To Karen: Thank you very much for your kind words, I was very glad to read them. Hope you enjoy this little update.
There was wine and food, there were minstrels and songs aplenty, there was a mingling of courtiers gathered from far and wide, and joy filled the chamber along with the soft torchlight painting everything gold. Luinwen tapped the rhythm of the unknown lively reel with her foot, her motions gentle, hands occupied with a wide goblet. She drank a sweet, rich brew, darkly red and highly satisfactory. The drinks of elves were oft more refined than such fare as found at the King's table yet their taste was tart, stronger still and utterly dizzying to those unused. She preferred a drink that wouldn't overpower her senses but instead allow her to learn its subtleties.
Elessar sat upon his carved seat mounted upon the dais, Lady Arwen by his side. A soft smile tugged at elleth's lips as her eyes could but follow her King and husband. It was not in her to exhibit sentiment most strongly, yet no one could possibly miss her deep, true and abiding affection for the man. Luinwen sighed ever so gently into her cup.
"Pretty maidens ought not to sport such looks upon their face." The unknown voice startled her enough that she jumped visibly. Glancing towards the point of origin, she was greeted by the jovial, somewhat flushed face of a man well past the first blush of youth. His form was tall, limbs strong and straight, and what he lacked in soft beauty, he had in spades as far as character went, she perceived at but a glance, for his face remained open in spite of its rough cut. Grey winged his temples, a reminder that though he might well have seen less years than her, he was nearing the end of his life even as she remained yet suspended above the passing of time. Neatly trimmed beard and costly garb cemented him among the rank of the nobility. He held a goblet of his own, one-handed, and drew nearer. "You have come with the Queen, I hear."
Sensing naught more nefarious than curiosity, Luinwen dipped her head in answer. Several of the King's court had studied the elven party at length and some of the braver ones had even approached with confidence. She herself had spoken to a handful of men and women. "And you have come to celebrate this great occasion in joy at the return of the rightful heir to the throne, no doubt." Their eyes met. Green eyes, he had, an odd colour when opposed to the greys and blues of her kin, but no less mesmerising. She smiled in truth to him then.
"I have come with my son and his young wife," the man offered in answer. He pointed out to her a man of not so many years, similar to him in all but colouring who stood near a wall with one arm around a woman's waist. "To celebrate the King's return and the joyous occasion of this here victory." Luinwen found she enjoyed the sound of his voice and settled herself more firmly in her seat.
"More joyous for it is shared with those we love and those we may come to care for a great deal in time." She did not doubt the King would be loved by his subjects. They did not yet know him well enough and might be expected to have some reserves. But he could not fail to win them over.
"Pretty words. What be thy name, fair maiden?" He sat in the open seat by her side, leaning against the wall with an audible sound. Brought to a level, she could see the fine lines upon his face. Luinwen hesitated but a moment; these were men she would come to know quite well.
"I am called Luinwen," she answered, giving no account of her lineage. "What of you? What name shall I call you by?" A sly look stole over his face just then, turning playful in a moment. She laughed to see the change and was made glad when he chuckled in response.
"Danian, son of Teregon; I served the old Denethor when he would allow himself counsel." A manner of nobleman indeed then. "Times have changed. The old rule has come to an end and in its place we have another to guide us."
"May the Valar smile down upon us all," she intoned solemnly. A nod was her reply Luinwen easily perceived no more would be spoken on the matter, and she thus turned the conversation to another matter altogether. "I have seen little of this world and have not yet to grow weary of its winding paths."
Before she might say more, however, in front of her appeared none other than Glorfindel. From behind him a glowing halo spread. Some was the light of the torches, some was his very own. Her reaction, predictably, turned to quiet worship and faint dread, as oft happened so near to greatness. He had marked her most assuredly with his attention so recently and she could not help her heart from misunderstanding. His mien bore an expression neither joyful nor forlorn. Instead, he seemed determined.
"Come, elleth, give me your hand," he spoke, holding out his own for her to have. "The breeze is cool and sweet without." Instinctively, she heeded his words, lifting herself from her seat with a few words of parting to her erstwhile companion. True to his word, he indeed led her onto one of the many balconies. A gust of wind blew past them as they stared into the night together.
Luinwen gathered her courage. She had to speak. "My lord tugs me this way and that," she dared after a brief moment, unable to contain her confusion. "In this strange realm custom might well lead to misunderstanding." Luinwen could not have failed to decipher the slight amused but equally understanding face of gentle Danian. Perchance, he had thought them in some manner of bond. And though she wished it, there was a right and wrong manner to go about it. Bravery failed her then when she saw her words impressed but little upon her companion and she sought to bear them upon a different path. "The stars are bright this night. How beautiful and fair their light. My sire often used to sit with me and we would watch the stars together." Her heart squeezed with pain. She would not watch the stars with her father for a very long time to come. Might be in the halls of Mandos, her heart consoled. One of her hands reached out of its own accord, cupping within a collection of brightly burning dots. She cherished the hope of reuniting with the man in silent manner; such words she could not speak.
