"My Lord and Lady." A young girl interrupted them. She held two cloaks in her arms. "Lord Glorfindel asked me to bring you these."
"Thank you." Celebrian said politely as Elrond helped her with his cloak and then watched as he swirled his own around his shoulders. "Your Seneschal is a Mother hen."
"A good and thoughtful friend." Elrond smiled. They walked hand in hand down the outer staircase and past the first guard station. Beleg and Cirulian accompanied them but stood off some distance to grant them privacy.
"Another mile along the esplanade and we can access a sand beach, if I recall correctly." Elrond squinted slightly but could not see that far. Celebrian leaned further over the rail edge.
"It looks so different from when we lived on the lake. The settlement were I was born was another day or two ride from here."
"Did you live there long?"
"I thought I was grown up when we were preparing to move. I spent days convincing my Adar that I should be allowed to ride alone. In truth I could barely mount the steed by myself and my twentieth begetting day was celebrated in Eregion." They laughed together about the follies of childhood. "We avoided the sections of beach that has this black sand. My friends would take turns making up horror stories about what caused the sand to burn. It is very rare to see." Celebrian noted as she pulled her fiance along.
"Yes, it is quite unusual. I think the jagged mountain to our east is the burnt out shell of a forgotten volcano."
"I see it. It is breathtaking." She smiled and tugged at Elrond's arm. She wondered silently even as she prayed in thanks that her beloved had chosen to be an elf. Her joy was his joy as they walked arm in arm down the grand promenade. She was very tall for an elleth and he was but an inch taller. The wind picked up as they approached the water and she noted that Elrond pulled his cloak more securely around him. But they both bent to remove their shoes.
"I never lived by the ocean but you spent more than half your life near it. Do you sometimes miss its melodies in Imladris?" Celebrian asked.
"I love its songs and mysteries. The sea has been the backdrop for some of the happiest and saddest events of my life."
"The happiest?" Celebrian smiled as Elrond turned.
"An incredibly beautiful elleth accepted a ring from me in such a setting." Elrond breath was warm on her ear and sent shivers down her spine. He set kisses along her ear and down her cheek until he finally reached her lips. They kissed passionately under the cool gaze of the moon. They broke apart slowly and meandered along the shoreline. Celebrian tread on the very edge so that the water caressed her feet while Elrond stood along side her. They laughed and chatted until Celebrian turned and whispered in her beloved's ear.
"Your parents?" She gently guided the conversation. "I am sorry I can not meet them. Perhaps you can tell me about them?"
"I can not recall Adar's face. I remember standing on the docks with Naneth watching his ship sail. We were but five. Elros got into all sorts of trouble on the pier and finally someone walked us to the beach to play."
"It must have been very hard for your Naneth to raise two rambunctious elflings alone." Celebrian said sympathetically. Elrond sighed slightly and buried his face in Celebrian's hair. For the first time he voiced a worry that had plagued him for ages.
"I knew somehow when Adar sailed that he would not be returning. I think, despite the decree of the Valar, that my Naneth pretended he might step through the door and return to her. She would go through phases, sometimes making sure to spend every minute she could with us, as if to make up for Adar's absence. In the end, I think my Naneth regretted both her marriage and her children."
"You can not know that." Celebrian interrupted momentarily but the look in his eyes halted her words.
"I woke up in the night and went to seek her. I overheard her. The words still ring in my mind." Elrond whispered. " From what I read, Earendil and Elwing were very young when they married and they had not been married long when we came to the scene." Perceiving his next thoughts, she halted his words with a kiss.
"Are you angry at your parents?" She asked as she gently drew circles on his back.
"No, all that is long behind me." Elrond's voice held a wistful air. "They faced down such adversity. I know that their choice saved countless lives. It was a noble sacrifice."
"But…" She interrupted although she had no words to describe the horror that she felt at the terrible suffering that had befallen the family of peredhil.
"We were so young. We did not understand and we suffered. We only survived by the grace of strangers who had destroyed our home. Most in Himring did not appreciate our mongrel nature. We were lucky that Maglor cared for us. He loved us in his own way."
"Did you ever see your Adar again?" She whispered.
"Glorfindel brought us a letter from them." He paused uncertainly as if he should give more detail. "We saw his ship do battle in the sky."
"A letter?" She repeated in astonishment.
