"Wolves still follow." Elrond rubbed at his temple. He worried for the safety of his beloved. Memories of an ambush nearly three thousand years ago plagued his sleep. The images were so vivid that as if they had occurred only yesterday. Yet, the ones he loved so dearly as adoptive parents no longer walked these lands.
"They follow you." Cirulian said plainly ignoring Erestor's poignant stare. "Ever since we emerged onto the open plain. When you rode ahead with a small escort, the wolves moved with you. You are well hidden in Imladris but elsewhere." But his words were cut-off by Glorfindel. The Golden warrior cleared his throat loudly as he approached. They had stopped for lunch and to let the horses rest. It was nearly time to continue.
"It is of little consequence, Elrond. Next week we will stop in Bree and veer off the Great Road, passing through many smaller settlements of men on the path to Annúminas. Muriel sent a Dúnedain escort to Bree to wait for us. The sheer number of elves and men will persuade the wolves to move elsewhere." Glorfindel reasoned wisely. He knew that the Teleri guard was well meaning, but his habit of dwelling on dire possibilities would only exasperate his friend's current insomnia. A short exchange later, Cirulian bowed and departed to inspect the perimeter guard.
"And you, my friend." Glorfindel turned concerned blue eyes on Elrond. "What do you write so diligently by the firelight?"
"Revisions to a manuscript." Elrond admitted. "It helps me to relax when sleep alludes me.
"It is nothing less than the central tomb for Edain healers." Erestor inserted. He was proud of his friend's well-earned title of 'Lore Master'. Elrond's unique abilities were coupled with endearing humility. Neither Glorfindel nor Erestor were surprised when Elrond somewhat embarrassed, shrugged away the complement.
Xxxxxxxxxx
"He is unsettled." Celebrian watched Elrond pace near the edge of the camp. He had twice walked over to speak with the guards on watch.
"Yes." Her father was quite sympathetic to the elf's trepidation. "Have you spoken with him about his worries?"
"I do not think he would be so forthcoming." Celebrian sighed sadly. Her Adar's brow rose slightly at the admission.
"And you would leave it so? You would be satisfied with such a relationship?" His father scoffed slightly. "He has been alone, a lore master, warrior and a bachelor for to long. He must learn to open up to you. You must teach, cajole, and guide him in that direction. He lost all in Sirion far before his majority. Did he truly open his thoughts to his brother or to Ereinion? To share in a marriage bond means to share one's past as well as one's future."
"He appears to confide in Erestor and Glorfindel." Celebrian noted with a tinge of jealousy.
"Not in the same way you long for." Celeborn soothed. "You will soon see him in a city of men. Perhaps you will see another side of him."
"I love him."
"You love the elf you have known. He is a peredhel, an amalgam of the kindreds."
"It does not matter to me."
"Perhaps not, but is it not best to appreciate all the dimensions of the one you would take for your husband? Your Naneth's wish for a prolonged engagement would give you a chance to probe this side of him. Can you live with his past as well as his future?"
"You are against the match?" Celebrian bristled.
"No we are not. He is a noble soul. We only wish for your happiness. But your Naneth sees danger especially during this transition. She wishes you both a long life together. Look upon this period as a chance to deepen your love. It is important to both your safety and happiness."
Xxxxxxxxxx
"There is a dearth of females traveling with our part. It is only my friends Niniel and Gwilith from Lothlórien, and the healer Lúnril from Imladris, and I. Surely, Delia you can join us in our morning ablutions."
"I am no elleth, my Lady." Delia said evenly.
"Are we that different?" Celebrian countered. "You do wash, do you not?" The Dúnedain nodded. "Perhaps you can tell us what to expect when it comes to bathing and hygiene in Annúminas? I must confess that even in Imladris, where thousands of your people live, I have never encountered them in the baths, although my Adar tells me the Men of the Dúnedain use the baths with the ellon."
"Why is that?" Gwilith wondered.
"They have separate bathing times. The ungainly albatross would not want to bath with the ageless and graceful swan."
"You are neither old nor ugly!" Celebrian responded.
