Chapter Sixteen-Whiplash Is A Nasty Thing
I had eaten my supper that night at Glorfindel's table, along with Elrond, Erestor, Arwen, and her betrothed, Estel. We had made small talk and I had practiced my Sindarin. Erestor was pleased with my progress and had preened when I didn't stumble over pronunciation and used correct syntax. Elrond watched me carefully the entire time. It kinda made me nervous. He wasn't giving off any negativity, but he was definitely curious about something. I just couldn't place what it was. Glorfindel told a story about his early days in Imladris, which was interesting. He had apparently had some troubles that now were humorous, but then were just frustrating. Elrond was looking at me the entire time, staring at me with quite a bit of intensity. I just couldn't figure it out. I figured if he wanted to know about something, he'd eventually ask. I just kept feeling something was going to happen soon, just a really odd sense of something big.
After dinner, I changed into my leggings and exercise tunic and went to the garden I used for my routine. Frodo was waiting for me and we started with some mediation. Afterwards I went into my yoga and moved from that to pilates. Frodo chatted to me amiably while I went through all the movements. When I began my kickboxing routine, Frodo laughed as I made loud sounds with each kick and punch. We spent at least an hour and a half going through my exercise routine, and ended with Frodo joining me for a short Tai Chi session to cool down with. The flow of the Daoist based movements brought me back in tune with the earth and grounded me after the vigorous kickboxing session.
As we were leaving, Frodo looked up to the main building and tugged on my sleeve, pointing to a window. Standing in the window was Glorfindel, half standing in the shadow. I wondered if he had been watching, and if so, why didn't he just come down and joined us. I was pretty inclusive and enjoyed having company when I exercised. As I walked back into the main building with Frodo, chatting about the routine and what we were up to the next day, a page walked up to me and beckoned me to follow him. I smiled and bade goodnight to Frodo, who hugged me and ran off to his room. Then I followed the page to Elrond's study. Ah, now we were getting somewhere. I hoped to find out if this was about why he was staring at me the entire time during dinner.
I knocked on the door and heard the command to enter. I saw that Elrond was alone and I closed the door behind me when he asked me to. I moved over to the couch he was sitting on and sat on a chair beside it. He looked at me with intensity again and I fidgeted in my chair. After a long pause, he broke off his gaze and spoke.
"I must ask you Lady Karyn, what feelings do you have for Lord Glorfindel?" His face was placid as he trained his eyes on mine.
I was flabbergasted at this question. Never in my wildest dreams did I think Elrond would question me about Glorfindel. Perhaps I needed to think about the situation between Glorfindel and I further.
"I'm sorry Lord Elrond, but I truly haven't the foggiest notion of what you're getting at. Could you perhaps enlighten me?" I was really curious now.
Elrond's gaze didn't waver, "Of course Lady Karyn. It has come to my attention that Lord Glorfindel has taken quite an interest in you. However, since he is one of my closest friends, I want to make sure he will not be hurt in his interest."
"Oh." I was still as a stone in my chair, "I don't know what I feel for Lord Glorfindel. I like him of course, but as for more, I don't think I really have the right to let myself feel anything more."
Elrond leaned forward on the couch, "Well, he cares for you. Did you know you are the topic he speaks on most often since he brought Frodo to Imladris? He does not speak about the evil reasserting itself in Arda, nor does he speak on matters regarding Imladris at any length. He talks about you." He paused, and I felt like the rug had been pulled out from underneath me, "Did you know he watches you from his suite when you do your nightly routine with Frodo? He told me he finds your movements graceful. I believe he is quite besotted." Elrond sat back against the cushions, waiting for my response.
"Are you giving me permission to feel something more with Lord Glorfindel?" I wasn't too sure what he wanted me to say.
"Lord Glorfindel has not expressed this much interest in a female since I have known him. I have known him for several thousand years and that he should feel this way about a mere mortal is indeed unusual. He has had the attentions of many beautiful ellith, but he ignores them in favour of you. I do not know what spell you have placed upon him, but he wants you."
"I haven't placed a spell upon Lord Glorfindel!" I protested hastily.
"I do not believe you have literally done so Lady Karyn, but you must admit he is bewitched." Elrond studied my face.
