Chapter Nine: Feeling Young and Reckless

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
Mark Twain

The Havens, Late Spring/Early Summer, T.A. 289

Elladan shifted once again as his right leg began to become as numb as his left. He contemplated the oddity of how elves could find a way to live comfortably in trees and yet failed to make comfortable stone floors. Perhaps the dwarves had their own stone working secrets when it came to comfortable floor space; it was a thing to ponder for the next meeting of all the free peoples of Middle Earth. Elladan had been occupying the floor in front of Galdor's study since Morwen had walked in for a meeting. A quick glance at the window assured Elladan it had, indeed, been three hours since Morwen had entered. Elladan had no earthly idea what they were doing. There had not been any sounds other than the occasional dragging of robes across the floor and plenty of page turning and quill scratching. Perhaps they were communicating silently, Erestor was most likely looking into the most stealth ways to communicate information so prying ears and eyes could not secret upon important plans. Elladan, if he were a lesser elf, would have been insulted at Erestor's increasing attempts to force Elladan away from any possibly explosive evidence. Elladan sighed and shifted again, wondering when Morwen would be finished. If only they could see him now, grand Elladan left to occupying floor space as he waited for a councilor to finish what had to have been the most boring meeting in all of Arda's history.

Galdor glanced up from his reading to see Morwen attempting to silently slip into his study though the window. He raised an eyebrow as she perfectly managed the task without any sound to give her away. Morwen mentioned for him to remain silent as she picked up a rather large tome on the history of Middle Earth. She quickly moved over to the door. Galdor watched intrigued as she stood as tall as she could, raising the book high above her head and then swiftly dropping it onto the stone floor. The answering "Manwe's Eagles!" from the other side assured Galdor that Morwen had taken care of their spy for the next few moments. The door was unlatched and Elladan, in the perfect form as a son of Elrond, marched in eye's blazing and rubbing his ears.

"That was uncalled for!" The indignant elf yelled.

Morwen gave him a scathing look, "What is uncalled for is the behavior you have been exhibiting since your elfhood. Honestly, Elladan, occupying the floor in front of a meeting's door is not a respectable characteristic of a future lord."

"Neither is deafness. Valar, Morwen, you've scarred me for life. I shall forever fear the sound of books hitting floors."

"You already fear books, Elladan. I'll be done in a moment. Go off and stretch your legs or get something for your ears."

Elladan gave Morwen one last look of malcontent and walked away. Morwen watched until he had turned down a corridor.

"Thank you, Galdor, for allowing me a moment of respite. I am sorry if I have kept you away from any other engagements."

Galdor shook his head, "It was my pleasure, Morwen. I needed some time away from others to catch up on my reading and correspondence. Though I must say, I commend you on the ability to silently slip in and out of windows."

A soft smile came across Morwen's face as she gave a small laugh, "Glorfindel taught me that trick as a child. He said it was best for my safety if I could escape from a place undetected. He was always so worried we would be trapped somewhere and not able to escape."

Galdor moved behind her and rested a hand on her shoulder, "The fears, follies, and sadness of his lifetimes have made Glorfindel overly cautious of the safety of those whom his loves. Do not worry about his current attitude, Morwen. I am sure Cirdan has calmed him now."

Morwen nodded and smiled, then gave a small curtsey and left the study.

A Week Later

The Havens

Elladan watched in morbid fascination as Morwen once again tried to evade the wooing attempts of one Sigilion of the Havens. Yesterday had been wild flowers which, sadly, contained a contingent of angry bees. The day before that had been music, which also, sadly, was of a song Morwen detested and resulted in her eye twitching whenever it was played. Before that was a flask of fine wine which proceeded to drip over Morwen's then white, now splotchy pink, gown. And even before that was the first gift, a small cat. Morwen enjoyed when it bit Glorfindel but did not enjoy when the cat insisted on sleeping on her papers. However, since she was blaming Sigilion for the cat's behavior, Morwen had decided to keep the pest. Elladan had wanted to name him Target Practice and Glorfindel agreed it was a proper name until Morwen, in cruel humor, suggested Balrog was perhaps a better name. Glorfindel had been indignant for a breath and then laughed for a long time. Everything had almost gone back to normal after the laughing fit, if not for the increasing death threats Glorfindel was making against Sigilion and now the beastly cat who had seen fit to use his boots as a place of relieving itself. Elladan leaned out farther from his tree perch to get a better look at the gift Sigilion would soon bestow on Morwen.

