond nodded. Lindir exited the study and sighed deeply. He had baby-sat for the twins on enough occasions to turn him off from the whole experience permanently, but he hoped the prince would be slightly easier, given that he was only one, instead of two.

Celebrían answered when he knocked on the door and he entered hesitantly. Even though he had been in Lord Elrond's private chambers before, he still felt out of place. He followed her to the nursery where Legolas was sitting quietly on the bare cot, kicking his feet back and forth idly.

"Legolas, this is Lindir. He will spend the morning with you, until it is time to meet Glorfindel again at the archery range," Celebrían told the little blond.

"Mae govannen," Legolas nodded quietly.

"Mae govannen," Lindir replied.

"If you need me, I shall be in the kitchens, helping prepare food for the feast," Celebrían told them both. "Thank you again, Lindir," she smiled and gave him a brief kiss on the cheek. She disappeared from the room, leaving Lindir and Legolas in silence. Lindir observed the youngster who, in turn, stared at the floor.

This might turn out to be a long morning after all.

tbc…

please review.

Translations:
sinquelë (Quenya) "mine"
hina (Q) "child"
mae govannen (Sindarin) "well met"

Thank you:
Seeing-spots – Glorfindel needs all the help he can get against the crafty half-elf, lol.

Arian – I like to think Elrond still thinks he doesn't need Glorfindel's "protection." :)

Camille – You're welcome and thank you for taking the time to review! Your comments have given me lots of encouragement.