Now excused to attend breakfast, the girls walked through the streets of Rivendel, bickering playfully all the while. During the night, their relationship had developed into one of sisterly adoration. Lúthien still considered Arwen as a mother, though they acted much more like sisters. It was amazing how quickly they had taken to each other. It was almost as if they had grown together as best friends all their lives. Of course, Arwen was charming and warm hearted. It would be hard for anyone not to take to her immediately. The same went for Lúthien. She was deeply sensitive and quick witted. One would have to be crazy not to smile along with her. Of course, there was so much more about both these wonderful girls. To truly know all their charms, one had to know them personally.
It seems an incredibly short time had passed when they reached the home of Lord Elrond. As they approached the front doors, Lady Siriowen opened them from inside, stepping aside as a gesture for them to both enter. Lúthien paused a moment, feeling uncomfortable to enter before Arwen. Arwen noticed the bit of hesitation, but said nothing.
"Good morning, Lady Siriowen. Have we kept my father waiting at length?"
"Good morning, Lady Arwen. No. Lord Elrond is awaiting you in the dining hall as we speak." Lady Siriowen said, addressing both of them with her eyes.
Though Lúthien had not become an expert in Elvish since the two days and nights she had been in Rivendel, she was sure she had picked out how to greet someone in Elvish. In truth, she had always wanted to learn how to speak Elvish. It sounded so musical and elegant. Perhaps she would ask Arwen to teach her. With that thought, a smile crept over her face. She followed behind Arwen as they walked through the expansive house. The thought crossed Lúthien's mind that perhaps this was a castle, thought she couldn't be sure. She had never seen a castle before. As they walked through one of the many beautiful corridors, Lúthien decided to bring about the topic of learning Elvish.
"Arwen?" Arwen looked to Lúthien, acknowledging her as they continued walking. "Could you teach me to speak Elvish?"
A brief look of surprise crossed Arwen's face before being washed away by a look of delight. "It is a difficult language to learn, but of course. I would be overjoyed to teach you."
Lúthien smiled from ear to ear, causing Arwen to smile happily as well. They continued walking, reaching the end of the corridor. Arwen pressed against the doors with her hands, opening them to reveal a marvelous dining chamber. It was so elegant in its structure, design, and décor that it made Lúthien gasp in awe. It was huge, obviously build to hold large numbers of people. It looked like it had came out of a fantasy. At the nearest end sat a few people. Lúthien recognized Lord Elrond immediately, but not the two elves that sat beside him. They sat on either side of Lord Elrond. They were both very handsome with dark brown hair, and they looked so alike that Lúthien was left with no doubt that they were related. Perhaps brothers?
Upon Arwen and her entry, the elves seated at the table stood to acknowledge them. Such gentlemen, these elves… Lúthien could not believe how well mannered all the men were. They obviously held more respect for women than the men she had known. Before coming to Rivendel, the only man she could consider a true gentleman was her own father. Lúthien regarded the two strange elves passively as she and Arwen entered, but soon found herself slightly anxious under their intent gazes. Their gazes remained solely on her, never faltering or wavering. She felt somewhat exposed under the scrutiny of their eyes and decided to concentrate, instead, on the warm smile of Lord Elrond.
The only person more surprised than Elladan at Lúthien's entrance was probably Elrohir, but it was very close call. Their father had told them they'd have a special guest attending breakfast with them. When they had questioned him, he only said it would be a lady and that her name was Lúthien Arwen. They had both been a little surprised at the name, causing them to bombard their father with more questions. They had been in the process of interrogating him when the doors had opened.
They stared in barely sustained shock when they saw two beautiful elves walk into the room. One, they recognized as their sister, Arwen. The other, they had deduced to be the aforementioned Lúthien Arwen. With something very near to disbelief, they realized Lúthien Arwen was even more beautiful than Arwen. Why had they never seen or even heard of her before? A striking creature such as she would have to be locked away her whole life to not be know. Arwen was known by every elf in existence for her beauty, so why had they not heard a single word about Lúthien Arwen?
Coming to stand before him, Lúthien decided to use the little bit of Elvish she had picked up on thus far. "Good morning, Lord Elrond." She said, bowing her head to him respectfully. Lord Elrond looked pleasantly surprised while Arwen simply looked surprised. She hadn't taught Lúthien to say that, yet!
"Good morning, Lady Lúthien Arwen." Lord Elrond said, still smiling. "I take it Arwen has been teaching you some Elvish?"
Lúthien chuckled lightly. "No. Not yet, my lord."