"I have known an elleth or two who have let themselves go. They do not avoid the baths." Niniel chuckled.
"But we age and die." Delia stuttered. "We can not measure up to such perfection. The longing to attain that which you are gifted destroyed my country."
"Your people came as refuges a hundred years ago." Celebrian. "In such a short time, your people have established new realms and allied with elves and dwarves to defeat the evil. Our people are certainly not perfect. Have you read our history? I shudder to think how many kingdoms my Mother has seen fall." They had unwittingly led Delia to the river and proceeded to disrobe. The elleth entered the river casually, the fall of long elven hair shielding their nakedness. Cloths were soaked and soaps handed around.
"Come join us Delia." Celebrian laughed as she and Niniel took turns washing each other's hair. Delia smiled at their carefree ways and slipped off her own clothes and joined them.
Xxxxxxxxx
The perimeter scouts stood watch but most elves and men had turned in for the night. Elrond sat quietly near the fire working. He did not hear the approach of a hooded figure dressed in the camouflaged cloak of a Galadhrim warrior. More precisely the figure was wrapped in Celeborn's cloak although it was unusual for the silver lord to don the hood. The figure stopped next to Elrond, much closer than protocol dictated. Elrond shivered as he felt the touch of his beloved on his mind.
"Do not move. Do not turn around." She whispered, bending over him. Her hood still obscured her silver hair. She ran her fingers through his silken hair and pulled it sideways, exposing his neck. Then she bent and trailed a row of wet kisses from ear down his neck. Her hot breath entwined with the cool wind made him shiver.
"Beloved, we are not alone." His voice trembled, betraying his longing.
"The scouts on watch can not see my face." She teased.
"If you were your father, you would be alarmingly close." He whispered breathlessly as she pivoted and sank into his lap. Only his quick reflexes enabled him to push the manuscript away in time before she captured his lips in a hungry kiss. Her hand delved lower seeking that which was hidden from view but he caught her before she found what she was seeking.
"We can not, my temptress." He whispered. "I dare not."
"You avoid me? You did not ride next to me this day." She accused quietly, staring into the depths of the silver eyes. She saw his love, surprise, and alarm there.
"No, dearest, I." His eyes conveyed his honesty although he hesitated putting his fears into words. "I thought you might be safer next to your Adar. I…" She halted his words with a kiss.
"I would have no secrets between us. What worries you, my love?" She coaxed, and he slowly relayed the story of the first age ambush.
"It was my first trip with Ereinion before the War of Wrath. Indiriel came too, although at first I did not recognize her as she was dressed as a simple scout. They were traveling to the settlements to raise support for a joint defensive force. But we did not know of the spy on the council who divulged our plans. Orcs ambushed us as we followed the Sirion river northward." His voice cracked as he recalled how gravely injured Indiriel had been and how he and Ereinion fought to save her. "I fear such an incident happening to us. I .." but he could not put into words his dreams of his beloved being gravely injured. Celebrian stroked his cheek and met his worried eyes steadily.
"I doubt that there is one among us who does not have similar nightmares. My own stem from an incident during this last campaign against the darkness. We were on patrol in the south of Lothlórien when we came upon a band of orcs. They thought to move into the Golden Woods unchallenged as most of our warriors were in Mordor." Celebrian's voice shook as she haltingly relayed the battle. "Orophin lead us – mostly ellith. We followed his orders and dispersed into the trees to gain an advantage. I … I emptied my quiver, so many were there, so much black blood. Orophin ordered a retreat but he was wounded. Niniel and I made our way to him to help him." Her voice trailed off as the fearful pictures of the leering orcs, much too near, rolled through her mind. Some had tasted the wrath of her blade. "We were saved by the timely arrival of reinforcements."
"You were very brave. Thank Elbereth that you were not harmed." Elrond pulled her closer and kissed away the tear that slid down her cheek. Celebrian trembled in his arms as she told of removing the arrow from Orophin's side and the harrowing trip to the healers.
