A.N: Wow, I just want to thank everyone who commented, followed and added this to their fave lists Considering the quality and sparsity of updates, I am duly humbled. Hopefully, you'll enjoy the below offering.
I am working to improve the first two chapters - changes to the third have already been made for those interested.
All the best.
Fragrant flowers, long crushed by the tread of feet, whose, Luinwen could not say, were strewn upon the ground. The Lady Arwen sat by one of the high lancets, bathed in the light glow of the golden sun. Her hair, as black as the deepest night still, shone with the brilliance of stars, her sliver skin was likewise dusted with a glow. Kind eyes, grey as a clear morning, looked upon the waking world, seeing far beyond the white walls cascading down and deep, plunging towards earth and grass. "Fair is the day," the great elven lady spoke, turning her gaze upon them. "And fair the company." The note of undiluted joy in her voice set the world to rights it seemed.
Fair company indeed. Luinwen approached with a murmur of greeting, her words yet shy, bolstered only by the knowledge that should she quail at such a time, all other women of the realm would do likewise and that would not be a fair assessment of their mistress, for she was not terrible in the least. Bravely then, she brought herself to the Evenstar's side. "What is thy bidding, my lady of Gondor?" Bright eyes spoke of gratitude as fine, elegant fingers came to rest upon the sleeve of her garment.
"I would make ready for the feast; they tell me yet more have come to bow before their rightful king and I mean to stand with Elessar. As the customs of this land are yet unknown to me, I look to you for guidance for myself and my companion." The last words were addressed to Miriel and the other woman in the chamber, a matron by looks, older in appearance than all within the chamber.
She stepped within the light, her dark kyrtle the deep blue of larkspurs. Her locks, gathered from her face into a filigreed net of golden lines, were the colour of soft earth after a healthy rain, though shot through with the silver of age. Her forms was proud and tall, however, her back yet straight. "You can do no better than to put yourself in our hands, my lady." She spoke in the common tongue with a carrying voice, albeit Luinwen could sense no harshness in her countenance. "As I have guided the Lady Finduilas when was her court assembled of old, so shall I do for you, my lady."
"You served under the good Steward's mother then, wise Nolye?" Arwen's lilt bespoke of curiosity. She spoke not of such things to Luinwen in her father's home, but it had been known that she had looked into the realm of Gondor, upon all writings of such a nature. "Very few speak of her."
"Very few have cause or inclination to. The old Steward seldom allowed it, guarding her memory jealously. His firstborn son only was at times permitted to rouse her ghost." What a sad thing that seemed to Luinwen. She thought she understood some of the Steward's grief. Her own father kept close the remembrance, such as he had, of her mother and words, when they did come, were sparse, but not unkind. "In time, we learned not to make mention of her, leastwise not in the Steward's hearing. But that is of the past now and we must look to what lies ahead." It seemed then to her that the years glided off the woman's back the as purpose set itself about her shoulders. She liked that in the race of Men, for though laden with age and worn with care, the faded bloom looked yet more fresh than any flower had upon its perch on a tall tree.
"Come then, we shall be counselled." The lady stood up, her height put to advantage by the women around her. "Say to us what you think best we know before we set out."
What followed was a rather lengthy list of rules, carried down through the ages of men, coming to carve a path. Some of these sounded very strange indeed to Luinwen, such as the Queen having her food and drink put to test. Who in the whole of Arda would wish to harm her? But she kept her peace, for they had agreed to be guided. She did her best to keep all rules in her memory, but would have fain went without, even to the paved streets. Better yet if she might ride out of the city and into the land of grass to sit beneath a tall tree. Turning her thoughts from such notions, Luinwen gave a sharp start at seeing Nolye draw close to her mistress, reaching long fingers for the dark banner of her hair. "If you would allow it, lady, Miriel and I shall braid your hair in the fashion of Gondor and then we will do the same for your handmaiden."
The agreement of Lady Arwen came, as Luinwen had expected it would. She took a step back to better observe their work, wishing to learn all she could. In the days to come, she meant to do likewise for her mistress and, in time, form her bonds with the other woman of the court. It seemed to her that braiding their hair together was just the thing. She eyed the motions, deft and elegant, and smiled to see the shape her lady's hair took for their work even as praise fell from the lips of their helpers. They put no netting to her tresses, but chose fastenings and beads of sliver, girdling the stars in those tresses. She had to admit the way of Gondor was fair.
When it came her turn, she chose a seat away from the looking glass. The women worked their craft upon her with equal good cheer as they had done for her lady. They spoke gently of the habits of maidens. "We shall merely draw this fine mane out of the way and set it to best advantage." As she was not spoken for, they advised her to thin braids and flowing tresses. "You shall turn many heads." Luinwen received their words with kindness and said naught of her secret wish that one particular head should turn. She had been offered great comfort and had yet to look into his actions with an eye for discerning reason. It was yet too soon to tell whether his kindness meant to sooth or to twine.
Before long they were all four of them making their way down to the great chamber wherein all would gather. Luinwen kept pace with Mairiel, allowing Nolye to walk before them, closest to the Queen. The Lady Arwen sought to win the hearts of these people; she would not stand in her path. A hand touched hers and a shy smile came upon her sight. "You have been kind to my mother; she has been long without a mistress and her heart wearied of such idleness."
"Her last lady was dear to her, I think," Luinwen offered. "Did you know the Lady Finduilas in life?"
"Not well. I was much a child when she left us." She leaned in, whispering. "She was counted among the great beauties of Dol Amroth and her heart was gentle but her health ever waning. It is said the Lady Lothíriel resembles her greatly, the youngest child of Prince Imrahil; though I hear she is stout."
"The Prince of Dol Amroth I have seen at the feast, but his daughter has not come, by my reckoning; or if she has our paths have not yet crossed." She was curious to see the likeness of the departed Steward's lady. And if she resembled her kin in kindness, all for the better, to her mind.
"That is because she has not come. Dol Amroth but rarely sends its ladies to travel." And perhaps the times and perils had counted against such a thing in any event; Luinwen nodded her head, thinking of the dangers one might meet upon the road. Though the great enemy was felled at last, his evil had yet to be excised. That would take them many a year, she though, and then there was much rebuilding to do. "All men but rarely send their women to travel; they think the roads too harsh for them." Luinwen sensed a flicker of displeasure in those words. Strange though it was to her, she said naught upon the matter.
But they were then in the presence of King Elessar and spoke no more as the sovereign came forth to take the hand of his beloved. Once more the elven beauty come from the house of Elrond seemed to draw all light into herself and reflect it outwards. Bowing her head, she followed the path before her, not at all surprised that the hall had been filled once more with noblemen, both Men and Elf-kind. The Queen sat beside her King and gave her women leave to mingle. She had little enough attention for them with the chief concern of her heart so close at hand.
She sat at the feet of her lady's throne for a time, eyes searching out the multitude of faces, searching for kith and kin, perhaps even for the desire of her heart. Erestor caught her eye and bade her draw nearer. She glanced over her shoulder to the lady but seeing her caught so in the talks of men, she lifted herself from her side and went forth. Her feet climbed down upon the steps. The men nearest to the edge of the gathering, holding cups of sweet brew, lifted their eyes to her. She had seen some of them, others were yet unknown. Yet so many gazes upon her did her ill; her own timid nature had made the world shrink around her. Before she knew it, hands came under her arms, bearing her to standing with good-natured chuckles. "Those stone steps are treacherous," one warned, while another, wisely, said, "No harm was done, and so you may be about your business, elven mistress." Luinwen thanked them prettily and passed through their midst.
Erestor gave her a curious look, gentle in his reproach, "You are not usually so clumsy, dear elleth. Is your mind perchance not yet alert so late in the day?" His arm came to rest around her shoulders, leading her away from the chatter of men. "The Lord Elrond has arranged for us to ride out and wishes your presence. You've leave from your mistress, as she will bide her day in the hall and learn the hearts of her people."
"And you fear I shall hinder her by tripping over the hem of my skirts." She said the words in jest but noted a troubled look shadow her kindred's face. "Come now, surely it has not come to that." But the gloom did not vanish and she said no further, but pulled away from him and caught hold of his arm, following where he lead, outside the great chamber and into one of the hallways heading southward.
Erestor brought her to a small chamber, rather out of way, and sat her down. "I find the task appointed to me heavy upon the heart. You told me you wished to follow the Lady Arwen and that I accepted for I knew your mind was not made up as to whichever way to go. But it occurs to me I have been hasty. Perhaps too much so."
"Such talk from you puts me ill at ease." She spoke without much thought, for it was her wont to be frank when put with her back to the corner, such as she felt in that moment. "If you've aught to speak beyond the words already spoken, then so you must. I shan't stop you in any event."
"It is not too late to change course. If you go forth with us, your healing will be easier." She understood at once what he said, and then too what he did not say. Her heart sank beneath the weight of such care, for she knew not how to say to him she wished her healing in her own hands and yet she must, in spite of his most solid counsel. Indeed, the lands beyond the sea would mend her heart before long. "I would fain make such a choice for you and let them who follow in wisdom see to the tying of bonds as they must."
"But such a fate would not be of my choosing." Her voice kept itself soft, a whisper even. She hadn't need of harshness, for it would win her little in that battle. Instead, she pushed her shoulders back. "There is blood between us, that much is true; but to this point I have been brought by my own sire and by my own hands. Too little have our paths crossed that your sway should bend my will."
Light laughter rose in answer. "Too long has Idhrenor left you to your own devices. But no, you are in the right. I cannot make such a choice for you. And I shall not." Still he seemed put out. Luinwen could think of no way to sweeten her refusal. "All words seem to have been spent. Upon this matter, I say no more then." Luinwen's stiffness eased. "Will you come riding with us then?" Hios disposition shifted with the question, all anxiety swept away.
He was much her elders and she expected putting such troubles from her mind was an easy task for him. Decided that she should do likewise, Luinwen offered him the boon of understanding. "I shall ride out with you, after all my affairs are set in order."
"Very well; let us meet at the eastern gate; I shall wait for you." And so they were friends once more; as ever they'd been.
She was not in the shadow. Sat atop her mare, her hair braided in a strange manner, was the fair elleth. Stray rays of sunshine indulged in long, gliding caresses across the silver links fastening her braids, seeping into softness of her hair. He envied the sun its good fortune, wishing it was his fingers sinking into those tresses, shaking them free and combing them down her back. Her eyes kept to the face of one of the young elves in Elrond's service; it was clear she listened with great attention. Of what they conversed, he could not say. Their exchange proved brief, for Luinwen gave a short nod of her head and the ellon seemed satisfied with that. They parted ways and she rode to the side of her kindred.
Asfaloth's hooves danced over the dry ground as though in response to his unspoken wish that he might abide by her. Not yet; they rode out for their own leisure and he would find her doubtless when they later settled between the trees and let their horses roam free. With that in mind, he turned away from the dear sight and urged his steed to the side of Lindir's own. When all was in order they set out in small groups, some of them riding ahead, some falling back in talk. He wondered only briefly in the Lady Arwen had been at all inconvenienced by the defection of her companion. He rather thought not; Elrond's daughter had remained undaunted in the face of greater odds.
For a time the horses were given their heads, allowed to set a pace for themselves. He found himself flying over distance and grass until stalks turned to trunks, and petals arranged themselves in blooming boughs of fragrant blooms. Lindir caught up to him, looking about with a discerning eye. "Such a wonderful sight for eyes made weary by stonework." The rest of their party arrived in lazy waves, dismounting as they spoke and sang. The horses, released from weight and command, searched the grasses for nourishment, knowing to draw away. Glorfindel soon found himself in the midst of a merry company with a mind for song. So they sang of the olden days, of glories past and sights that would soon pass from memory. The laden branches above them leaned in to listen to their voices and time wore on in pleasant fashion.
When he could no longer endure their cheer, however, he broke from their circle and searched about for the sight dearest to his heart. For a moment his attention was taken up by frolicking elves, hiding behind tall trees with a giggle and a look of anticipation. Luinwen was seated at the foot of a richly haloed tree, head bent over what looked to be a scroll of some sort. A small satchel had been left lying by her, from which he saw peeking other bound scrolls. It seemed their lady was a lax mistress who gave but little tasks to her handmaidens, for he could not otherwise think she would have had the time to search for reading material. Debating whether he ought to approach her or not, Glorfindel studied the hunched figure. He harkened to her in the end, unable to stay his feet.
Adorable lips were slightly parted in silent recitation, her brow gently furrowed, Luinwen took little note of his approach. Only when he stood a moment before her did she come to the realisation that her company was sought after. The first reaction he had of her was a start. She flinched at the fall of his shadow and gazed up; concentration broke into surprise. "Are you always hard at work, Luinwen Idhrenoriel?" Taken aback, she regarded him quite seriously for too brief a moment before the dark of her eyes gave way and something of understanding touched her face.
"I have not the heart to cavort, nor for singing. I might as well keep idleness at bay by whichever means I have use of." A heartbeat endured between them. "Would you like to sit with me?" Roses bloomed in her cheeks, even as she moved her satchel to the other side. He wanted a great deal more than to rest in the meadow with her. Glorfindel wished to take her hand in his then, press his lips to the back of it and into her palm. Restraining the impulse, he took her up on her offer. "Forsooth you have in mind some further mischief for me to take up."
Only if it involved her sneaking away with him for a short while so he might find the sweetness of her lips. He told her naught of his thoughts. Instead, he offered a slow smile. "Is that why you believe I sought you out?" The scroll was placed upon her lap then and she peered at him questioningly. "I might have done it simply for the pleasure of your company." A flicker of astonishment dismayed him. "You doubt my sincerity?"
"Never! I know you to be honourable," she declared. Steadily, however, she revealed to him her heart in that moment. "But I confess to it being of some wonder to me."
"Does it alarm you?" He was frank, but he felt he could not otherwise win against her reticence. If only he were provided with an opening, he would work ceaselessly to convince her of his faithfulness; a sign, any sign, no matter how small, would do.
"I do not fear you, but only–" There she stopped short and looked about them suddenly, as though remembering the company. "What is it that you want of me?" She asked in innocence, as only am ingénue could.
Froth and foam rose from the agitated sea within him. "I want you to look at me and see me. A bold request perhaps, but one which I will make nevertheless." Her eyes widened and it seemed to him that she had understood the unspoken sentiment. Some of their kind had the talent of conquering hearts with a glance, others with a sweet word. He was a warrior by nature and thus had his wits and battle-skill in aid.
