AN HEROIC LOVE
Chapter Five
Elladan's Tale Part Two
The next morning, Elrond wanted nothing more than to read Elladan's missive and Gilwen's journal, but he had promised Celeborn that he would show him Imlothien, so he roused himself fully, stretched his arms and rose from the bed.
Waking Celebrían, he told her of what he had read and pressing the letter and journal into her hands, made for the bathing chamber to ready himself for the day. Celebrían held them and with a mysterious smile reminiscent of her mother's placed them on the bed. As anxious as she was to look at them, she knew that this was for Elrond to do first. She held her hand over her heart for a moment, then touched the small book and whispered a prayer for her husband, "May you find peace, herven-nin."
Already awake, Celeborn and Galadriel made their way down the long marble stairs to the private dining room where they would break their fast. Celebrían met them, eyes shining still at the sight of her father, and excitedly spoke of the plans for the day. She was eager to show her mother a tapestry she was working on and the new growth in the gardens. She also wanted to take Elrohir's portraits to the woodworkers to arrange for their proper framing.
Elrond spoke to his father-in-law of Imlothien's grounds and Celeborn was pleased to note that Elrond seemed well-rested and there was a glimmer of pride in his eyes as he spoke of his Valinorean home.
Soon after the meal, Celebrían and her mother took themselves to the gardens, while Elrond led Celeborn to the library. Elrond was proud to show his father-in-law this part of the house for here Elrond had amassed the most all-encompassing collection of history and general tomes to be found in the whole of Ea. It was even grander than the library of Imladris, with books and shelves reaching the tall ceilings and set-in to every wall. Various elves moved between them, removing books that were needed, re-shelving those which were returned, and amidst them all stood Erestor.
Tall and implacable, the dark haired scholar watched over the proceedings, instructing a student here and directing an assistant there. Celeborn smiled at the sight.
"Erestor, I think you have found your bliss. A vast library, as many quills and as much parchment as you would like, and students to teach. What more could an elf of your talents require?"
"Very little," answered the advisor, a secretive smile crossing his lips. "Mae govannen, Celeborn. Are you ready to talk with me now? I have much to ask you of the days since our crossing."
"You are so anxious, my friend. Truly, we will have time to talk, but Elrond is familiarizing me with this flowering valley and I cannot stop now. Later, Erestor. You have my promise."
With that, the Lord of Imlothien and his father-in-law moved off, finishing the tour of the first floor; its classrooms and dining areas, great halls and kitchens. They found themselves outside of the house, Elrond leading the way through the convoluted pathways and glades that circumscribed the land of Imlothien.
Soon they came upon a small cottage, nestled hard by a hill and even somewhat built into it. Elrond opened the door and beckoned Celeborn to follow, warning the tall ellon to watch his head as the ceilings were low. Inside, Celeborn noted the small tables and chairs, the low built hearths and clothes hooks and it dawned on him then that he stood in the residence of the perianneth.
"Yes," said Elrond. "This is where Bilbo and Frodo dwelt, and later Sam when he came to join his friend."
"Galadriel has told me their healing, Elrond." replied Celeborn. "I am glad they found peace."
"Aye, that they did." answered Elrond. "It was most satisfying to see Bilbo's eyes all alight as they were when I first saw him so many years ago. He was ever the adventurer and I think he quite enjoyed his few years amongst our kind in this land. For Sam's part, the minute he saw Frodo his healing was near to complete. As for Frodo, it took many years to come into his contentment. He visited Lórien frequently and partook of Estë's healing waters. Celebrían and I did what we could and it came to be that he was eventually free of his yearning and physical pains. Ere he passed, he found happiness. Galadriel and Mithrandir helped, and eventually all of us came to terms with loss of the rings. Do you not see the change in your wife?"
"Aye, that I do and gladly," answered Celeborn. "You say the perianneth have now left this place. Show me."
Elrond ushered Celeborn outside and closed the door carefully. He led the silver-haired ellon down a short path and into a small copse of trees. There he stopped and pointed to three small stones. On one, a pipe and a book and a traveling cloak had been carved and bore witness to Bilbo's life and the things that he loved. On another were carved flowers and leaves and in the center a tall mallorn, that was for Sam. And on the third no motives were struck, but a few simple words, "Frodo Baggins, Ring-Bearer and Hero of The Third Age." On all, the final line simply read, "Elvellon."
Celeborn was much moved and stood silent for a while. Elrond found himself touched by Celeborn's reverence and offered up words.
"It was not so sad, at their end, Celeborn. Bilbo was old and tired, and ready to rest. Twelve years after his arrival, he slipped contentedly into his long sleep, and though we all mourned, we keep him in memory and speak of him often. He was so proud that he had lived quite a bit longer than any other perian and made sure we all knew it, even if the Shire folk never would." Elrond ended with a small chuckle.
"What of Frodo and Sam?" asked Celeborn.
"Frodo abided for many years after and between his sojourns to Lórien and Tirion, busied himself by helping Erestor and me as well as writing for himself. He believed strongly that Sam would come and when he did arrive, their reunion was joyful and Frodo's healing complete. They lived here happily for 27 years more before they accepted the Gift."
"They passed together?" asked Celeborn.