"I far prefer the bow." Her voice cracked as she finished the tale. "But I wish that neither were necessary. I pray that those born now would be spared from such experiences."
"In that we are in agreement." Elrond whispered. "My skills with the blade were honed out of grave necessity. I owe my continued existence to those skills. But if I could chose, I would rather focus on healing and like Master Noenri or Lady Silsilalda, take up the helm at a school that trains healers and researches new treatments for injuries and ills."
"Perhaps this age will finally grant you your dreams." Celebrian prayed aloud.
"Would you be happy married to a simple healer?" Elrond smiled shyly.
"There is nothing simple about you." Celebrian's whisper sent chills down him. "I know you have endured many trials and have emerged stronger. Sometimes, when I look at my Naneth, I can not fathom how she survived the grinding ice or the myriad of other tragedies."
"We can only try our best to face the adversities that life throws our way."
"True, true. But there is no need to face them alone and it does little good to worry about things that might be and forget to live in the here and now." She hinted at the memories that had been haunting him.
"Touché, my dear one." Elrond laughed softly. "Forgive me for keeping such a distance between us."
"All is forgiven." She kissed him passionately. They were only interrupted by the approach of her father.
"My dearest daughter." Celeborn chided. "Tis far past the hour for proper engagements." Celebrian smiled at the red that spread across Elrond's face and wickedly stole another prolonged kiss.
"Good night Melethron (lover)." She grinned broadly and then made her way towards her tent. Celeborn turned serious eyes on his daughter's suitor at the use of the endearment. Both he and his daughter enjoyed seeing the staid peredhel lore master squirm. Galadriel's' voice drifted into his mind in admonishment.
"Ah, Elrond, you are far out of your element when dealing with feminine wiles. My daughter is lively and impulsive with a wicked sense of humor." The silver lord laughed as Elrond wordlessly gathered his writing supplies and manuscript. His next statement made the peredhel grin boyishly. "Her manner does appear to bring out the best in you."
Xxxxxxxxxx Bree xxxxxxxxxxX
Within the last few years a trading community had sprung up where the Great East road met with the North-South road that ran between Gondor and Arnor. Glorfindel had noted its growth on their last trip from Mithlond but had always steered his Lord away from the human village. On this trip they would have to stop in the town as Queen Muriel had arranged for an escort to meet them in Bree. Although a mix of Dunlending and Dúnedain people now sought to earn a livelihood here, the new settlement was still quite modest. In fact, the protective Gate that usually encircled such settlements of men had yet to be completed. The night before was filled with discussions as to whether it was safer to stay overnight in Bree or continue traveling for another league and make camp at dusk. The curious ellith all preferred the idea of staying in the settlement for the night.
"A village of Men?" Niniel questioned straining to view the cobblestone streets and wooden houses.
"Yes, many foresee that this settlement will become a key trade post between not only Arnor and Gondor but Imladris and the Havens as well." Delia acknowledged. The women rode in the center of the entourage. The position did not afford the best views of the surroundings and one grew tired of watching the back sides of horses, men and ellon, a fact they did not tire of joking about. Their party halted in front of an inn. A number of men came out garbed in the livery of Arnor. They sported scruffy beards and hair that came only to their shoulders.
"I believe that is our escort." Delia pointed out. The elleth watched from a distance as Elrond and Glorfindel dismounted and greeted the guards. Beleg, one of the Dúnedain from Imladris, who had sworn to protect Elrond on this journey, stood close to the elven lord.
"I see why Lord Elrond asked for you Dúnedain to join our guard. We elves will truly stand out in a city of men." Niniel observed. "This town has settlers from both Dúnedain and Dunlending descent."
"Elrond knows their customs, perhaps he will blend in better." Celebrian started to say but halted in her observations when they realized that a crowd of people was assembling. "Why are so many people gathering?"
"It is not everyday that the High King of the elves visits Bree." A stout man with a full beard declared loudly as he stepped up to Elrond. "Welcome to our settlement."