For his part, Glorfindel felt desire swell stronger in his breast as his eyes drank in the elleth standing by him. It would be nigh impossible to miss the way her breath hitched in his presence, the way her heart beat harder in her chest. Valar, he hadn't the power to resist that call, the sweet siren's song filled his ears and the tug on his senses nearly brought him to a tremble. His hands itched to grab hold and take possession. And yet, she drew away from him even as her faer wept for want of his presence. He knew not why that should be, for he meant her no injury and simply wished to gather her to him.
The beat of his blood ran hot within his veins yet again as he studied her profile, expression engrossed in the beauty of the night lights dotting the skies. He'd recognised her the moment he saw her in Lady Arwen's party as they rode out of their home. He knew well her face and those dark eyes of hers; and knew just as well that he had missed her presence at the gates for many a comings. Throughout the long years, his return had been marked by her presence, shy thing that stood just out of sight, beneath the shade of tall trees. His nature having never been as such as to pursue his own curiosity blindly, thus he had left the girl to her own devices, trusting that it would all work itself out. And when she'd ceased to appear near him, he had simply resigned himself to it as a matter of course, though saddened he had been by her apparent defection. To find, though, her hunger a thorny and greedy thing could not fail to rouse him beyond what was bearable, beyond what kindness allowed and certainly beyond what he might accept without a word.
Arm outstretched, she grasped yet for the stars idly. And her sorrow, unspoken and festering, overwhelmed the banks she had erected to contain it and spilled forth, breaking upon him as waves broke upon sharp-edged cliffs. And he could not hold himself from her a moment longer, but with both hands brought her against him, to warm her heart and sooth her grief. Glorfindel reached for her.
She cried out at his touch, more surprise than protest, he perceived, and turned into him. Tender was the first sob breaking past her lips. Under its assault his heart quivered. "Lean on me," he murmured gently, speaking to her as one might to an easily-spooked horse. Subtle rose her scent, ensorcelling him, binding him as sure as iron might have. "Yes; just so. I shall be your support." His urging saw her deeper in his grasp.
But Glorfindel revealed naught of his heart that she might not see at a glance, for he did not trust that she wouldn't flee from his path should he do so. It was much easier to conquer inch by inch the ground he wished; and he knew well the rewards of patience. Her tears fell and fell, seeping into his garment and breaking upon the stone beneath their feet should they somehow miss him. And in the end, even her tears ran out and would no longer fall, leaving him with the weight of her pressed into his form, sweet curves resting against him through the shield of their raiment.
Her pain lengthened, the waves dying down and settling into a gentler rhythm. "Do not force yourself to smile. If tears wish to fall, allow the rain to douse the fires of anguish." Miraculously, her own arms brushed against his sides, hands settling at his back. She returned his embrace with her own and in that moment she was open wide to his scrutiny, the walls of her defence lowered. He allowed his own faer to come up and meet hers, heart thrumming in anticipation.
The first touch was exquisite, near to bowl him over with its force. He longed to wrap himself about her as shield and shelter and never allow evil and sorrow to touch her. Instead, he measured in strokes the breadth and width, boundless as it was, of her and allowed her to do the same to him. Not long into his search did he understand she had stopped at the shores of his being, wading no further than a few paces. It seemed to be relief enough.
They drew back one from the other and her cheeks were dry and pale at last. She had taken the comfort he'd wished upon her. Bringing his hand heavenwards, he brushed his thumb gently to the soft skin of her cheek. "There are tears yet to shed." He smiles as he said it. Wordlessly, she placed her hand upon his own risen one. Her flesh was warm. Her touch fed his longing. Her eyes reflected something of desire.
But such a moment was not to last, for though he might wish it otherwise, time flowed differently in the realms of men. It bore one away rather than keep them afloat. And he had no wish to be swept away yet, nor to see her so. Away though they must go, he should do so with the elleth before him at his side or not at all. As long as Arda endured, he too might do likewise. He wished he might allow her that knowledge of him but held back once more. The air between them grew ripe with potential.
The moment was broken, due to the implacable passage of time or the hand of mischief wielded so very craftily by a wily friend was a matter of debate. Luinwen broke from him as a voice intruded upon their solitude by manner of a humble cough. Glorfindel turned to see Lindir standing in the arched doorway, a knowing look upon his face.
"You have kept the elleth long enough," the ellon spoke, "and her kin wonders at her absence, seeking her out within the King's hall even as we speak." She then stepped away from him at once and made towards Lindir with words of gratitude for his timely arrival. "Think not of it, sweet lady, but be on your way." And she left, obedient.
He would have followed her but for Lindir coming towards him. "You know well there is danger in haste." A hand was laid upon his shoulder. "And you know the thrill of a wounded bird bears no comparison to untarnished song." Glorfindel considered the words and took his friend's counsel within. "Erestor tells me you have sought him out." The unspoken question dropped as a stone between them until Glorfindel gave way.
"He will offer no encouragement, for he thinks her yet too fragile; but he should not hinder us either to hear it from his own mouth. Why have you come?" he asked in the end, unable to let the matter go without one word to it. He had been so very close; he might have had a longer taste of her.
