Sarahbarr17Thank you so much! You have paid me an enormous complement. It makes me feel good to know that I'm doing what I set out to do. Please keep reading and let me know what you think.

SongMasterYou must keep reading it to find out what happens then. A review wouldn't hurt either.

Elerrina TaureYour review made me feel all warm and glowy inside. I so rarely get any reviews on this story that such an encouraging one has me in euphoria. I wanted to write this for the very reason that I love the side characters more then the main characters. Besides, the world is choking on Legoromances. Please keep reading!

Chapter Five

In your eyes are my secrets, that I've never shown you

In my heart I feel I've always known you.

If the twin sons of Elrond Peredhel had not arrived at the havens in the next month, the division between Cirdan and Itarildë would certainly been noticed.

Yet the arrival of such noble guests pushed away the notice of strained silences and cold encounters that would normally stir up rumors. Cirdan never sought out the elleth and she only came to him on purely business matters.

Itarildë was more successful in disguising her true feelings to the elves around her. She wore the mask of seeming happiness along with a silver betrothal band on her finger. But in the midst of all the gaiety surrounding an engagement, she was sometimes seen to be sitting alone, pensive and solemn.

Cirdan, well, no one noticed the lines around his eyes. The tension that was reflected in his stance became part of him so that it was never remarked upon. Besides, the Shipwright was far too busy with his guest to be worried over the engagement. Now, neither he nor Itarildë had anyone to confide in and so the pain began to eat away at their hearts.

But was stated before, all this was glossed over when the lords of Imladris moved into the Havens. They were immediately loved and quite popular for their manners were free and easy after centuries of acquaintances from all races.

Lord Elrohir was said to be very like his dear father, his words and actions. Over time the ellon had found the same delight in books and lore that his father had loved so well. All the scholars then living in the Havens were more then glad to have such a Lore Master among them. It became quite common for the Lord to be found surrounded by any number of scholars recounting tales of the ancient and recent past.

On the other hand Lord Elladan made a perfect companion for those elves who had made their career in Galadhrim or Mirkwood guard. He spent hours teaching teahouse and method to the archers and swordsmen. Long tales of his own years among the Dúnedain were told over fires. And being gifted with music, Elladan sang the songs of the Edain.

Itarildë found that she did not care for the music of the Edain. They too often spoke of lost love and death. One she did not understand at all, but the other she was uncomfortably aware of. Still she always stayed and listened to the mournful sound as Lord Elladan's voice rose and fell through each ballad.

Her yellow hair in ringlets fell,

Her shoes were elvish leather O

Her Bonnet with blue ribbons tied,

Her scarlet cap and feather O

Like Varda bright she did appear

That charming blue eyed lassie O

"You know," Cirdan confided to Elrohir, "This is a splendid chance for some of our people to learn more of men. Some of these elves have rarely even seen the Edain before. You must know that your presence is a great opportunity for some of them to become versed in human history."

Elrohir nodded a mirror image of his father, "My parents always believed that all races histories were important to ours. From our youth we studied the Edain ways of life. Sometimes the governments changed so swiftly we could hardly keep track of them."

Cirdan smiled, "When your father was with me he was always expounding upon the affairs of men. After you uncle Elros' choice he became even more concerned with the keeping of men's memories."

"To remember him by." Elrohir said, he bowed his head, I found myself doing the same thing when Estel and Arwen passed away. I felt a desperation to keep their memories alive even if they were not."

Cirdan sighed and scanned the elves gathered around the great hall, "The more I live Elrohir the more I find myself clinging to the past. It's a dangerous thing too. I forget to embrace the beauty of the present, in fear of the pain that it's loss could bring."

As he said this Cirdan's eyes unconsciously wandered to where Itarildë sat listening to Elladan's song. Elrohir noticed the flash of regret in the shipwright's eyes and the slight change in tone that bespoke a certain sadness. Elrohir found himself considering the dark haired elleth and wondering what was the cause of this change in Cirdan could have to do with her.

Elrohir cleared his throat and said, "My sister once said that she would rather know the sweetness of love for a moment then to spent eternity alone."

'Your sister." Cirdan stated, "Your sister, was a noble woman and a gracious queen."

Yet even as he said it the shipwright was trying to block out the words that Elrohir had said. There was a terrible ring to the words 'eternity' and 'alone.'

Yes," Elrohir grew silent and Cirdan withdrew knowing the Peredhel's needs to be alone with his thoughts. Elrond had been the same way. Cirdan exited the great hall and ran straight into Itarildë who was just returning into the room.

"Cirdan!'

'Itarildë!"

"I…"

"You…"

"Excuse me." they said in unison. Itarildë gave a nervous little laugh and looked away saying, 'I'm sorry, I didn't se you coming."

"That's quite alright. I found my thoughts straying as well." the shipwright answered. They stood there in the doorway, each wanting to speak, knowing they could not. But each one unwilling to leave without some word, some sigh.

Cirdan looked down on the elleth, her eyes studiously turned away, her fingers clasped together in tension.

"You look so tired." he finally said.

"Do I? I have been very busy of later." she smiled mirthlessly, "Packing."

"Itarildë, I wanted to speak to you about that…" Cirdan began.

She shook her head, "I don't think there's anything more to discuss Cirdan.'

Cirdan assumed his lordly air and said, "I believe there is. We cannot not…at least I cannot to myself about this situation anymore."

She looked up into his face, his dear familiar features creased in worry. It was in her heart to say that yes, she felt so too. She wanted to tear down the wall between them. She wanted to confide in her dear friend that this recent alienation of their companionship had been the most painful experience in her life.

But the cool weight of Eglerion's ring on her finger reminded her of her promise to him. Another weight settled on her heart as she said, "I have made my choice Cirdan." and her voice broke over the words and she struggled with the tears that rose, unbidden to her eyes.

He took her hands in his a moment, feeling the soft pressure as if for the first time, "Then I am sorry." he whispered, "Please, forgive my foolishness."

His words seemed simple, but it spoke of many more things then the casual observer might think. It was asking a pardon for not speaking before Eglerion, for not seeking her heart sooner, for not allowing his heart to be seen fully.

She squeezed his hands tightly and said, "Not foolish Cirdan, just…just hopeful." she pulled her hands from his and disappeared into the great hall again.

Cirdan stood for a long time after she left him. He stared down upon his hand where her's had been. He slowly, so slowly closed his fingers against the palms and silently tears fell for the first time in centuries. Freely and sorrowfully.

The Shipwright wept in the shadow of his Havens once again realizing the loss of someone he loved more then anything.

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Note: Sorry if this chapter is a little shorter then usual. The next will be longer.