The Long Way Home

by Sorsha711

How do you leave the only home you have ever known? Erestor reflects on his life and loves as he completes his final duties as Imladris’ Chief Counsellor. a prequel to In the Garden

5. Chapter 5 In the Garden

Title: The Long Way Home, Chapter 5

Author: Sorsha711
Fandom/Pairing: Erestor/OFC, others implied
Rating: R
Warning: AU (Story set in Imladris 133 years after ROTK); Het.
Feedback: Constructive feedback appreciated.
Archive: AFF; FF
Acknowledgements: Thanks to Lady Victoria for betaing this fic.

Disclaimer: Anything you recognize belongs to Prof. Tolkien. Just because they come alive in my imagination doesn't make them mine. Sigh!
Summary: Erestor reflects on his life and loves as he completes his final duties as Imladris' Chief Counsellor --- a prequel to In the Garden

Chapter 5 --- In the Garden

Hearing his name called by one of his assistants, Erestor reluctantly turned away from the window and the lure of his wife's gaze. Striding over to the doorway, he spotted a dark-haired Noldor scribe hurrying down the corridor in his direction. "Yes, Dúrhir, what do you need?" (dark river)

Bowing, the young ellon began, "We have the items from the kitchens and pantries ready to be added to the wagons. I thought you might wish to review what we have packed to make sure we have not left anything out."

Smothering a smile at the eagerness to please this particular ellon always displayed, Erestor nodded in agreement. "Very well, penneth. I want to make sure we have packed all of the wines and miruvor we plan to take. Lord Elrond may not have been able to find a site to grow the vines he took with him when he sailed and we will need to have a goodly stock to tide us over until we can begin to produce a new vintage." (young one)

"Indeed my lord. Lords Elladan and Elrohir are debating adding more to our supply out of concern we may run low. They would welcome you council on this matter I am sure," he added.

Chuckling, he followed his scribe back into the main house, making a mental note to complete his review of the family quarters before they left. "I have no doubt they have already added all there is to take assuming their nephew can grow more."

Casting a grin over his shoulder, Dúrhir admitted, "They were saying just that when I left to find you, so tis likely that this may have already been resolved to their satisfaction."

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"I say we leave Elion six bottles of a good vintage and a dozen of the new pressing. That will have matured sufficiently for drinking in a few months. It will not be the best that young, but it will tide him over until next summer when a new vintage will be made."

Nodding, Elladan pulled six bottles of miruvor from the crates in front of him and placed them on the table. "These are not our best… but it is a servable year. We did not get as much rain as we needed to produce the ideal berry that year. It has not aged as well as I would have liked. Still, it is… servable. Perhaps a few more of this instead of the new pressing, for that promises to be a very good vintage."

Frowning, Elrohir noted, "True… but, that FA74 has improved greatly with age. Perhaps in another one hundred years or so it will have mellowed sufficiently to be quite desirable. If Ada has had no success in planting the vines he took with him, we may well run short unless we ration closely. While I hate the thought of leaving Elion no reserve, I am sure he could get a few bottles from Eldarion to see him through the winter. Our nephew has been hording some of our best vintages for years… as did Estel."

Sighing, his older brother admitted, "I tried to convince him to gift me some of his reserve the last time I visited Minas Tirith. He would only give me three dozen bottles… though there were some treasures in the lot."

Irritated, Elrohir demanded, "He gave you three dozen! He only gave me two… though he did include a dozen or so cases of some outstanding wines to make up for that. The two cases of port alone are a great prize."

"He gave you some of the port… the port he gets from the Shire! He has the entire yearly pressing reserved for his purchase save for what the Hobbits keep for themselves! I have been trying to get my hands on…"

A laugh from the doorway interrupted their exchange. Looking up to see Erestor lounging against the frame, they demanded in unison, "And what is so funny, meldir?" The fact that their question was asked in perfect harmony was no longer a source of surprise to one that had known the peredhil princes since their birth. (friend)

Pushing away from the door, their chief counsellor moved over to join them beside the last dozen cases of miruvor yet to be packed in one of the wagons for travel. "The two of you sound like dwarves arguing about their horde of riches. Pack it all, for Eldarion has likely anticipated your greed and will send a ration for his son until the new vintage is ready next fall"

Smiling in relief, Elladan happily replaced the bottles he had selected earlier in their places in the crates. "I will have a servant pack the rest of the new pressing and the other wines we left him, as well. What else do you think our nephew is sending for Elion? It would be nice to have a larger quantity of other goods to allow us to ease into life in Aman with the tastes of our home to savour."

