Simple Conversation

Chapter Five: Grief

In the arms of the angel,
Fly away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room,
And the endlessness that you fear.
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie,
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here.
-Sarah MacLachlan, "Angel"

Glorfindel stopped as they left the café.

"What is it?" asked Maglor when he noticed.

"I'll catch up," Glorfindel told him. "You and Elrohir go on ahead."

Maglor eyed him a moment, then walked on, pulling a curious Elrohir with him. Glorfindel turned back to the café door, waiting for Elladan to come out. He saw him hug Evana, then slam through the door and pass him. Glorfindel ran after him and grabbed his arm. Elladan swung around to face him.

There were tears in his eyes.

"Elladan, I saw that," Glorfindel said quietly.

Elladan said nothing, his eyes trained stubbornly on the sidewalk.

Glorfindel grasped his shoulders, cursing the doggedness of Men. "She's not your sister," he said, trying to lift Elladan's gaze.

Elladan looked up at him. His eyes were full of grief, sorrow that had lasted for four ages, that had built and lifted and strengthened. It had been tearing his soul apart in an agonizingly slow way, breaking his heart with an iron grip. "She looks so much like Arwen. I couldn't help myself." He slumped against Glorfindel, his hands grasping the older Elf's jacket. "I miss her so much," he whispered.

Glorfindel pulled him close, resting his cheek on Elladan's head. "I know," he said. "I do, too. But we have to accept loss, and move on." Against his will, he remembered Arwen's laughing face, the light dancing in her eyes. She'd been like his own daughter, they had been so close.

"But I've lost so much. I don't think I can take much more," said Elladan between sobs. "First, Ammë left, then Ada, then Arwen and Estel died…" He trailed off.

"I know," Glorfindel said again, rubbing his back soothingly. "But think of what you still have. Me, and your brother, and the whole world."

Elladan didn't reply, but his body crumpled even more. Glorfindel held him tightly as the wind blew past them, tugging at their jackets and hair. The stars started to come out, barely visible from the bright lights of the city. He had to be a father to the twins now, as their own had left for Valinor. They had no one else but each other. It was up to him to ease their sorrow. He didn't mind. He wanted to help, having known so much pain and suffering in his own life that he wanted to take it away from others. He'd always helped people; it was what he did. He patiently waited for Elladan to finish crying. He had to release the pent-up emotion, or it would destroy him. The younger Elf's frame shook in Glorfindel's arms.

"Are you all right now?" he asked as Elladan finally pulled away.

He nodded, not trusting himself to speak.

"Then let's join the others," Glorfindel said softly, draping an arm around his shoulders in a tight hug and leading him down the empty, darkened street, their footsteps echoing around them.

Reviewer Responses:

Mirfein: I love sticking them in historical places. It's really neat to try to make up scenarios. I like angst. (grins evilly) Poor Elladan and Elrohir! Thank you so much. You're really, really sweet.

curious one: Aw, it was? That's really nice of you. I'm glad you like it. Did I update soon enough?

Kalayna: Thank you! I love writing this story and exploring different emotions and characters. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

BanbieBunny: I was hoping that line would be liked! (grin) I don't even know what was going on there. I like the quote from "Willy Wonka" (love that movie), and I need to go read the next chapter of that! Thanks!

jillian baade: The Maglor question will be answered next chapter. Thank you!

sqrt(-1): I love stories like that: they're so realistic. I'm happy you find mine enjoyable. Ah, Maglor. That question will be answered next time!

Yyunesprith: Ah, but no one believes in them more than ME! (laughs) It's supposed to be sad, and happy at the same time. That's how I see life. Thank you!

A/N: I'm sorry this chapter was so short, but I thought it was fitting. And the lyrics seemed to fit the scene. Thank you, everyone!