This morning I was inhumanely awakened by two of Middle Earth's biggest jokers.
"Her ears aren't shaped right."
I feel a sharp tug on said ears and my eyes pop open to see identical elves staring at me.
The voice had come from the elf on the right and was the same as the one that had spoken through the door yesterday. I believe I have just met my two brothers. Is it too late to get a refund?
Alright, you creepers. Stay away from the ears.
"What the heck are you two doing in here?"
Elladan and Elrohir give me a mischievous grin.
"Your ears have no point. We were trying to see if we could alter them,gwathel."
How are you going to do that? Become a plastic surgeon? That's the dumbest thing I've heard so far, and I've said plenty of stupid things.
"Are you sure Arwen didn't ask you two to wake me up?"
After experiencing her method of doing so yesterday morning, I wouldn't doubt it.
All I get is another one of those infuriating grins.
"She did, didn't she? Darn it! What does a girl have to do to get a decent twelve hours of sleep around here?"
They exchange an amused look at one another before looking back towards me. Neither of them say a word, they just stare at me with that awful twinkle in their eyes. How did someone as serious as Elrond get stuck with a bunch of children who act like they're in middle school?
"Alright you freaks of nature. Get out of here."
Pickle farts. Why are they still standing there?
"Well?"
"Well what, sister?
"Why aren't you moving yet?"
Still wearing their amused smirks the twins leave the room, and I throw a pillow at the closing door.
xXx
Call me crazy, but I actually tried to talk to the trees today. What? I was bored! Besides, I won't know if I have any elvish abilities unless I try them out. But no, the tree did not talk back.
I wouldn't be in the gardens in the first place if I didn't need some peace and quiet. And a good hiding spot. During lunch, Strider had winked at me before whispering that Arwen had arranged a dress fitting for after lunch. I only grinned at him and hoped no one else had noticed our exchange. But the chances of that happening are slim, as I now live with a bunch of elves.
Duke has been by my side all day, but when I started to talk to the trees he took off in the direction of the stables. Crazy canine.
Looking around cautiously, I made sure no one else was around before hoisting myself to the top of an especially low tree branch.
Climbing is sure hard to do in a dress.
"That is not a wise idea, little one.Your cuts have not healed enough for you to be climbing trees."
The voice startled me and I fell out of the tree— right into the arms of Elrond, who gave me a reproving look before setting me gently on the ground.
"Sorry, Adar."
It felt weird to call Elrond my father, especially in the elvish tongue, but it was gradually growing more comfortable to do so.
"Why are you here,ielleg? Arwen has been looking for you."
Yeah, I know. She wants to play dress up.
"Adar, it's Arwen looking for me. Why else would I be out here?"
He chuckled softly.
"Speaking of which, how did you know where to find me?" I asked curiously.
"It is amazing what a dog will say once you bribe him with a bone."
That furry little traitor.
"I suppose you want me to go to that dress fitting, huh?"
The Lord of Rivendell gives me a small nod of agreement.
"If you truly dislike wearing gowns, why do you not try to compromise with Arwen? Perhaps she will allow you to wear tunics for everyday occasions and dresses for formal ones?"
I smiled wryly.
Now why didn't I think of that?
xXx
"Hold still,mellon nin." One of the seamstresses said as she pulled another pin from in-between her teeth and stuck it into the fabric.
I had already been pricked a few times by the ladies, who were growing impatient at my squirming. Sadly, I think that they poked me on purpose to punish me. But how was I supposed to know that the house was in an uproar over Elrond's youngest daughter not showing up for a dress fitting?
Arwen is pursing her lips as she studies the gown that has been concocted for tonight's feast. I really don't see the point of wearing this, but to my new sister it's a really big deal. Don't get me wrong, I like the elvish style of dressing, but back at home I never wore dresses. I meannever.
Perhaps if it were not on me, I would say that it is stunningly beautiful. The fabric is a shade of deep midnight blue and has a silver trim at the bottom with silver belting to match. The sleeves are made from a sheer type of fabric, and are fitted at the top but flair out at the bottom.
"Turn." My sister whirls her finger around to demonstrate her command.
After she has seen the dress from all sides she smiles and nods at the head seamstress.
"Well done, Gwaedhiel. It suits her perfectly."