Lord Elrond raised a single eyebrow at her statement, but left it at that. "I would like to introduce you to my two sons." He said, gesturing his arm sweepingly to the two boys. With familiar elfin grace, they came swiftly to stand before her. "Elladan" As if on cue, Elladan took up Lúthien's small hand and brought it to his lips for a gentle kiss. "and Elrohir." Lord Elrond finished. With the mention of his name, Elrohir took up Lúthien's other hand, kissing it as well.
Lúthien could feel a burning blush make its way to her face. Having two very handsome elves kissing both of her hands at the same time was probably the last thing she had expected this morning when she came to have breakfast with Lord Elrond, aside from being breakfast. Releasing her hands, they stepped back.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Lúthien Arwen." Elladan said, his voice melodic with bass.
Lúthien smiled at him, not knowing what to say in response. She was still fighting the heated blush that threatened to appear on her face.
"Indeed, it truly is a pleasure." Elrohir said, his voice not as deep, but equally as melodious.
Lúthien could easily imagine falling asleep to the music in their voices. Finally finding the words, she smiled and nodded politely at them in turn.
"I am very delighted to have met both of you, though I fear the pleasure is all mine."
It was then that something dawned on her. If they were Lord Elrond's sons, then that would make them Arwen's brothers. Looking to Arwen, she was slightly displeased. Arwen was giving her those suggestive glances she had been giving her earlier with Nestoron. Glaring idle threats at Arwen, she heard Lord Elrond's voice ring out once more.
"Please, have a seat so that we may begin our breakfast."
Lúthien smiled and nodded as she made a step towards the table. She stopped in astonishment as Elrohir pulled out a chair for her, gesturing at it with a slight nod. Feeling a bit uneasy, she made to sit in the chair. As she sat, Elrohir gently pushed her chair in for her. He then sat himself at her side where he had been sitting before. Lúthien wondered half in amusement, and half in horror, if he would try to feed her as well. She had been charmed by so much gentlemanly behavior, but it was beginning to make her a little uneasy. To her relief, Lúthien watched as Elladan seated Arwen with the same gentlemanly manner.
Once everyone was seated, Lord Elrond seated himself, nodding a gesture to the other end of the room. Following the direction of his gesture, she watched as an elf exited through doors at the opposite end of the dining hall. Lúthien looked back to see Arwen making suggestive glances at her and Elrohir again. Ooh Arwen was going to pay! Fighting the heat of a blush, Lúthien glared at Arwen. Arwen just smiled in amusement. Glancing over to Elladan, she noticed he and Elrohir were also sending meaningful glances toward each other. Lúthien was glad when Lord Elrond finally broke the silence.
"So, Lady Lúthien Arwen, how did you know a seed from the fruit of a Night's Bane would cure the poison from a morgul blade?"
Lúthien looked at Lord Elrond with a slight bit of confusion. "What is a morgul blade?"
Lord Elrond looked stunned by her question. "A morgul blade is a weapon of the nazgûl, Lady Lúthien Arwen."
Lúthien almost hated to ask this next question. She knew it would end in her embarrassment, but she couldn't stifle her curiosity. "What is a nazgûl?" The strange looks she was receiving from everyone confirmed her fear. She could feel her embarrassment rising and shifted uncomfortably. Even Lord Elrond was looking at her strangely. To her slight relief, Elladan broke the uncomfortable silence.
"A nazgûl, my lady, is a ring-wraith who serves under Sauron." He explained.
Having more knowledge on this subject, Lord Elrond continued. "Thousands of years ago, rings of power were made for the leaders of each race. Three were made for the rulers of elves, seven for the lords of dwarves, and nine for the kings of men. They thought the rings were gifts, but they were all deceived. Ten years later, in the secrecy of Orodruin, Sauron forged one ring of great power to rule all others. With the One Ring, he waged a great war upon Middle Earth and those who still sought to resist his dominion. It was in that war that Isildur took up his father's sword and cut the One Ring from the hand of Sauron."
As Lord Elrond spoke, several elves entered, placing wonderful looking food on the table. Lúthien rediscovered her former hunger at the sight and smell of the delicious food. There were various fruits, colorful drinks, fresh baked breads, and some meat. Lúthien lost a part of her appetite at seeing the meat. Its smell made her feel somewhat queasy. Turning from the spread in front of her, she returned her attention fully to Lord Elrond's story.
"Unfortunately, the hearts of men are easily corrupted," Lúthien found herself agreeing with that statement, "and Isildur did not cast the One Ring into the fires of Mount Doom where it would be destroyed. Instead, he kept the one ring." Lúthien could see the anger and perhaps even betrayal in Lord Elrond's eyes. "He intended to wield it, but the One Ring has a will of its own. Isildur was killed and the ring was lost. Because the One Ring still continue to exist, Sauron exists as well. It is part of him. Sauron's spirit was allowed to survive." Lúthien could hear the trouble, perhaps even some bitterness, in his voice.
