(A/N-the dialogue in italics is where Elvish is being spoken)
Chapter Twenty Three-New Love and Sad Goodbyes
The next day I was up early to get ready to bid goodbye to the Fellowship. I decided to have an early bath and wear festive colours in honour of Christmas and to cheer on the guys leaving. I was still worried about everyone, but I tamped down the worry so I wouldn't contaminate the mood. I caught a glimpse of the ring Glorfindel gave me, as the stone caught the light while I moved about my room getting ready for my bath. My heart tugged as I thought about the previous evening and the utter magic of what had happened. I was a bit surprised that Glorfindel thought to give me a ring too, but figured great minds think alike. I walked down to the baths thinking on the coming day and reminiscing about the previous night.
Entering the bath change room, I heard voices in the pool area. Peeking around the edge of the doorway, I saw the twins helping a lovely elleth out of the pool. They were all flushed and I don't think it was due to the heat of the water. She looked very relaxed as she kissed the twins goodbye and walked towards the change room door. I ducked back into the room and slid over to a bench. As I was loosening the ties on my dress, the elleth walked in and grabbed a towel off the shelf. She looked at me as she dried herself.
"So, you are next hmmm?" she said while she patted herself with the towel.
"Next? Oh, I am just here for the baths." I replied, dropping my dress to the floor.
She snorted delicately and pulled on her dress, fastening it quickly. "Enjoy yourself. They are quite game this morning." With that she pulled on her shoes and walked out the door.
"No, I am here for the…" my words fell on a now closed door, "baths." I folded my dress and walked into the pool area.
I looked up to see a naked Elladan and Elrohir watching me closely. Damn. I just wanted a bath. I contemplated just turning around and suffering without.
"Good morning Lady Karyn. What a pleasure to see you here," Elladan advanced on me predatorily.
"Oh God. No. Get it? I just want a quick bath and then scoot off to breakfast," I said crabbily.
Elrohir drawled, "We have missed you Lady Karyn. Surely you would not deny a friendly liaison?"
"Nope. Busy. And I am not interested, or were you not listening when I told you that the last time? Plus, you've already had sex this morning. Consider yourself sated," I jumped into the water and grabbed the body wash on the side of the pool and began washing myself.
Elrohir was looking at my hands when he suddenly said, "You are wearing a new ring!"
Elladan moved over beside him and looked at my ring. "Who gave that to you?" he asked.
"Lord Glorfindel did," I replied, continuing to wash myself, and moving onto my hair.
The twins looked pensive for a moment.
Then Elrohir spoke, "We apologize for being so forward with you Lady Karyn. Please do not think poorly of us. We will leave you in peace."
This caught me by surprise, "Oh. All right. Have a good morning." I called after their retreating forms. I hadn't the foggiest idea why they suddenly called off their pursuit, not that I was complaining, but it had me curious. They stopped their advances after they had caught sight of my ring and found out that Glorfindel gave it to me. Thoughts churned in my mind as I went through the possibilities. I knew I had to speak to Glorfindel about this, if it was what I suspected.
Finishing my bath, I climbed out and went to get dried off and dressed. I walked back to my room and combed out my hair, twisting part of it back and fastening it with one of my new hair accessories from the hobbits. I wandered down to the meal hall, just before the bell was rung, and entered on the last chime. The hall was still decorated and the smell of cedar mingled with that of the food. A few of the hobbits spotted me from across the room and called me over. The members of the Fellowship were all seated at a long table and Pip and Merry shifted to let me have a seat.
"Morning Lady Karyn," Pip said cheerfully, "We're off on our great adventure today."
"Yes, I know. I want you all to be very careful and come back home alive, all right?" I said, trying to psych myself up to eat. My stomach wasn't in the mood for food, as it was busy churning.
Mithrandir looked at me from across the table and smiled, "That was a lovely party last night, Lady Karyn. I am sure we will all remember it fondly as we travel on our long journey."