I let out a breath of relief. I suppose this whole thing could have been a lot worse. Arwen had almost decided on a corset, but thought against it because the cuts had yet to heal fully. Thank goodness for small blessings.
xXx
Phooey. Now I know why Arwen made such a big deal about the gown.
Not only was this night a celebration of Frodo's awakening, but also the first time I had been presented to Rivendell as Elrond's daughter. And I didn't like that one bit. Not because I resent being his daughter, but because I dislike people staring at me. And staring was inevitable tonight.
The Great Hall was lit with chandeliers that hung gracefully from the ceiling, their candles making the darkness fade.
Elrond sat at the end of the table in a high backed chair that had been intricately carved and set upon a raised platform, with another elf and Gandalf sitting on either side of him. Arwen sat in the middle of the table under a canopy; Elladan and Elrohir sat on her left. As for me, I was sandwiched in-between Elladan and the elf that sat at Elrond's side.
The thought of eating had immediately left my mind as I realized this was the table where the most respected people in Elrond's House sat. Forget the feathery butterflies— I had a stampede of elephants in my stomach.
One of the elves that had been serving the food filled my cup with wine as I just sat there and stared at it. Elladan laughed at my expression.
"Have you never had wine before,gwathel? Were you raised in barn?"
I gave him a scathing look before replying.
"It is not something to tease about, Elladan. And no, I grew up in a cabin and a society that didn't allow people to drink until they were twenty one. If I didn't know that such remarks were normal for you, I would say that the wine has already gone to your head. Perhaps you need to stay away from strong beverages, hm?"
The golden-haired elf sitting next to me laughed, drawing my gaze to his face in confusion.
"Elladan,mellon nin, that is the first time I have seen anyone but your father put you in your place. Well done, Lady Rielásse."
At least the elvish name Elrond gave me sounds like my english name. But I'll probably never get used to the "Lady" part. Elves are so formal.
"I ask your pardon for not making your acquaintance when you first arrived, but your father had sent me on an errand. I am Glorfindel."
"No biggie."
I have noticed that wherever I am concerned a raised eyebrow normally accompanies me. This was no exception.
"Pardon me for asking, but what does "No biggie" mean?" The blonde elf asks in confusion.
"It only means that there is nothing to forgive. But if your name is Glorfindel, that would mean you are—"
"One of your father's advisors."
Drat. I was going to say the Balrog slayer. Now that would have been an interesting conversation.
Elrond and Arwen stood to signal the end of the feast— as they are the highest ranking male and female in Rivendell.
The others after their rank soon rose to follow. I was unsure of what to do and remained sitting, but Elrohir signaled me to stand. As I stood, he came and tucked my hand into the crook of his elbow and lead me to the Hall of Fire.
The Hall of Fire was a large open room that had pillars down the length of the room, and two fireplaces across the width of the room on either side.
Elvish minstrels played soothing music as Elrond led Frodo to be reunited with Bilbo. I watched for a moment before turning around to find that Elladan and Elrohir had slipped away with Strider to share the tidings they had brought back to Rivendell with them. It is amazing how someone can be so immature and then be the polar opposite in a minute's notice.
Leave me to the mercies of curious elves why don't you? Some brothers you are.
Pippin and Merry wave at me from across the room and I quickly close the distance between us.
"Hello, Riley!" Pippin said enthusiastically, only to get elbowed by Merry.
"Pippin!" He whispered worriedly. "It's Lady Rielásse now, remember?"
"That's all right Merry, I'll always be Riley to you two. Honestly, having an elvish name is still rather uncomfortable."
That statement brought wide smiles to their faces and I smiled as well.
"Just out of curiosity, how do you tell the elves apart? Whether or not they are men or women, I mean."
This question came from Merry and I gave him a mischievous wink.
"If their clothes do not give them away, you guess and pray that you are right."
"Oh." He said disappointed that I didn't have any real advice.
Pippin laughed.
"Merry is only asking because he accidentally made the mistake of addressing Erestor as a lady."
I laughed, having met Elrond's other advisor earlier in the week. I can only imagine the look on the dark-haired elf's face. If it were anything like Merry's blushing face, it would have been priceless. The poor hobbit's cheeks were blooming into the color of tomatoes as he elbowed his cousin again.
"She did not need to know that, Pip!"
I opened my mouth to reply but Bilbo had just challenged Lindir to separate his poetry from Strider's, and I quieted down to listen.