"The nazgûl are the nine kings of men, corrupted and besmirched by their greed for power. They are no longer of the living, nor are they dead. They serve under Sauron's will and their own greed for power. They hunt for the ring, always seeking it out. Should they find it, they will return it to their lord, Sauron. Should that happen, this world will fall into darkness."
Lúthien felt a shiver at the words and tone of Lord Elrond. This ring… what if those nazgûl find it? What if what Lord Elrond said came to pass, and all the world fell into darkness? She suddenly felt very ill. She found herself wanting to do something, anything to keep what Lord Elrond said from happening. It was then something hit her, and she found herself feeling more ill than before. When she spoke, her voice was meek and slightly trembling.
"Lord Elrond… what does this ring look like?"
Lord Elrond looked surprised and somewhat worried at the fear in her voice. "Why do you ask?"
"Because…" She began, her voice still trembling. She looked to see everyone looking intently at her, intensifying her nervousness. What would they do if she told them? Swallowing hard, Lúthien continued. "Because in my dream, the one that would not let me wake, I saw… I saw a ring." She finished, finally relieved to have it said and done with. Her relief didn't last long, however, as she saw the look of alarm on Lord Elrond's face. Looking around, she saw the look of shock everyone's eyes held for her. She felt like disappearing.
"Describe it." Lord Elrond bellowed. Lúthien could see his hands fisting at his side.
"It was gold." She began, remembering the vision in her dream. "There was nothing distinct about it except the marking around the outside."
"Markings?" Lord Elrond pressed.
"Yes, like some sort of writing. They shone red with fire, much like the eye." Lúthien said, trying not to see the looks on the faces around her. A long silence passed and no one spoke. Looking up, she saw all eyes were now on Lord Elrond. His eyes were closed, though his body was tense. He appeared to be contemplating many things. Then he opened his eyes and connected with Lúthien's.
"I believe we have much more to discuss, Lady Lúthien Arwen. For now, however, let us enjoy our breakfast." He said, smiling warmly at her.
Lúthien smiled also, feeling a bit better that he had lightened the mood. "Please, feel free to call me Lúthien, seeing as how there is already an Arwen. I am still not accustomed to being addressed by my full name."
"Very well, Lady Lúthien." Lord Elrond spoke.
Lúthien had actually been hoping he'd drop the 'Lady' part as well, but shrugged mentally. Smiling across at Arwen, she noticed her and her brothers had already begun filling their plates. To her relief, it was quite informal. She couldn't help but giggle as Elladan and Elrohir eyed each other down. They had reached for the same fruit and neither was willing to give it up. At the sound of Lúthien's laughter, they had stopped their staring contest long enough to look at her. As their attention was diverted, Arwen reached over to snatch the much coveted fruit. Lúthien couldn't help but laugh out loud as Arwen licked the fruit, thereby claiming it as her own. The look on all their faces were priceless. Arwen looked like the cat that just ate the canary while Elladan and Elrohir looked like their puppy had just gotten run over. It was then that Lord Elrond cleared his throat.
"Need I remind you we have company this morning?" He said, eyeing his children in turn.
Lúthien held in her laughter as Elrohir, Elladan, and Arwen immediately improved their manners. She had a feeling she was going to have great fun as long as these three were around. Feeling much better, she realized that all the formality had begun to wear on her. She had been feeling quite uptight, constantly worry that anything she did might offend them somehow. Now that she had seen the antics of Elladan, Elrohir, and Arwen, she realized she had been worrying just a little too much. Of course their manners were impeccable, but that was only the surface. Underneath, they were like anyone else, except for the fact that they'll probably live for another ten thousand years. Living that long, you have to have a sense of humor.
"It's quite all right, Lord Elrond. It's nice to be able to laugh again. It's been days since I've had a good laugh."
Lord Elrond nodded to her in agreement. Taking this as their cue to continue their shenanigans, as was their daily habit during meals, they continued to feud over food. Lúthien soon joined them, merrily. Lord Elrond looked on in amusement as Lúthien and Elrohir reached for the same fruit. Lúthien pulled back her hand to let him have it until Arwen's laugher chimed from the other side of the table.
'Elrohir! What kind of a gentleman are you?"
"A hungry one." Elrohir responded with a laugh.
Everyone laughed at that comment. Even Lord Elrond let out a merry chuckle.
"Don't stand for that, Lúthien! Take that fruit from my discourteous brother!" Arwen laughed.
With a grin, Lúthien reached for the fruit. Seeing as how she was actually going to take it, Elrohir grabbed for it as well. Being that he was closer, he reached it first, but was thwarted as Lúthien snatched it from his hand.