"They asked our forgiveness for abandoning us. They tried to explain it was their duty to speak for elves and men, to explain that our status as peredhil is unique, to our fortune and misfortune. They said they loved us dearly and prayed for our happiness. It was a difficult thing to hear after what we had endured in Himring." His voice shook and he looked down for a moment. When he looked up his eyes were shining with unshed tears and his voice held a pleading edge. "It is important to me that we keep Imladris safe and secure. I would not have you or our children endure such."
"My love we can not know the future." She leaned in to kiss him.
"Your parents worry that you are not aware of the costs of our relationship." He whispered. "They would have us wait and learn more about each other."
"El-nin, I love you and want to know everything about you." She whispered against his lips. "All your joys and heartaches, your loves and your fears. It is a small thing to wait score of years to please others, but I already know." She rejoiced as she felt their spirits blend. It was a heady romantic rush that left no doubt that they were soul mates. She sighed blissfully as Elrond ran his hand through her hair and cupped the back of her head. Her head slid sideways as they deepened the kiss and tongues danced together. The barrier separating their minds slipped and blissful emotions blended. Feelings swirled as her adventuresome and forceful spirit merged with the ever-changing mix of his. Her desire grew as she recognized snippets of the melodies of her beloved's essence. There was an intense drive to invent and accomplish. It was a spark that spoke of the second born, for it was visible in these Dúnedain, but there was also the regal and courageous spirit of the great elven lord and healer that he was. She also heard a third dynamic voice that she had never encountered before. She focused and listened to the mysterious song, not knowing it carried the essence of the Maia. Unbeknownst to her, Elrond was listening with equal wonder and joy to the amazing mix of her own fëa. Neither knew or cared how much time had passed during the blissful kiss. It was only the wind, which blew suddenly both forlorn and menacing that chilled them back to reality and parted them. Elrond trembled slightly and Celebrian gently laid her hand on his arm in support. She recognized the symptoms from her Naneth. Long minutes later he returned to himself. A slightly dazed glare remained in his eyes.
"What is it?' Celebrian asked in worry.
"The wind carries ill feelings."
"You did not bring it?" She dare not name Celebrimbor's folly.
"No, but I have always heard the wind. It only grew stronger since Ereinion's gift." Elrond paused, it was difficult to explain how even the short use of the ring years ago seemed to have enhanced his ability to hear the songs of the wind even though Vilya was safely locked away in Imladris.
"Of what does it warn?"
"Of danger and plots. I fear that darkness threatens Isildur's house."
"You fear for Queen Muriel." Celebrian questioned.
"Yes, I fear it is not a natural illness." Elrond's voice fell low.
"Tis treason." She gasped.
"I would not name it without proof." Elrond said. "But there are agents that could bring on such symptoms."
"Poison?" Celebrian was aghast. "Muriel does not suspect such a thing."
"It is one possibility."
"Perhaps you see conspiracies where there are none."
"I pray that is the case."
"Will she call upon your healing skills to investigate her illness?"
"She said as much although she did not want others to know that she has been ill." Elrond jaw set with determination. "If evil is at work I will not let it prevail. Valandil just reached his majority. He is even younger than Ereinion was when he took up the crown. It is a difficult enough burden. I would not want him to have to carry such a weight without the support of his Mother."
They walked up to the palace and he bid her goodnight outside of the suite she shared with Gwilith, Niniel and Delia. Her friends interrupted their last kiss.
"Sleep well, my Ladies." Elrond bowed before them. The ellith laughed as they pulled their friend into their rooms. Elrond turned to find Cirulian smirking at him.
"No danger tonight." Elrond laughed.
"That is the way I like it." Cirulian smiled. "I sent Beleg off a few minutes ago. I told him that he should take tomorrow off."
"Are you anticipating another quiet day?" Elrond turned and opened the door to their rooms. Erestor and Glorfindel were sitting in the living room sipping a cordial.
"Hopefully tomorrow will be also be an uneventful day." The Teleri bowed slightly to the other Lords. "I bid you goodnight."
"What will you not join us for a drink?" Glorfindel motioned to the couch.
"No thank you, my Lords. I best be well rested and ready for whatever dangers lurk." He turned and made his way into the far room.
"Thank you, Cirulian." Elrond said gratefully. The Teleri turned and placed his hand over his heart in a sign of fealty.