"To spare her regret that haste might have engendered." A pulse of anger drummed within Glorfindel then and he raised his head with pride, contemptuously glaring at his boon companion. "Do not look at me so; I cast no doubt upon the strength your affection but merely on the nature of hers."
He had not been mistaken. He would stake his very life on that. "However well you believe you know her and whatever Erestor's intentions, the only one who may discourage me in my quest is her." And indeed, what knowledge could Lindir possibly bear that he might speak upon the matter? Luinwen was no charge of his, but Glorfindel's own and Valar be willing he would soon see her to her rightful place. "If you would keep the peace between us, I bid thee keep thy silence upon this matter. What goes on between her and myself is no concern of yours."
"You are much mistaken in that belief. As a friend, it is my concern. I would not see you suffer the loss of that which has never been yours to begin with." Glorfindel stopped himself short from protesting the words. "That burden is too strong to bear, even for one as glorious as yourself." Truth burned bright in Lindir's gaze. "If she be true; I would be the first to hold in the path of anyone who might speak differently. But you have only just discovered this longing in you. Let me be your true friend."
"Yet no lesser are they than the loves of ages past." With that he said no more upon the matter, but allowed his companion the wish so dear to his heart. His attention returned to the merrymaking within.
From behind hard stone cheerful music rang, the voices of men raised in song, flanked by the dulcet notes of elven tones. He sensed what he had sensed within her, but Lindir spoke true as well and if it would ease his mind, there was no harm in it. "Tread with care." The words were understood and Lindir inclined his head. He had no need to spell out the nature of his concern and glad he was for that. It meant his companion understood in truth.
Their return within the hall was not marked by any one soul especially. Glorfindel nonetheless spied Luinwen at her kin's side, Erestor keeping his own hand upon her, their heads bent in silent counsel. Washed away was his ire of before and his good cheer returned. He watched openly, his heart made galde by the sight. "Your eyes linger upon her without discretion," Lindir warned laughingly.
"And I would watch her yet longer." But he did draw his gaze from her and concerned himself with a goblet of tart, strong wine. It quenched his thirst, the one that might be easily assuaged, and left him in yet better spirits. He was then an easy creature to please. That he would remain throughout the night, he told himself.
Men and women danced before his eyes when he had turned, lips set in smiles. There was much to be glad for and many joys one's heart might sing about. So he sang a quiet song that might be heard but by the Valar; in them he put his trust. It stood as praise and prayer and spoke of their might. The whole of creation under the eyes of Eru stood.
The night wore on, bleeding into day and the music died down, the dancers leaving the hall one after another, broken in couples and other such small groups. The food and drink was gone. The songs had quietened. And Glorfindel too took his leave after Luinwen had gone, content in the knowledge of his days would stretch out in worthy pursuit and sweet and sweeter yet victory, if the Valar look kindly upon him and his quest.
Meantime in a quiet chamber, Luinwen stared into the flickering flame framed by broken glass. Her head rested on cool wood even as her back was warmed by the roaring fire burning merrily behind her. She heard the cheerful crackling and could not keep her joy from rising in response. She felt much relieved; her tears had washed some of the pain, lying salve to the wound of her heart. And she had Glorfindel and his understanding to thank. Had there ever been a more excellent ellon? She did not think so and closed her eyes in remembrance. His embrace had been warm and his words soft; his comfort gentle and true.
Her mind took her to Erestor and his words of wisdom in a moment's work. Having never been especially close while her father lived, she nonetheless had never shunned him in any manner. Rather they had acknowledged one another as duty dictated. Yet she valued him by a fashion, for he was among the last of her close kin, and his words were not to be lightly discarded. She considered that which her ears had heard. Indeed, she would do well to give herself time, to heal and to grow and if the Valar had woven such in the tapestry of her life to obtain even what her heart desired most.
Her fingers touched the spot on her cheek that he had touched. The impression of warmth remained undaunted. She stood from her seat and turned her face towards the fire. In its flames the heat danced and spread. In her eyes it all reflected. And she felt her smile widen and lengthen with newfound peace. Breathing in and out at a slow, steady pace, she walked without, upon her balcony. Her gaze followed to the horizon line.
The sun was breaking from the bowels of the earth. Light covered the land in gold, shining upon stalk of grass and crown of tree, upon pebble in the road and peak of mountain, upon the smallest of creatures and greatest alike. All was well in the realm of Man and all would be well for the time to come. Cupping both hands over her heart, she watched and was rewarded for her enduring inspection with the beauty of the dawn. She stood in that spot for many hours, allowing her mind to its rest and respite.
A knock upon her door interrupted the silent meditation. She knew by pattern of step who it was that came to her and knew to turn and call out in answer. A young maiden entered her chamber then, the red of her hair flaming in the light. "Her Majesty would have you by her side," a thin voice spoke, as though fear ate away at her.
Seeking to put the girl at ease, Luinwen approached slowly, holding her hands clasped before her. "And I shall heed her call. Come, let us go together, arm in arm as sisters in service might." Surprise flickered upon the girl's face, but she seemed willing enough to link arms with her. "Tell me then, daughter of man, what be thy name?"
"Mairiel is what they call me." And so, together, they made their way forth to serve their Queen as her station deserved. Her heart was easy.