"Hey!" Elrohir complained, still smiling.
Elladan roared with laugher as Lúthien licked the fruit, following Arwen's earlier example.
"That's more like it!" Arwen exclaimed between laughs.
Lord Elrond muttered something about children, shaking his head and laughing. The rest of breakfast continued on that way. The room was filled with merry mischief, laughter, and fake looks of disapproval from Lord Elrond. As the meal continued, Lúthien was glad to see the meat was going untouched. She really didn't feel like becoming sick to her stomach watching people eat it. She couldn't help but think about what they were actually eating when people ate meat. The rest of the food, however, was divine. The bread was freshly baked and very tasty. There were wonderful jams she had never tasted. The fruit was exceptionally sweet, and the juices were thirst quenching and delicious.
"Ah yes." Lord Elrond spoke, as if finally remembering something. "I have asked Lady Tinueth if she would tailor the clothes in your wardrobe. She is waiting for you in your quarters, now."
Lúthien smiled brightly. "Wonderful!" She had been in this same dress for 3 days. A new dress, and perhaps even a bath, would be just what the doctor ordered! Lúthien stood, still quite pleased with the news that she would have a change of clothes. "May I go?"
"By all means." Lord Elrond said, gesturing towards the door. "Arwen, could you go with her to be sure she does not become lost?"
Arwen nodded with a smile. She had been planning to go along anyway. Lúthien turn to leave before Lord Elrond's voice stopped her. "Although, I would like to meet with you again for lunch. There is still much we must discuss." Lúthien nodded as Arwen came to her side. Together they walked side by side out of the dining hall, leaving Elladan and Elrohir to stare at Lúthien's swaying rear end. One they were out of the room and out of earshot, Elrohir spoke up.
"She likes me." He said, grinning.
"What makes you so sure?" Elladan asked, eyeing his brother.
"She sat next to me." Elrohir stated cockily, crossing his arms and slouching back.
"What?" Elladan asked incredulously, trying to find some sense in his brother's statement. "She only sat next to you because you pulled the chair out for her!"
"She didn't have to sit next to me if she didn't want to. She didn't sit next to you did she?" Elrohir asked, his grin broadening.
"She didn't sit next to me because you were the one that pulled the chair out for her." Elladan said logically.
"Which is precisely why she likes me better." Elrohir said, grinning winningly.
"What?" Elladan blurted. "Your logic escapes me, dear brother."
"Which is why she likes me better." Elrohir stated, his grin turning into a mischievous simper.
Lord Elrond took this as his cue to leave as well. If he knew his boys, they'd be at it for hours. They had always been like that. When they were young, the arguments were about just about anything and everything. Of course, now that they were older, the arguments were usually about lovely ladies. It was always the same. Elrohir would instigate with his clever lack of logic and Elladan would argue with his common sense. The argument would escalate until one challenged the other to some test of strength or skill. Then the winner would wave his triumph in the other's face for a few hours before they found something else to argue about. It was nothing but good-natured sibling rivalry, and Lord Elrond found he had become quite used to it over the years. He even found it amusing as long as he didn't have to make pardons on their behalf when innocent bystanders got caught up in their contests. Lord Elrond grimaced, remembering last time when he had to personally apologize to nearly half of Rivendel.
Cerulean Sage
"I thought that breakfast scene was particularly fun. Can't be uptight and formal all the time, right? Brothers and sisters are always a riot when it comes to claiming their territory. Have you ever had to lick your food to ensure it's not stole when your back is turned? I know I have! It's just one of the joys of being a sibling. If you're a sibling, you know how much fun it can be to snag someone else's snack. It's all fun and games. Brothers and sisters are great fun.
Thank you, thank you to everyone who reviewed I appreciate it a lot to know that people are reading this.
To Nikki, I was planning to have a scene between Lúthien and Aragorn, though not a long one.
To Mia, all those mysterious qualities will make sense as everything reveals itself as the story goes on. No, she is not part elf. I never said Legolas is the one she has a romance with, and yes, Legolas is hot.
To Kyandoru, Lúthien is not perfect. If you haven't yet noticed, she has a slight social anxiety. She also has misconceptions about the elves from all the wonderful things she has heard about them her whole life. She sees them, at first, to be almost godly. She must find out, through getting to know them and spending time around them, that they are just like anyone else, with the exception of extended lives and such. The first step to realizing they're not some sort of unreachable gods is in the breakfast scene of this chapter. As you'll find out in the later chapters, she's also a bit of a coward in the face of danger. She has an immediate reaction to want to hide when things get scary until she realizes she has no choice, and must face the dangers, come what may. Courage borne of despair."