"The elves no longer need a High King." Elrond's diplomatic voice carried well. "I am simply Elrond Peredhel of Imladris." The crowd murmured widely at this information. There were now approximately a hundred people gathered around them. Celebrian noted how those appearing to be middle-aged or older unabashedly studied Elrond. Even Delia tensed at the mix of awe and strangely, from some, distrust and suspicion.
"Our council is interested in discussing trade agreements with both Imladris and the Havens." The man continued, ignoring the mass of people that were gathering. "As I understand both realms fall under your jurisdiction, my Lord Elrond."
"Are you really the son of a star?" A young boy nearby questioned. It was clear by the awe-filled tones of the boy that he was descended from the faithful. The young children were obviously fascinated by this storybook figure come to life. They squirmed closer for a better look.
"My father was Earendil. It is said he sails the heavens in a great ship." Elrond addressed the boy quietly. Children and adults pressed forward seeking a better view of the brother of the first King of Númenor. Some were bold enough to touch or to grab at the robes of the venerable lord. The trade leader and the royal escort were pushed away by throng. Even Glorfindel and Erestor who had been standing around Elrond were taken aback by this unexpected behavior and reacted far too slowly. Children started to scream, scared by the unruly crowd. The noise only exasterbated the situation.
"This way, my Lady. It is not safe here." Delia eased her horse slowly backwards and beckoned the group of ellith to follow suit. Indeed half of their group turned back up the cobblestone streets. They both felt and heard Elrond's next command. It halted their progress and they immediately turned back to see what was happening.
"Stand back, dear people. Help the children up." Elrond commanded. The loud voice of Gil-Galad's Herald had a power that was to be obeyed. He had reached down to rescue one of the children, who had fallen. The danger of being trampled by the crowd was very real. "Move back and I will come around to greet you." But that was the last thing Celebrian heard for her Adar and Erestor came with most of their traveling companions.
"Come, we will scout for a place to spend the night. I do not want it to be too far from here, for Elrond will need to catch up to us." Celeborn informed them.
"Is it safe for him to stay?" Celebrian worried.
"Beleg, Glorfindel and Cirulian are with him. The escort from Arnor will accompany them." Celeborn soothed. They traveled for several miles on the road to Arnor before finding a suitable campsite. Celeborn could do little to sooth his daughter's fears. They tried to distract her with the tasks of raising tents and setting up camp. The smells of dinner did not entice her away from her watch. She tensed as she heard horses approaching, some with tack and other without. Clearly it was a mixture of men and elves approaching. Luckily, it was not long before they came into view. She spied Elrond, who was flanked by Glorfindel and Cirulian. His dark hair had been pulled back into a single braid and his clothing appeared slightly dishevelled. He and Glorfindel were obviously exchanging witty banter as was their way.
"Elrond!" Celebrian left decorum behind as she rushed over to her beloved. He had just dismounted and was patting his horse affectionately. He turned at hearing his name and was abruptly enfolded into a warm embrace. "I worried for you."
"I am well." He confirmed and immediate halted any words with a kiss. The Edain escort was trying, most unsuccessfully, not to stare at the radiant pair.
"I have never seen such a crowd! I worried. Are such throngs a common occurrence among men?"
"Not common and not limited to men - I have experienced such throngs with elves in Mithlond. Do not fear the danger has passed." Elrond explained quietly while Celebrian tightened her grip on him. Glorfindel and Cirulian made attempts to steer their escort toward the center of the camp, where dinner had already been served.
"Some of the older people seemed fearful and suspicious." Her worries came tumbling out without thought to who stood within earshot.
"Sauron beguiled King Ar-Pharazôn to lead his country into ruin, all for the promise of escaping death and old age, for the lure of attaining immortality. To those folk who fled with Elendil upon those nine ships, my appearance, unchanged from pictures in their text books after millennium have passed, must be as salt in a wound." Elrond whispered.
"Why?" She asked not understanding.
"I have the blood of men running through me and yet I was gifted the life of an elf."
"Yet you are a reminder of their connection to the elves and are their steadfast supporter." She now realized why Elrond's presence insighted such a wide variety of opinions among both elves and men.