"Elladan why, exactly, are you attempting to become a tree elf?"

Elladan's startled yelped and ungraceful fall answered Glorfindel's inquiry. Glorfindel watched in amusement as his former (and sadly still current) charge dusted himself off and attempted to pull twigs out of his braid.

"Glorfindel, what a nice day, I did not see you lurking there. How are you doing on this bright morn?"

"I am currently wondering when it was you lost all semblance of sanity."

"Glorfindel, how dare you even insinuate that I was at one time sane! I shall have you punished for your lies!"

Glorfindel rubbed his brow, wondering just how it was Imladris managed to survive the twins. br

"Elladan, why were you sitting in the tree?"

"I was bonding with tree spirits?" Elladan tried, but failed when Glorfindel gave him a look.

"I was examining bark patterns?"

Glorfindel quirked his head.

"I was practicing for my sentry duty?"

Glorfindel raised a golden eyebrow.

"Fine, you win. I was spying on Sigilion and Morwen. He's about to bestow his gift for the day, and you must admit the last few have been amusing. I need something to entertain me, Glorfindel."

"I am sure Cirdan would have no great difficulty in finding a task for you. No matter, I must admit to being curious about the next gift of Sigilion. Now, back up in the tree and budge over so we can both watch."

Morwen saw Sigilion coming towards her bearing a package. She looked for all possible means of escape, but on an open shore it becomes quite clear when you are running away from someone. She mentally calmed herself. She had never believed there could possibly be an elf more persistent than Thalion. At least his attempts were made out of general affection, and honestly, if Morwen was any other she elf she would be honored by Thalion's steadfast presence. This Sigilion though, he was simply looking for a way into the royal favor of the High Elves of Arda. To be honest, it was most likely his father's doing. Glorfindel had never been a fan of Aglargelair, nor his two sons, and in his more free speaking moments (also known as drunken), would recount the many reasons for why such elves should be forced to pass into the West. Sigilion was drawing nearer, but a Valar seemed to hear Morwen's silent prayers for Cyllon, a messenger of the Havens, came running onto the shore.

"Councilor Morwen, I've been sent to find you! Cirdan had just received word that Bellion of Lothlorien is coming to the council."

Morwen grimaced, perhaps the Valar had not heard all of her pleas.

Sighing she replied, "Thank you, Cyllon. I best go to my quarters to prepare for his arguments."

"I would certainly think so, I hear he is most upset with current trading practices of Imladris."

"Cyllon, my good friend, Bellion is an elf who finds fault in everything and everyone and who only believes his opinion is the correct one. I was prepared for this; he is notorious for not announcing his intentions to visit until the last minute. Elladan, come down from that tree and assist me!"

Sigilion was left forgotten on the shore as Cyllon, Morwen, and a still twig-covered Elladan made their way to Cirdan's hall.

Glorfindel dropped down silently from the tree. He watched Cyllon, Morwen and Elladan until they disappeared into the hall. He turned his eyes onto Sigilion, noticing how the elf did not seem so much dejected as frustrated. Oh yes, this elf was not even attempting to cover up his true intentions in his wooing of Morwen. Glorfindel grimaced as another headache formed just in the thought of how he was going to get i this /i elf to leave Morwen alone.

Moments exist in every elven life when one questions what Valar they have angered. For the select reborn, the question truly revolves around whom they angered and in which lifetime. Glorfindel knew, despite his elect status as a hailed Lord of Old and a re-born Lord of the New Peace complete with Enlightened Knowledge (and various other capitalized titles), he had accumulated enemies in both of his lifetimes. Many of the enemies from his past were dead and gone. Most who had survived the fall of Gondolin were either now re-born children or had passed into the West. His newest enemies were the young elves who grew up regaled with his tales and had come to resent someone of such power and, quite plainly, hero worship. They resented him for his position in the elven society of Arda. They were suspicious of his relationship with Mithrandir and the trips he took with the Rangers of the North every decade. There were many who abhorred the amount of female attention his presence always caused; for the younger elves it was a form of jealousy, for the older and seasoned warriors it was a dislike of the immaturity and games of young females and their wiles.