"It is both my duty and honor Elrond." The turned a mischievous eye toward the others. "I predict that in a little over a yen, we will all be busy running after miniature energetic peredhil." Before any could comment, Cirulian had departed.
Xxxxxxxxx
Elrond checked the Queen's temperature again and then fixed the blankets around her. He carefully arranged the sample vials in the basket. It had been a long night and he anticipated a long morning as he analyzed the fluids for signs of an infectious organism, disease or more likely, poison. He closed the door to the queen's bedroom and took a seat in the study. Valandil had told him to wait for him here. But when the door burst open, it was not the prince who confronted him.
"Why was I not summoned!" A large burly man demanded angrily. By the robes he wore, Elrond assumed he was the chief healer or chief surgeon as was the title here. "The Queen's health is my responsibility. How dare you overstep my authority! I should be here for any examination." The man stopped his ranting momentarily as he gauged his opponent. Then he demanded. "Who are you?"
"I am Elrond of Imladris." He said evenly, not wanting to mince words with the man. "The Queen requested my aid." The door opened again and Valandil came in carrying a tray with two small cups and plate full of breads, marmalade, sausages and cheese.
"Prince Valandil." The healer began forcefully.
"Master Salabart, keep your indignation to yourself! I am only concerned with my Mother's health as you should be." The prince said angrily and his tone was enough to cause the healer to retreat. Valandil set the food on the table and motioned Elrond to join him. "Come, Lord Elrond, you have been awake all night. Surely, you need some sustenance. Join me for our traditional repast." He handed Elrond a small cup with a steaming dark brew, the color of dirt.
"What is this?" Elrond said curiously.
"It is a slightly bitter brew we favor in the mornings. It is a seed grown in Harad that we now trade regularly for. We recently improved techniques to dry, roast, and grind these seeds and make this brew." The prince placed a sugar cube in Elrond's cup and gave him a small spoon. "Sweetened, I think you will find it to your liking. May we find a cure to Mother's illness."
"I pray we will." Elrond said as he absently stirred the small cup. He drank the brew in a few sips and chose a piece of bread. Elrond's eyes widened in shock as he felt his heart suddenly begin to race and his fingers tingle.
"How do you like the sogeredh? I think those in Harad name it espresso."
"It is a stimulant." Elrond shook slightly as the effects of the brew coursed through him. It was quite an odd feeling and conflicted with his weariness.
"Yes, but quite harmless. Many people drink it every morning." Valandil stabbed a piece of sausage to go with his roll. "So since our chief healer is here, he can give you a more detailed report of my Mother's health this last few months."
"I think this healer should report what he has found in his examination." Salabart regained his voice. The comment angered the prince who rose to his feet.
"Healer Salabart, I will suffer no disrespect to this hero and foreign ruler. This is Lord Elrond Eärendilion. I assume you have read his many books on healing. You will apologize immediately for your rudeness if you wish to keep your position."
"Elrond Eärendilion?" The Chief healer stammered in a stunned voice. "I am…. Please forgive my rudeness. I was only concerned with the Queen's well being." Elrond's keen eyes focused on the man as if to ascertain the truth of his words. Silence stretched uncomfortably until Elrond lowered his gaze.
"We both mean to help the Queen. Tell me when did this illness start." Elrond listened intently to all the healer's observations.
Xxxxxxxxxx
Cirulian awoke to the chirping of the spring larks. He stretched, rose and walked to the window. His room opened to a small courtyard filled with flowers. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and noted the small basin filled with water. He set about washing a dressing. Others were obviously awake and eating in the shared living room. Cirulian was surprised to see Glorfindel and Celeborn sharing breakfast.
"Is Elrond still sleeping?" Cirulian asked.
"No, I doubt he had any sleep last night. The Queen sent for him shortly after you retired."
"He did not go alone!" Cirulian said agitatedly.
"Erestor accompanied him." Glorfindel's answer did little to assuage Cirulian's tension. "Delia requested an extra escort for Celebrían. Apparently the ladies will tour the market and pier today."
"Are you also accompanying them, my Lord?" Cirulian bowed slightly to Lord Celeborn.
"Yes and I would enjoy some company." Celeborn was not going to endure a market place visit as a lone ellon among a group of ellith.
"Perhaps we can sample the ale at some fine outdoor establishment." Glorfindel grinned.