I couldn't believe Elrond was saying this to me. I felt like my spirit had left my body and was floating a little off to the left.
"So, let me lay it out here. You are saying that Lord Glorfindel likes me more than a friend, and that it's okay for me to pursue a, what is admittedly unusual, romantic relationship?" I wanted this in black and white.
Elrond suddenly smiled, "Yes. That is what I am saying. Do you wish to do this?"
Good god, you could've knocked me over with a feather. "Uh, yeah? You've just blown me away, so give me a moment to wrap my head around this."
Elrond raised his eyebrows at my colloquialism.
"Seriously, I'm allowed to be romantically involved with Lord Glorfindel?" My mind was having trouble accepting this proposition.
Elrond nodded, "Yes, but may I warn you that this is not some dalliance you can abandon. He is not like my sons." Ouch, that one hurt, "He is a great elf, one who commands the respect of all who know of him. I will not tolerate him being hurt."
Ah, conditions. But, they were conditions I could keep. My initial schoolgirl crush had deepened as I realized this was someone I could really talk to and trust. Glorfindel was not only a gorgeous specimen, but he was smart and, believe it or not, funny. He was interested in me and my mind. I felt intellectually stimulated when I talked with him. Even though I had never been in love, I felt it was a good possibility I could fall in love with Glorfindel.
"Lord Elrond, having never been in love, I often wondered if it was possible. However, I think I could fall for Lord Glorfindel. I also do not want to get hurt, so I'm proceeding with caution," I said sincerely.
Elrond nodded his head curtly, "I would hope you would be cautious and take care not to hurt Lord Glorfindel either."
I got up and bid goodnight to Elrond after he dismissed me. Walking out of his study, I realized that the prospect of getting closer to Glorfindel while exciting, was scary as hell. What if I was pulled home suddenly before things even got started? What if I never saw him again? What if I fell head over heels in love and I could never express that love because I was yanked back to Earth? So many possible situations without answers. I didn't think Glorfindel would be able to cross the barrier between Arda and Earth, and I wondered why the hell these Valar were letting this happen if they weren't going to see it all through. A shocking thought occurred to me. What if I never went home? No, I shook that thought off. Any Powers That Be knew I had a mission on Earth. A mission which had not yet been completed. I had to go back. They couldn't leave me here without doing what I had been sent to do. Could they?
I returned to my room and went to bed, exhausted by the confusion of what I had been through and the endless questions running through my head.
The next morning I went through my usual routine, breakfast, Sindarin lessons with Erestor and then my riding lesson. As my riding lesson was ending a host of small sturdy men marched into the courtyard. Axes hung from their belts and they had the longest beards I had ever seen. Longer than Mithrandir's. Some of them had beards almost dragging the ground. They had extremely muscular physiques and gruff voices with an odd Celtic lilt. I went and put my horse away and asked Rochonduron who they were.
"They are the contingent of Dwarves here for the Council that has been called," he told me.
"Oh. What council?" I asked.
"The Council Lord Elrond called," Rochonduron said obliquely.
"Yeah, not helping me dude. What's the council about? Who's coming? I need details," I said snarkily.
Rochonduron laughed, "A Council has been called to talk about the new evil that permeates our lands. There is a contingent of Elves due to arrive tomorrow and we should have some mortal Men attend, if they accept our invitation."
"Thank you. There are other elves, other than those in Imladris?" I asked.
"Yes. A request has gone out to Mithlond, Mirkwood and Lórien. Elves will come as they are able, as the roads are no longer safe and it is difficult to travel," he explained.
"Oh, okay. Thanks for the info." He raised his brow at the phraseology, "I'm going to get ready for mid-day meal now." I waved and walked back to the courtyard to check out the action.
A dozen Dwarves were unloading their packs and handing them to elves attending them. One dwarf was arguing loudly with Glorfindel as he tried to placate the angry diminutive person. I caught Glorfindel's eye and waved, smiling. He winked back and turned his attention back to the vitriolic dwarf. I walked up to both of them and inserted myself into the conversation.
Directing my words to the dwarf, I said, "Good morning. My name is Karyn. I understand you are unhappy. How may I assist you?" I used a smooth even tone and kept my face neutral.
The angry dwarf stopped mid-stream and looked up at me. "A mortal woman! Finally, maybe we can get some actual help around here," he blustered.
"Please, tell me what has upset you so and I will work to resolve the issue." My diplomatic skills came into play.
"This elf," he sneered the word, "refuses to let me carry my axes around. He wants to confiscate them. No one touches my axes." He stood rigidly and glared at Glorfindel.
"So, Lord Glorfindel, why are you trying to confiscate this gentleman's axes?" I smiled at him and touched his arm.
Glorfindel had a tiny smile playing at the corners of his mouth, "I am not trying to confiscate his axes. I am trying to explain he will have to store his axes in his room as they will frighten those who are already here in Imladris."
"Ah, I see. I'm sorry, and you are?" I directed my comment back to the dwarf.
"My lady, I am Goha, son of Gede," he bowed with a flourish.
"Well Goha, I know for a fact that Lord Glorfindel has no wish to deprive you of your beloved axes. However, he is correct that the inhabitants will be very nervous around you, if you carry them around. I know you need your axes, they are a part of your body, and an extension of you," Goha nodded vigorously, "But in order to fully experience elven hospitality, would it not be more beneficial to securely store your axes and join in the wonderful celebrations planned for your visit? I am positive you would feel more welcomed by the inhabitants if you were not wearing your axes, than if you were." I clasped his hand in mine, "Do you not agree this is reasonable? I can spot a reasonable person, and I can see you are one. Do you not believe you would enjoy yourself more if you were wholly accepted by the population?" I smiled gently at Goha.
Goha relaxed in my grip, and pondered my questions. "I see what you are saying my lady. Yes, I am a reasonable dwarf. I will securely store my axes and enjoy myself whilst I am here."
"That is wonderful," I beamed at him and shook his hand, "Now you can enjoy the feast we are having this evening to welcome your delegation to Imladris!"
"Feast?" He perked up, "Will there be beer there?"
I looked at Glorfindel who nodded to me, "Yes, of course. I am sure they have barrels ready for your enjoyment. Now, why don't you go with this attendant, and get settled into your room. I will see you at lunch." I smiled at Goha broadly.
"Of course my lady. Thank you very much!" He called as he was being led away.
Glorfindel smiled and took my hands in his, "You came just in time. I feared we would have an incident had you not resolved his anger regarding the axes."
"Well, I couldn't let an International incident happen. Although I didn't realize I would be in the middle of an adventure in foreign policy," I joked.
He stroked my thumbs, "I am glad you are here. You calm my spirit."
My heart raced. "Oh well…" I felt like I should scuff the ground with my shoe.
"Will you join me for mid-day meal?" he asked, stroking lazy circles on the top of my right hand.
"Of course. I will just get out of these stinky clothes," I felt my heart jump as he leaned in closer to me.
"You do not smell bad. I think you smell wonderful, like an autumn day," he put his face near my hair.
"Oh, you flatterer. I'll just get cleaned up anyways. I'm sure not everyone will feel the same way as you," I wanted to press my body against his.
He brought my hands up to his lips and kissed them gently, "I will see you in a few minutes then."
I felt a tightening happen low inside me, "Yes. See you in a few." I pulled my hands out of his and smiled shyly up at him. He gave a dazzling smile in return, and I ran off to get changed.
When I had gotten cleaned up and changed into a fresh dress, I stepped out of my room, nearly crashing into Glorfindel.
He caught me before I bounced off him and back into the doorway. His arms wrapped around me as he pulled me back onto my feet. I couldn't help but smell his wonderful spicy scent. He smelled like sandalwood and bergamot, with a bottom note of lemon and clove. I couldn't believe he wasn't wearing cologne, but that was his natural scent. I know. I had smelled it many times before. Not that I was doing anything weird or anything. I had just spent enough time close to Glorfindel that I had the occasion to get a whiff in several instances.
I let my cheek graze his chest as I straightened up, "Thank you for catching me Lord Glorfindel."
He seemed reluctant to let me go, "It was my pleasure Lady Karyn. May I escort you to mid-day meal?"
"Of course, I would be delighted," I took his proffered arm, "Shall we?" I asked.