"Oh, you're most welcome Mithrandir. I was only too happy to help. But I only suggested what to do; the Elves did all the work. They should be credited with pulling it off," I said.
"Well, I know I enjoyed myself. It would not have happened if you did not suggest the idea and plan it," Legolas broke in.
Everyone around the table made noises of agreement and I blushed, looking down at my plate.
"Thank you very much. I just wanted you to have a proper send off and have some good memories to hold you through your journey," I said quietly.
As everyone ate and talked amongst themselves, I looked around the room and spotted Glorfindel talking with Elrond at his table. They were deep in conversation, and the topic seemed to be serious as I noted the grim looks on their faces. I supposed it had to do with the Fellowship's quest, as I couldn't think of anything else important that was going on today. Mithrandir saw me watching Glorfindel and winked at me. I smiled back and turned to my meal, trying again to eat a little something.
Gimli suddenly spoke up, "My lady, I never got the chance to give you my gift last night. You had disappeared before the party ended."
"Oh, sorry about that Gimli. I was pulled away and didn't get the chance to see you," I apologized.
"No worries my lady. I'll just give it to you now," Gimli got up from the table and walked over to me, "Here, a little something to remember me by." He handed me a bundle of cloth.
I opened it and found a silvery metal wrist brace. It had what I can only assume were dwarvish runes, wrapped around it and I put it on, shutting the clasp. It fit almost perfectly, and I held it up to the light to admire it.
"It's lovely Gimli, thank you!" I grasped his hand in a tight squeeze.
Gimli blushed, "It was nothing my lady. I am very glad you like it." He moved back to his seat and fiddled with his drinking cup.
"So, when are you leaving?" I asked, trying to change the subject so Gimli wouldn't feel so awkward.
"In an hour my lady," Boromir spoke up.
"Yes, we really should be going. We must gather our things and be in the courtyard in one hour," Legolas stood up.
Everyone started getting up and leaving to get ready for their journey. I told them I'd see them in the courtyard. And after the table had cleared, I stood up to see if Glorfindel was available. He had moved away from Elrond and was speaking to the twins, his manner much more relaxed. I decided to approach. I walked towards Glorfindel and saw him look up and spot me. A smile grew on his face, and he said something to the twins and got up to meet me halfway.
"Lady Karyn, you look lovely this morning. How did you sleep?" he asked.
"I slept very well, thank you my lord. May we speak?" I motioned in the direction of the door.
Glorfindel nodded and followed me out of the meal hall. As we walked down the outside hall, I pulled him into an alcove to speak with him.
"My lord, it has come to my attention that the ring you gave me last night has special significance. Would you care to tell me about it?" I asked.
Glorfindel's eyes were shining as he smiled, "Consider it a promise."
"A promise of what?" I prompted.
Glorfindel took my hands in his, "Am I correct to assume that we have grown closer in our relationship over the last little while?"
"Yes," I said, my heart tightening as I realized I was correct in my suspicions.
"I wanted to make clear how I feel for you, so I gave you this ring. It is a promise of my feelings for you and to show others that you are important to me," he said carefully.
"My lord, perhaps we should cut to the heart of the matter," I said, "Are you saying that this ring is a testament of your love for me, and is a promise of the course of action you wish to take?" I didn't want to say the word marriage, but I was definitely thinking it.
Glorfindel let a look of relief cross his features, "Are you angry with me for not explaining this?"
"No, of course not," I replied.
"Very well, yes. It is a promise ring to show that I love you and I want to only be with you," he brought my hands to his chest.
I felt light as air as I heard those words, 'I love you', and I broke into a huge smile. "I love you too," I whispered, "I was afraid to let myself feel this, but you've worked your way into my heart, and I can't imagine life without you in it."
Glorfindel pulled me to him and hugged me close, "My fëa recognized yours, and I could not deny those feelings."
We stood there, hugging and just relishing each other, as what we had said to each other sank in. When we broke apart, a tear was forming in the corner of my eye and I swiped at it with my hand.
"Why do you cry melleth nîn?" Glorfindel stroked my cheek with his thumb gently.
"I'm not crying, I'm just really happy," I said softly.
We wandered out of the alcove and back into the hall. Glorfindel brought my hand to his lips and kissed the top, leaving his lips there for a little too long. My heart pounded hard in my chest, and I couldn't break my gaze away from him. Glorfindel glanced up and down the hall, and deciding the coast was clear, he leaned in and kissed my lips gently. I had to physically hold myself back from deepening the kiss, as I knew we couldn't get caught, or Glorfindel would be in a bit of trouble. I knew some of the Elves disapproved of our relationship, and I was determined to not let them have fodder for the cannons.
Glorfindel broke off the kiss and spoke, "I must be going. I have to see that all the preparations are ready for the departure of the Fellowship. Will I see you in the courtyard?"
'Yes," I whispered, "See you then."
He strode off down the hall and I turned and went to my room. My Sindarin lessons were suspended for the day, as Erestor had duties to see to regarding the departure of the Fellowship. So I spent some time in my room, reading and thinking about Glorfindel and I. Coming from a different world was a bit of a problem for me still. I wondered what would happen if I was pulled back, and knew my heart would crumble into a thousand pieces if I was torn away from him. I had never felt this way before. I felt a billion light years away from home and my job as a union rep. I wondered if I could even go back. What would I be like, having existed in a world where labour issues didn't even happen, to come back and be embroiled in a strike situation. It seemed impossible to fathom. And why did Eru see fit to let me fall in love with Glorfindel, when he was immortal and existed in Arda, and I was mortal and existed on Earth. It all seemed too impossible to survive.
While these thoughts ran rampant through my head like a herd of wild horses, I got off my bed and went down to the courtyard to say my goodbyes. The courtyard was abuzz with activity. Elves were rushing to and fro, while the Fellowship stood like an island in the middle of stormy seas. I walked up to Mithrandir, who turned to me with a smile pasted on his face.
"My dear lady, I will be sad to leave your company. I have enjoyed the time we spent together here in Imladris," he said kindly.
"Oh Mithrandir, there is still so much I want to ask you, but we haven't the time," I hugged him close, "I fear for you Mithrandir. Please be careful, especially in the dark." I didn't know why, but I got a terrible feeling about Mithrandir being in the dark. I had received premonitions of danger before, and I always listened. It had saved my ass more than once. Being of the wiggy had some advantages.
"That's fine my lady. I know what you wished to ask," he spoke softly in my ear, "Lord Glorfindel is part of the reason you are here. Love him. It is all right." He pulled away from me, looking at my face which was surely pasted with a startled look, "Thank you for the advice my lady."
"Thank you Mithrandir. You have no idea how that puts my heart at ease," I said sincerely.
"I know quite well my lady," Mithrandir patted my arm.
"We're next, we're next!" Pip bounded over to me. Merry, Sam and Frodo joined him.
"I couldn't let you leave without saying goodbye," I laughed.
"I should hope not," Merry said cheekily.
I hugged each hobbit and when I got to Frodo, I whispered, "You are not alone and you are loved. Remember that, even in your darkest hour." I was terribly worried for Frodo as Glorfindel had filled me in on him carrying the Ring for the duration of the journey.
Frodo looked at me and forced a small smile, "Thank you my lady. I will be fine."
I didn't believe that for a minute. When I finished hugging the hobbits, I stood up and brushed away an errant tear. The hobbits all smiled at me and I felt a hand at my elbow.
"Are you going to hug me too?" Legolas smiled at me.
"Oh, for heaven's sake! Come here you silly elf!" I grabbed him and hugged him to me, "You take good care of your companions, or I shall be very cross."
Legolas laughed and grabbing my hand, brought it to his lips in a quick kiss, "You take care of yourself as well my lady."
Gimli gruffly inserted himself into the conversation, "My lady, it has been a pleasure. I will miss your lovely company on our lonely journey."