The hobbit launched into his poem of Eärendil and I wandered closer.
Eärendil was a mariner
that tarried in Arvernien;
he built a boat of timber felled
in Nimbrethil to journey in;
her sails he wove of silver fair,
of silver were her lanterns made,
her prow was fashioned like a swan,
and light upon her banners laid...
It was easy to get lost in the poetry, and I listened in awe as Frodo's uncle recited his creation.
When he had finished, the room came alive with applauds and the little halfling gave a mock bow.
"Now we had better have it again." A brown haired elf said.
Bilbo gave another mock bow.
"I am flattered, Lindir. But it would be too tiring to repeat it all again."
"Not for you. You never get tired of reciting your own verses, Master Baggins, and you well know it. As for your question, I cannot answer after only hearing it once."
After Bilbo had finished arguing with the poet on how he and the Dúnadan were as different as peas and apples, he hopped of the chair he had been standing on and promptly disappeared in the crowd of tall elves.
My brothers and Strider slipped quietly back into the hall as Lindir began to ask if anyone else wished to share their talents. Elladan and Elrohir came to stand on either side of me, and I narrowed my eyes at the glint in Elladan's eyes.
Uh oh. I smell a mouse.
The alarm bells in my head stat to go off as Elladan waves to get Lindir's attention, and then motions to me.
The minstrel's eyes light up and he nods in my direction.
"Lady Rielásse, would you honor us with a song from your homeland?"
I give a look at Elladan that clearly states "You're dead meat" before turning back to Lindir.
"Of course." I reply as I quickly try to think of a song to sing.
No Britney Spears. That would probably kill Lindir. Not that he doesn't deserve it for being in cahoots with Elladan. Jokes on them, I can actually sing pretty good. Now let's see...
Elrohir nudges me forward with an apologetic look. Taking a deep breath through my mouth, I begin to sing the only song that I knew would come from my heart.
Come stop your crying
It will be alright
Just take my hand
Hold it tight
I will protect you
From all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry
For one so small,
You seem so strong
My arms will hold you,
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart, always
Why can't they understand the way we feel?
They just don't trust what they can't explain
I know we're different but deep inside us
We're not that different at all
And you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
Don't listen to them
'Cause what do they know?
We need each other
To have, to hold.
They'll see in time
I know
When destiny calls
You must be strong
I may not be with you
But you've got to hold on
They'll see in time, I know.
The room goes deathly quiet and all eyes are turned to our portion of the hall. Then all of a sudden, the elves start to applaud and grin at one another. I slowly retreated to the spot where I had been standing before.
"You were breathtaking,gwathel.Where did you learn such a song? It is enough to rival something that Lindir wrote." Elrohir asked in wonder, his praise genuine with not a hint of teasing in his voice.
A tear fell from my eye and made a trail down my face. I bit my lip.
"My mother sang it to me when I was restless. She said that the words would help me through the good times and bad times."
He grew quiet, and I realized that not only did he know that my mother had died, but he knew what it felt like to be separated from her.
Turning to me, he gave a soft smile.
"She was correct. Though she has been lost to you, she will always dwell in your heart, mell gwathel. Take strength from what you have learned from her."
"Thank you. Now, on a less serious note, I have another brother who is in some MAJOR trouble."
I turn to see Elladan giving me a grin and I stomp over to where he is standing.
"Have you forgiven me yet, sister?"
My ballet-trained muscles give him a swift kick in the shins.
"You are forgiven,gwandor."
As I marched off I heard Elrohir remark wryly to his brother, 'Remind me to congratulate her for that later." His twin rubs his leg gingerly and gives him a glare.
xXx
Elrond searched me out before I had left the hall.
"I suppose you know that there is to be a council tomorrow,ielleg?"
"Yes, Adar."
He gazes thoughtfully at my face.
"If you wish to be present you may come. Though I do not wish it, my heart and my foresight bid that your path would intertwine with the ring-bearer's."
I nod slowly. At least I know how this thing ends; everyone else fears the future.
"I will be there."
He gives me a solemn bow, and I retreat to my bedroom for a fitful night's rest.
xXx
Guide...
gwathel- sister
ielleg- my daughter
mellon nin- my friend
gwandor- brother
mell gwathel- dear sister