Shaking his head at the pair, Erestor replied, "The larder is all but bare save for some basic goods such as grains and flour. Eldarion sent me a message some months ago to urge that we take all we want as he foresaw this need. He knows we leave our valley with a heavy heart and he wishes to make our transition to life in our new home as easy as possible. He will miss the two of you greatly, for you have been his mentors and closest advisors since his youth." (my friends)

Looking away to hide the tears his friend's words inspired, Elrohir murmured, "We will miss him and his family as well. He reminds me so much of his parents… a pleasing blend of the two. Elion is very like Ada."

"Indeed he is. He will be a fitting heir to you, Elladan," Erestor commented. "You two have done well in helping him prepare for his duties."

"He is well suited to his new role. Elion is far more the scholar than is his brother, so he will guard the libraries like a hawk. Tarcil is a born leader," Elrohir added. "He will make a fine king in his time."

"That he will, but we have plenty of time to discuss such matters as we travel. I will leave you two to see to the packing of the remaining vintages and I will continue my final inspections." Sighing, he noted, "Elion and his court are due to arrive within the next few hours. I have much to do before we turn the care of our valley over to his hands. Can one of you check that the welcoming feast will be ready for their arrival? Tis the least we can do since we are taking all the wine!"

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Mentally checking off the various tasks still to be completed, Erestor made quick work of reviewing the household items Dúrhir had assembled for transport to Aman. In addition to the set of mithril goblets and chargers Gil Galad had commissioned for his foster son's state table, his wife and sister-in-law had selected three sets of china, several sets of crystal, and innumerable silver and mithril vessels to carry with them. Many had been gifts from other realms, but most were family heirlooms that were cherished pieces of tradition.

Fingering a pewter candelabra made by one of the smiths that had fled Eregion under Elrond's protection, he smiled to note Glaurlas and Ivorithil had included many such gifts among the items they had packed. /Not only will Elion have no wine to drink, he will have no means to light his empty halls! I hope Cirdan has enough ships waiting to carry this lot! Tis a good thing we have been shipping items to Aman on earlier ships or we would need a fleet to rival the one of the Host to make our crossing/

Deciding to complete his inspections of the dining hall and the Hall of Fire since he was close by, he moved next to the soaring hall. Stepping inside, he took a moment to study the massive tapestries that covered the walls of most of the vast space. /I wonder if Elion realises these are copies of the originals? Nana spent many years overseeing their creation so that they could take those when they sailed. I am glad she saw to their transport rather than leaving it to me. Many of the oldest ones had become quite fragile with age./

Moving to admire the one closet to him, he noted/Arwen did many of the needlepoint works for the Hall. Having his grandmother's works should be sufficient to make these special for the new Lord of Rivendell. He cannot fail to recognise her handiwork. She was supremely talented and captured such detail with thread and needle. She had to replace this one a second time after her father sailed for he took the first with him. Little enough of her that he was able to carry West./

Determined not to become lost in melancholy thoughts, Erestor took a deep breath in hopes of regaining his focus. Looking around the hall, he was pleased to see that last of the collection of musical instruments his father had amassed had been packed, save for a wonderful selection of duplicates he had instructed be left. Walking toward the stage, he let the memory of his father's music replay itself in his mind… his heart.

"The very walls seem to echo the music your Adar gifted us."

Glancing over his shoulder, he greeted his friend with a sad smile. "Indeed, they do, Glorfindel. I was thinking that very thought."

Smiling, the blond warrior moved to stand by the counsellor. "I imagined you were. I for one am looking forward to hearing him play again, Elrond at his side. Those two are the finest musicians I have ever heard… thought there was an elleth in Lorien that perhaps matches them. She is a niece of Galadriel, I believe. As lovely to look upon as she was talented."

Nodding, Erestor added, "I know of whom you speak. Ada told me about her after one of his trips to teach master classes in the Golden Wood. I would imagine she has sailed already."

"Most probably." Sighing, the Seneschal observed, "As much as I will miss our valley, it is time to leave. It has not seemed like home since Elrond and your parents sailed. I miss having our family complete."

Studying the lines of exhaustion the returned guardian usually took pains to hide, he noted, "You have lost so many. I forget that most of your family is in Aman already. You did not have a chance to see them before you were rehoused an adult and sent to protect Elrond."

Placing a hand on Erestor's shoulder, Glorfindel countered, "Las and you… your children and grandchildren are here. Elrond's sons and grandchildren are here. I have not been alone and have been quite content in my life in this valley surrounded by the new family the Valar gave me. Still, it will be nice to see my parents and my sister… the others again. I have missed them."

Deciding to lighten the mood, Erestor teased, "I seem to remember you were not all that pleased with the thought of my becoming part of your family in the beginning. I felt some sympathy for the balrog when…"

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Imladris, TA 248

"We will need to confront him eventually, melme," the elleth argued. "It would be best to do it immediately so that he does not learn of our alliance from the gossips. He would be hurt to find out from others." (love)

Nestling Glaurlas close, Erestor bent to nuzzle her throat, his lips teasing the soft skin under her left ear. Sighing, he murmured, "I know this, Las, but… I do not think he will look with favor on my suit. You are so much younger…"

Stepping back so that he was forced to meet her stern gaze, Glaurlas demanded, "Erestor, I find no cause for concern over the difference in our ages, so let that be! I love you, you pigheaded elf! Now, let us agree to go to my uncle and…"

Aroused by her fiery temperament, Erestor pulled her firmly back into his arms. "Enough! I concede! We will go to him tonight and ask his blessings. Until then… I think I need a kiss to give me motivation!"

Giggling at the mischievous leer he had plastered on his handsome face, Las melted into his embrace. "I think I can arrange that!"

The kiss quickly deepened as the lovers became lost in the pull of their growing bond. Since the magical night when Erestor had admitted his love for her, the pair had been meeting in secret in a remote part of the massive gardens that surrounded the Last Homely House. Both had wanted a little time to explore their feeling and enjoy those first heady days of courtship away from the ever watchful eyes of Imladris. Despite their best efforts, they knew their secret had been discovered and that it was only a matter of time before her uncle found out.

Neither however had planned for him to find out as he did… not from the gossips, but from happening upon their secret garden while they were lost to the world in each others arms. The fierce growl behind them, followed by a steely grip clamped to his shoulder was their first warning that they had been discovered. The "What is the meaning of this?" that echoed off the valley walls did little to improve the situation.

"Glorfindel… mellon nin… let me explain…" (my friend)

"Uncle… it is not as you think! I love him!"

"Have you lost your minds! Glaurlas is but a child! She and Mel…"

Infuriated, Las took charge and forced her way in between the two ellyn. "I am no child! I am well past my majority and will chose who I will accept as my suitor! I love Erestor and he loves me! Mel is like my brother, for Valar sake!"

Shocked blue eyes dropped to stare at his niece's determined glare. "Erestor? You love Erestor? But… When…? Las are you sure?"

Mollified by the obvious shock in his eyes, Glaurlas gently cupped her uncle's cheek. "Very sure, Uncle. I have loved him since I was but an elfling. Had he not returned my feelings, I would have accepted no other."

"Erestor? You love her as she loves you?" he croaked out.

Reaching up to place a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder, Erestor promised, "I will love her all of my days, Glorfindel. She is my other half. I too will accept no other. My intentions are honorable. I seek to make her an offer of marriage. We both would cherish you blessings of our betrothal."

A radiant smile overtook her face, as Glaurlas turned to face him. "Betrothal? You are ready to betroth yourself to me, meleth nin?" (my love)

Smiling, Erestor gently pulled her back into his arms. "I have been ready since that night we first walked together in the gardens, Lirimaer. I knew then that I had found my mate and that there would never be another for me. But, I do not mean to rush you…" (lovely one)

"Nay… you are not rushing me! I have loved you for so long! I would gladly betroth myself to you if you are ready for this," she interjected, hope and love adding a new depth to her flawless beauty.

A chuckle to their right drew their reluctant attention. "It seems that is resolved. One year from today we will be celebrating a wedding it seems."

"You accept our match, uncle?"

Laughing, Glorfindel bent to press a kiss to the top of her head. "I do not recall being asked! Should it now matter, I gladly accept this match. I could not have hoped you could find a finer elf as your partner, penneth, had I searched the whole of Arda for one. Welcome to the family, Erestor." (young one)

The sound of suppressed amusement caused the three to look toward the archway that led into the small garden. It had somehow not come as a surprise to find his parents, brother and lord watching from a nearby path. Elrond had not been able to resist offering, "For someone that took so long to act, he is quite headstrong once he gets going!"

Nodding, his father had agreed. "Indeed. He has ever been this way."

Rolling her eyes at their antics, Taerad had moved forward to embrace Glaurlas. "Oh, I have been waiting for this day for so long, my dear. We have so much to plan! What say you to having the ceremony here in this part of the garden?"

Erestor had watched in helpless fascination as his mother had led his newly betrothed wife away to discuss the details of the wedding. Within seconds, he had been left alone with the other males in their family. Taking pity on the dazed elf, Glorfindel had suggested, "I think a small celebration is in order. What say you all to our returning to Elrond's study while Mel here rounds up some appropriate refreshments?"

Laughing, Elrond had draped his arm across Erestor's shoulders and led him back toward the house. "A fine idea! May I suggest a couple of bottles of strong wine and a selection of sweets… cheesecake perhaps? Both Erestor and Glory will likely need their bracing effects it they are to survive the coming year!"

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Chuckling, Glorfindel noted, "He was right! That was a trying year! I never knew there was so much involved in planning a wedding!"

Laughing in response, Erestor pushed his uncle-in-law and dear friend toward the door. "He was indeed. Now, there is still much we must see to before we can leave. Have you inspected…"

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