Glorfindel led me to lunch; we sat with Elrond et al. and enjoyed the meal. I went by the dwarves table and said hello to Goha, who in turn introduced me to several dwarves, including Glóin and Gimli, son of Glóin. I shook everyone's hands and was kissed several times on the cheek by the enthusiastic dwarves.
Gimli spoke up, "So we hear that you're the person to see if we have any problems. You've made quite the impression on Goha here. We want you to be our liaison here in Imladris. We don't need those stuffy elves ordering us about." He grinned as he shook my hand vigorously.
"Of course Lord Gimli," I began.
"Oh by the Valar! Please call me Gimli. We don't stand on ceremony here. As dwarves we like to be less formal. It makes things more fun," Gimli insisted.
"I would be honoured to be your liaison. I will inform Lord Elrond of your desire," I smiled and nodded, "If you will excuse me."
Gimli waved me off and I returned to Elrond and Glorfindel. I advised them of the new turn of events. Glorfindel agreed I would make an excellent liaison and told Elrond he should accept. Elrond looked like he was mulling the idea over.
"What sort of experience do you have in dealing with political delegations?" He asked.
"I was an Officer of the Federal Government of Canada before I became a Union Representative. I have negotiated with hostile entities over many issues, and I am known for being excellent in a crisis. You have a person with sixteen years experience in diplomacy and negotiations. I literally have trained other people in how to deal with difficult people. That is why I am right to handle this. You have an empath, with all those skills at your service. What do you say? May I assist you in this matter?" I asked.
Elrond acquiesced, "You may assist the dwarves. Lord Glorfindel will assist you with anything you may require. The Elves of Mirkwood will be arriving tomorrow morning. I wish you to greet them and introduce them to the Dwarf delegation. I am assigning you to ensure that peace is maintained during this Council. You can handle that, correct?"
I thought I should be insulted that he was implying I couldn't handle it. "Of course I can handle this. I have led two strikes while I worked in the Government and five since I've been a Rep. I have been through trial by fire and I can handle anything," I informed him crisply.
Elrond smiled, "Fine. Lord Glorfindel, are you agreeable to assisting Lady Karyn in her endeavour?"
"Of course my lord," Glorfindel nodded, smiling at me.
"Then it is settled. Lady Karyn will be the liaison for the Dwarf delegation and will introduce the Mirkwood delegation to the Dwarves, ensuring peace amongst both parties," he announced.
"Thank you Lord Elrond, you won't be disappointed," I said, getting up from my seat to let the dwarves know of the agreement and what was on the table for tomorrow.
Glorfindel got up as well, "Thank you mellon nîn."
Elrond shot him a look of approval as we left the table. We walked back over to the dwarves and told them of the decision and the planned introduction to the Mirkwood delegation.
Gimli snorted, "Why would we want to meet the Elves from Mirkwood lassie? We haven't exactly been on speaking terms with those rukhs."
I smiled, "Oh Gimli, I am sure you can be the better person and in the spirit of a new diplomacy, could meet the Mirkwood delegation with grace and élan. You are a representative of a great people and know how to forgive and renew friendships as the great dwarf you are. I know you won't let me down and behave in an inconsiderate manner. It just wouldn't be dwarf-like," I soothed.
Gimli bought the spiel hook line and sinker, "Of course my lady. The Dwarf delegation will not let you down. We can be more gracious than you could ever imagine!"
"Oh sir, I can imagine quite a bit," I countered. The dwarves sitting at the table laughed heartily.
"Well said lassie, well said," Gimli grinned through his thick beard, "If you could procure some more beer for us in three hours, we would like to take an afternoon drink around four. To relax after a hard afternoon of play," he quipped.
"Of course Gimli. Would you care to take your beer on the veranda on the south side, or do you prefer inside?" I inquired.
"The veranda sounds splendid. We will see you then," Gimli clapped his hand on my shoulder.
"Until four this afternoon then," I got up and turned to leave.
"We look forward to it lassie!" Gimli called after me as I left the table.
"You handled that very well my lady," Glorfindel whispered as we walked away.
I smiled up at him, "Thanks."
mellon nîn- my friend
rukhs-orc (khuzdul-dwarvish)