Glorfindel did not care for any of their hatred or even their praises. Every elf and man knew fame was a fickle friend. Those often put on the pedestal of perfection were soon knocked down when they showed the world their true self, complete with imperfections. One thing Glorfindel was taught before he came to live on Arda once again was to hold in regard the opinions of a select few. Doing so was the only way to preserve a small shred of sanity. After all, who knew best the experience of being praised, beseeched to and cursed in one day better than the Valar?

One of Glorfindel's loudest critics was a troublesome elf of the Havens known as Aglargelair, the very father of this pest Sigilion. He had a particular affinity for spreading the most unsubstantiated tales concerning not only Glorfindel, but also the house of Imladris.

Now his son was, quite obviously and with no sense of any flair, attempting to woo Morwen. Glorfindel was annoyed, Melui was annoyed for Sigilion kept pestering her for information on Morwen, Elladan was not annoyed so much as happy to have something to do; which was thinking of various ways to force Sigilion away and taunting Morwen. Galdor insisted Sigilion was at least a better option for a lover than his father or brother. Glorfindel was just disturbed. Really, the gall of some people. Morwen was clearly not interested, had, in fact, remarked how Sigilion was making Thalion welcome. Glorfindel was amazed at the lengths lesser elves would go to in order to get closer to the noble elf families. He would not be surprised if once Sigilion realized Morwen was a lost cause, he would attempt to woo one of the twins next; or even better, Rian. Glorfindel smiled as he imagined the reaction of the fiery she-elf. The word "explosive" would not even begin to describe.

As Sigilion made his way back to his home, Glorfindel made his own way back towards the hall.

"GLORFINDEL!"

The captain of Imladris' troops was thrown out of his thoughts at the familiar and yet, not often heard, bellow of one Morwen of Imladris.

Glorfindel watched, with some amusement, as Morwen nearly stomped down the shore of the Grey Havens. Elladan, in the perfect image of a scolded child, followed close behind. The circlet on his head was slightly skewed and the twigs were still present; Glorfindel guessed, in all confidence and assurance from past events, Morwen had slapped the head of the son of Elrond with a rolled piece of parchment. Glorfindel gave a short laugh at the thoughts of overgrown elflings and moved to meet them, br

"Morwen, I believe your dulcet tones just called for me?"

He let out an undignified "oof" as Morwen threw something into his midsection.

"Since Elladan has proven his usefulness lies only in skewering beasts of some kind and NOT in keeping track of the bags he is supposed to be carrying-"

Elladan snorted, "You said it was not important."

Morwen glared at him, "No, I said I should not be in need of it but one never knows, which is why I entrusted it to you, my most loyal friend."

"Honestly, Morwen" Elladan started, "You can not blame me for the fact you had so many bags full of documents you could not carry them all."

Morwen looked ready to beat Elladan; Glorfindel decided now would be the best time to intervene. br

"As fascinating as your little spat is children, why was I both called for and then abused by throwing packages?"

"Because," Morwen hissed and threw another glance at Elladan, "I need you to ride back to Imladris to retrieve them. Now."

Imladris, days later

Elrond stood in his study, looking out over his realm. Dreams of a disturbing nature had awakened him this night and he had sought the wisdom of his friend, Erestor, who could often be found contemplating visions from his own restless sleep.

Elrond turned to Erestor, voicing his thoughts, br

"There are those who are destined for a life of unrest, unhappiness and loneliness. They are dedicated and true souls who must bear the burden of loneliness while all around others them live in decadent happiness. Glorfindel lived this once."

Erestor snorted, "And now he lives it again and is forcing Morwen into the same life."

"Yes."

"Can we not send them somewhere to…overcome their disinclinations to each other?"

"Erestor, is anything that occurs among members of this household ever i that /i. simple?"

"Of course not, my Lord."

"If Glorfindel ever overcomes both his fear and his pride and if Morwen ever forgives his perpetual stupidity everything will work itself out."

Elrond paused for a moment.

"You're going to say 'However' aren't you?" Erestor injected.

"However there is no guarantee this life time will be the one for them."

"Only Glorfindel would need to die and be reborn more than once to get an obvious point through his thick skull."