"As I will miss your ribald jokes my friend," I said as Gimli coughed into his beard.
Boromir stepped up to me, "I second the dwarf. You will be sorely missed, and my invitation is still open if you should so desire."
I groaned internally, "Thank you for the offer my lord. You need to be careful on your journey, and come back alive to make me that offer again, hmmm?"
Boromir grinned and kissed my hand, "It would be my pleasure."
I had a foreboding feeling about Boromir, but I wasn't sure if it was due to my negative feelings towards his behaviour or if it was something more serious. I had a faint feeling that I would never see him again, so I took a chance and hugged him quickly. He pulled away with a surprised look on his face.
"For luck," I whispered.
He nodded and walked away, smiling like the cat that ate the mouse.
Estel had finally broke away from Arwen and walked over to me. "I am relying on you to take care of my love," Estel said.
"Oh Lord Estel, you needn't even ask. I have already put a plan together to keep Lady Arwen busy and happy," I said clasping his hands in mine, "Now you're one who needs to be careful. You've got a woman waiting to marry you, so don't muck it up!"
Estel smiled at me, "I carry her in my heart my lady. I plan to come back and claim her."
I hugged him and whispered, "You are a leader through and through. No matter what you may think, I know you can see to the safety of your charges and yourself, but still, do not take any unnecessary chances."
He nodded and walked back to the group. All the other Elves had said their goodbyes and were standing back near the stairs.
"Let's move out," Estel called and the Fellowship started walking towards the gate and down the road.
Everyone was waving and calling goodbye and the Fellowship walked out of our lives. Glorfindel came up beside me and intertwined his fingers in mine.
"They will be fine melleth nîn. Do not worry," he softly spoke.
"I hope so. I can't help but worry, for I care for them all," I remarked.
The Fellowship had finally disappeared from view and everyone started to go back to their routines. I had told Rochonduron that I wasn't going to be at my riding lesson today, as I wanted to say goodbye to the Fellowship, so I was free until mid-day meal. I looked up at Glorfindel and spoke.
"I'm free until after lunch. Would you care to join me, or are you otherwise occupied?"
"I am free for the next little while. Shall we retire to the Library and get you out of this cold?" his smile made my heart tug.
"Please," I slipped my arm through his and we walked back into the house. I saw Arwen looking lost and I called to her, "Lady Arwen, please come with us to the Library. I think you could use the company."
Arwen nodded mutely and followed us to the Library. We entered and grabbed some books and went to sit down. Arwen chose a deep armchair and dropped gracefully into it. Glorfindel and I retired to the couch, sitting close together, our thighs touching slightly.
"I noticed the ring on your finger; it is new is it not?" Arwen asked.
"Yes," I replied, "Lord Glorfindel gave it to me."
Arwen smiled, "You are very lucky, both of you."
Glorfindel smiled, "Thank you my lady. I am thankful she has accepted me."
"I am lucky to have found you," I insisted.
We sat reading for a while before Glorfindel had to leave to attend to his duties. He leaned in and kissed my cheek gently and left the room. Arwen raised her eyebrows at me.
"Have you declared your betrothal as yet?" she asked.
"Oh good heavens no. We're just enjoying each other's company for a while before we get into that rigmarole," I replied.
"Are you serious in your feelings regarding Lord Glorfindel?" she continued.
I looked her right in the eye, "Yes. I love him more than anything else in my life. He completes me and I feel like we have known each other for eons. I would gladly sacrifice anything I have to be with him."
"Good. You will need that to endure what some would put you through," she advised.
"I know," my lips pressed into a thin line as I thought about the reaction some would give me when they found out.
Our morning lolled on as we talked about love and other girly topics. I enjoyed every minute, as Arwen was pretty funny, telling me about some of the trouble she and Estel had gotten themselves into over the years. I knew I could count on Arwen for her support, just as I would support her through the wait for her love to return.
melleth nîn- my love
fëa- spirit (Quenya)