"Yes." answered Elrond. "I came upon them one morning, laying side-by-side in their silence. They had laid themselves down on that hill over there and upon the sunrise took leave of this world. Their smiles, even in death, were so innocent and so bereft of pain, that I wept for the sheer beauty of them."
Elrond's eyes briefly watered at recalling that day and Celeborn moved closer. Reaching out to place an arm about Elrond's shoulder, he replied,
"Aye, it is so."
A knowing look passed between them and Elrond understood the information that Celeborn had shared with his comment. He would not ask now, but soon enough he would hear the tale of the passing of his sons. He wondered how it was, but Celeborn's assurance comforted him for the time being.
The pair left the copse in amiable silence and went back to the house where Galadriel and Celebrian met them and together they shared the mid-day meal. They parted after and Elrond went to his chambers, there to retrieve the letter and journal. He took them up and bore them to his small private study and sitting himself down, began to read Gilwen's journal once more…
GILWEN'S JOURNAL
Third Entry
FA 1 (May), The Angle
What a joyful day this has been! Father has returned after nearly five months away, bearing news of The Great Enemy's defeat and the coronation of Lord Aragorn. What rejoicing has taken place amongst our people! And I am so happy.
These past years have been so harsh, so unsettled. The remnant of our people have never had a home to call our own and our continuous movement and watchfulness had worn on us all. The men were away so often that there was never a sense of order and we lived day-to-day as if our only purpose on Arda was simply to stay alive.
Five months previous, Elladan and Elrohir had once more ridden into our settlement. They had been charged with recruiting what Rangers they could to ride with them to war. Father stood forth and offered his sword, but I was loathe to see him go. He is all I have – no brothers or sisters and mother long deceased, and I saw the fey look in the eyes of the twins and I knew the gravity of what they had asked. I pled with him not to go, but then Elladan quieted me with a hand to my arm.
I spun around to face him and I am sure he saw the fear and determination in my eyes. He held on to my wrist firmly and was still for a moment. My glare was met with an equally resolute visage as he tried to calm me with words.
"Lady Gilwen, Aragorn has need of his kin. You know how important this is. We are nearing the culmination of this long war and we must all play our part. My brother and I ride willingly and we ask no more of others than we do of ourselves. If it is any comfort to you, know that your father rides under Halbarad's banner and not that of elves."
"It is not that," I retorted. "We have ever trusted you and your kin. It is just…"
"Hush," answered Elladan, gently. "It will be well. I know not what doom is before us, but if it is within my power, your father will return to you. This I promise and the will of Elladan of Imladris is not to be gainsayed, with all due respect, My Lady."
At his he bowed low to me and I could not help but let out a small giggle; imagine – an Elf-prince – bowing to me!
As he straightened, the gleam shone in his eyes as they rose to meet mine and then he said,
"And you will see me again, Gilwen of the Dunedain, for your spirit and talents intrigue me and I would know you better."
He took his hand from my wrist and lifted my chin, as he spoke,
"Do you know the name we called Aragorn when he was young? It was Estel, and you know what that means because you can speak in our tongue. Hope, Gilwen. And Hope he still is. We are. As long as we fight and trust to the Valar, there is hope. Fear not. Make ready for our return and the work that will then be before us."
Now becalmed, I remained momentarily in his thrall and the glint in his eyes flashed into mine.
"I believe you." I answered. "And in return I promise this, Elladan of Imladris – we will be ready upon your return. Now I deem both of you should go, ere I change my mind."
He gave me a reassuring smile and briefly grasped both of my arms in affirmation.
"I promise," he whispered and then turned to join his brother. Father then made ready to join them and it was the last I saw of him for these long five months.
Now father has returned and tells me that though many have perished, Halbarad among them, the twin sons of Elrond still live but would linger with the King for a while.
The King, now called Elessar, has appointed my father in Halbarad's stead as Captain of the Dunedain in the north. I am so proud of him. He tells me that soon we shall remove to Annúminas there to begin its rebuilding. It will take much work and I will do my part, but for now my heart rejoices.
And there is some small part of me that remembers Elladan's words and his fiery spirit, that is grateful for promises kept and looks forward to his return also. I made a vow to the Elf-prince and I intend to keep it. I was ready for father's return and the work to be done and I will be ready for the the elf's return also. Estel, indeed…
Here Elladan appended several comments…
It is true, Adar and Naneth. Gilwen had made an impression on me. Her life was so austere and even small comforts hard to come by, but still she displayed such a strength and determination that it was easy to admire her. The foresight of the Dunedain ran strongly in her and as you have already noted, she was learned. Despite the lack of a library of Imladris' caliber, she had somehow managed to learn and understand the history of her people and some of the elves and she spoke Sindarin as well as any of our kind, albeit with Adûniac inflection.
She was quite comely also. Like most of her kin, she had pewter gray eyes that sometimes showed blue, sometimes darker and her hair was so dark a brown as to look almost black. I had not yet seen it unbound for it was her wont to wear it in one long dark braid, a practical measure as I later learned. And while she was not elven beautiful – as Arwen was and you, Naneth or grandmother – she was lovely just the same. Her body just slightly more robust than that of our sister. She reminded me of none so much as Aragorn, as well she would, but in female form.
I was intrigued, as I had not been with any female, elleth or mortal in the whole of my life and as you will see, kept my promise to her…