Elrond raised an eyebrow, "May I remind you your statement comes from an elf who waited three ages before he decided to bond and then only under the threat of blackmail? The Valar have their own reasons for guiding Morwen and Glorfindel down their respective paths and those paths do not necessarily lead them to each other."

"Why, Elrond, you're such an optimistic leader. I do not know how you are able to survive in these darkening times."

"I would do well to remember who serves whom, Erestor, chief of the Household of b Lord /b Elrond."

"Pompous are we?"

"Have you always been this infuriating or have I been ignoring it all this time?"

"Well, you have been a tad preoccupied fighting wars and taking in strays."

Elrond laughed, "Oh, yes, I do adore all my strays."

Erestor nodded, "Yes, you made one your chief of Household."

"You have been a lovely cloud of sarcasm since you first arrived at the home of one Gil-Galad, High King."

"My mother always told me to make a memorable first impressions."

"Indeed. The lovely, 'Who is the ignorant son of a goat who created this atrocious system of cataloguing!' has always been quite memorable."

"How was I to know Cirdan had created that horrible system. I've never seen anything so nonsensical. Orcs have more organization."

"You could have been a tad more tactful. Cirdan still gets red-faced when your name is mentioned. I swear, one day he will throw you overboard."

"Which is why I refuse to be on the same boat as him. Water-logged Chief Councilors are not impressive sights."

"Neither are the bone-dry ones." A husky tone rang out in the study causing both Elrond and Erestor to flinch in surprise.

"Glorfindel, what an unpleasant surprise, you are supposed to be in the Havens." Erestor stated.

"I was, until it was discovered that Elladan had left one of Morwen's bags behind which contains documents she needs for an upcoming council. She stated they were not required but still helpful which was why she left them in Elladan's care. A councilor who was not supposed to make an appearance is on the approach and Morwen needs to reorganize an argument that requires the documents Elladan saw fit to leave here. I was ordered to come back and retrieve the vile bag."

"Ordered?" Erestor asked in all disbelief.

"Morwen's exact words were," Glorfindel paused as he attempted to raise his voice to a similar pitch of Morwen's, " 'You always boast about having the fastest and most fierce horse on Arda this side of Rohan. Go prove it.' This was, of course, after she had already thrown a pack of clothes and food at me. I believe her sarcastic comment had a bit of character assassination. I became quite surprised when she threw me into the stables. Quite a strong little she-elf. I believe she was driven on by some anger about something or other. Perhaps that Sigilion. He was hovering about her as I prepared to ride off but I told Elladan to handle him."

"WHAT!" Elrond was the picture of indignation.

"Yes, some elf by the name of Sigilion, son of Aglargelair. Serves in Cirdan's court. I heard his father wants him to make a 'smart match'. He's a just a little future councilor, who would ever want to spend more time than needed with a …" br

Glorfindel allowed his voice to trail off as he noticed the perturbed looks on the faces of his Lord and his Lord's closest advisor and councilor.

Despite the fact he stood taller and broader than both elves in front of him, Glorfindel still knew these were not the two elves you offended. He wondered if any other elf ever had a second re-birth, and if not, was he about to become the first?

Glorfindel cleared his throat and searched for the proper words, "That is to say, who would want to become involved with a very young future councilor who is not very educated and can not carry on long conversations about ancient tales…….and……and maps! Fascinating things, maps. All of the markings and different roads and they can be drawn in so many different styles. I should just cease now, should I not?"

Elrond, with his perfected look of disapproval, sneered, br

"No, by all means, continue your mindless ramble. Either way, you are doomed. You continue to ramble on like a misbehaving elfling and you will be delayed in returning to the Havens; Morwen will find a way to murder you in your sleep. Of course, if you still insist on continuing your non-self-preserving ramble, Erestor will probably murder you where we stand. I can not promise you I would make a move to stop him. And Glorfindel, you know how much I despise bloodshed near my books and even more so on my robes and then I would have to find someone to poison you." Elrond's speech was dripping with disapproval.

Glorfindel looked back and for forth between his Lord and Erestor. br

"You are, as always, wise in your council, my Lord. I will retrieve the lost bag and leave posthaste. Good day."

Elrond and Erestor stared him down as he swiftly walked out of Elrond's office.

Title from the Fall Out Boy Song, "Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of this Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued."