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 are at the end of the chapter.

Chapter Nine

The mood in the Hall of Fire that night was festive as many elves were glad to be done preparing for the feast that would take place the day after next. A group of minstrels played light hearted songs and many of the elves had taken to dancing, spinning each other around the room. Those not dancing kept the beat by clapping their hands or tapping their feet as they sat on chairs placed around the edges of the room.

Lindir clutched one of his flutes in one hand but sat apart from the minstrels, in the company of Celebrían, Legolas, and Elrohir. The room was crowded so they had to sit closely together and to make more room, Lindir lifted Legolas onto his lap. Elladan was in the middle of the equally crowded dance floor, guiding a maiden through the complicated steps of a popular dance. Legolas watched the whole room in wonder, for his father still thought him too young to attend the elaborate balls sometimes hosted in the palace, so it was all very new and exciting for him.

"Why are you not dancing, 'Ro?" Lindir questioned the younger elf seated beside him. "There are many young maidens eyeing you from across the hall." It was true, for a small group of female elves stood huddled together near the fireplace, stealing furtive glances at the eclectic group.

"I just like to watch," Elrohir said defensively, causing Lindir to raise an eyebrow in curiosity.

Celebrían laughed and leaned over her youngest, who sat between her and Lindir, to stage-whisper, "He likes the little redhead, but is too shy to ask her for a dance."

"Mother!" Elrohir protested, his face turning dark pink.

"What? It is true," Celebrían insisted, clearly enjoying herself at her son's expense. Elrohir, if possible, blushed even deeper.

"Do not worry, elleth are yucky anyway," Legolas told Elrohir seriously. This caused Celebrían and Lindir to laugh even harder and Elrohir's face returned to its normal tone.

"How right you are," he agreed, ignoring the knowing look that his mother and friend exchanged over his head.

Erestor entered the Hall of Fire later than most, having been finishing the final touches on the preparations for the feast with Elrond. The half-elf parted with him to join his family across the room. Erestor spotted Glorfindel and thinking back to Lindir's mood earlier that day, he decided to confront the blond warrior.

Erestor stepped up next to Glorfindel, who stood by himself near the entrance to the Hall of Fire, watching the merriment with a sour eye. The balrog-slayer wasn't in a celebratory mood that night but he knew he could not bring down the rest of the crowd with his melancholy.

"I learned the most interesting thing today," Erestor said, smoothing down the front of his regal robe.

"How to lace your own tunic?" Glorfindel asked, his face never turning from the dance floor.

Erestor ignored the jibe. "Something even more profound."

"What is that?"

"Did you know, Lord Glorfindel, that there is more to life than brutishly killing things and swinging a sword around like a castrated orc?"

"Who told you that little jewel?" Glorfindel questioned, turning slowly to look at him.

"Why, I believe it was your son."

"He is not my son," Glorfindel muttered, more to himself than Erestor. "When, pray tell, did he tell you that?"

"I am quite sure it was right after he walked Prince Legolas down to the archery range." For all the advisor's flippant attitude, Glorfindel could read the focused intent in Erestor's eyes. The dark haired advisor wanted answers and he would not rest until he had them.

"Would you care for a stroll in the gardens, Lord Advisor? I find it quite suffocating in here." Glorfindel turned and walked from the great hall, knowing that Erestor would follow him.

They entered the public gardens silently. Thanks to the mini celebration in the Hall of Fire, none lingered in the gardens, so it was perfect for their private discussion. They walked a few more paces without speaking and then Erestor asked, "What, exactly, did you say to him down at the archery field?"

"I didn't say anything to him," Glorfindel replied evasively. Erestor rolled his eyes.

"Fine. What did you say about him, when you knew he was within hearing range?"

"You make me sound like a barbarian," Glorfindel pouted.

"Well?"

Glorfindel sighed before admitting, "Legolas told me that Lindir was teaching him how to play the harp and I said that we would practice a 'more manly endeavor' then. If it makes you feel any better, Lindir said I was all brute and no brains."

"You got off easy then," Erestor retorted. "I would have said something more along the lines of-"

"Stop, I do not want to know what your sharp tongue would have spewed forth," Glorfindel interrupted. "I do not know what upset him so, today. I have teased him thusly since he first decided to become a minstrel and it never bothered him before."

"Perhaps, in your warg-ish ways, you did not stop to think that it was inappropriate to mock him in front of a complete stranger, or what with the current way you've been treating him, he might not take it as a joke, but rather a barbed insult."

"First, Legolas is just a child and Lindir spent the entire morning with him. They are no more strangers than you and I."

"You are right," Erestor snapped. "The relationship between Legolas and Lindir, who met for the first time two days ago, is quite like ours, particularly since you have been quite estranged from me since returning from the plains of Mordor."

"What does Mordor have to do with this discussion?"

"You tell me," Erestor countered. "You have acted aloof from everyone since the war and all have noticed it, especially Lindir. I assume Elrond already knows the reason, as he has not been whining to me about not knowing. I would like to know as well, for Lindir is my aide, and it does me no good to have documents full of holes."

"If I tell you, you must not tell Lindir," Glorfindel replied with resignation.

"It depends on what you tell me."

"Fine, I will tell you."

tbc…

please review.

Thank you:
Arian – I agree… poor Lindir does need lots of hugs.

Arialas – I always enjoy the kid stories too. :) I'm glad you're enjoying this one.

Nimrodel – Thank you for your great compliments.