Xxxxxxxx
"Can you get the door?" Erestor asked the guard who stood at the entrance to the private royal healing rooms. His arms were laden with the healing texts. He was worried that so many of them documented poisonous plants and tropical parasites.
"Certainly, my Lord." The guard held it opened for him. Elrond was seated at a long table that held several books and a variety of vials containing different color solutions.
"Elrond, I have the texts you requested but I could not locate Lúnril to assist you. Beleg said the elleth had gone to the marketplace this morning. I sent him to find her and bring her back."
"Thank you Erestor." Elrond turned. "I need her help. My hands are not steady enough for some of the titrations and analyses." The peredhel seemed unsettled and unusually agitated. He rose from his chair and walked the length of the room before turning. Erestor blinked several times, certain that he was imaging things for he had never seen the staid Lord pace.
"Are you well?" He said in concern.
"I warn you against accepting the morning brew they name 'sogeredh'. Its effects are most unpleasant although it does keep one awake." Elrond wrung his hands impatiently as he shifted from side to side. Erestor guided him to the couch and took the long slender fingers in his own.
"You hands are shaking!" He said in amazement as he moved to feel for Elrond's pulse. "Should I request a healing draught?"
"I do not know how it interacts with other medicines. I drank the sogeredh three hours ago. Its effects should pass soon." Elrond sighed and then admitted sheepily. "I regret that I must impose on you to take notes. My handwriting is not steady enough."
"It would be my pleasure to help." Erestor said and he moved to get the parchment and quill. By the time he had recorded Elrond's observations and completed a 'to do' list of experiments, Elrond had ceased to tremble and was yawning.
"I think it is time to catch a few hours of sleep." Erestor said. "Do you want to go back to your room?"
"There is a cot in the adjacent room. I was thinking of taking a nap there. I will be close by in case Muriel or Valandil need me." They walked into the smaller room and Elrond lay down and seemed to almost immediately pass into sleep. Erestor located a blanket and covered his friend, pausing to check the peredhel's pulse and temperature. Then he went out to healers work area and looked through Elrond's other notes.
Xxxxxxxxxx
"I must admit it is a fine brew." Celeborn sipped deeply on the ale.
"And a perfect day to enjoy it." Cirulian noted.
"Thank you for acquainting us with the finer spots of Annúminas, on your day off." Glorfindel added. The weather was indeed perfect. They sat at long wooden tables set on a hidden corner of the esplanade.
"It is my pleasure, my Lords." Arandur sipped his ale and took a handful of the roasted soybeans.
"Do you suppose the Ladies are enjoying the boat cruise?" Glorfindel asked.
"That was a brilliant idea, Arandur! I do not think I could have endured another store."
"What, do you not like our wares?" Arandur said seriously but broke into a smile. "I see that elves and men have much in common."
"I will toast to that."
Xxxxxxxxxxx
"Lord Erestor, Beleg said you needed me?" Lúnril, a junior healer from Imladris entered.
"Yes." Erestor paused for a moment as he considered how to explain the situation. "It is a confidential matter. I ask that you not discuss this with others." He waited until the elleth nodded in agreement. "Queen Muriel is ill and we are trying to determine the cause of her malady. Lord Elrond suspects someone may be slowly poisoning her and we have started tests to try to identify the agent. Can you perform the rest of these tests?" He handed her the list.
"A number have already been done." She glanced at the list. "These others will take some time. I will start on it right away."
"Before you start, I want you to check on Lord Elrond's health. I am no healer but he had a reaction to a Númenórean morning drink."
"Sogeredh?" Lúnril interrupted.
"Yes, do you know of this drink?"
"Lady Gwilith unwittingly consumed it this morning. I have warned most of the other elves to be wary of it. I obtained a sample of the beans to take back to Imladris. It seems to affect the heart. Perhaps it is also some type of stimulant." Lúnril hypothesized.
"Lord Elrond had heart palpitations. They seemed to have passed but I still detect a slight murmur."
"That is normal for him." Lúnril interrupted again.
"Normal?" Erestor was shocked. "I have known him for ages. It is most definitely not normal."
"Perhaps I should rephrase that. Healer Silsilalda insisted that I be familiar with Lord Elrond's health profile before we left Imladris in case he should require a healer." Lúnril blushed slightly as she recalled having to examine the indignant Lord, who was arguing with the director of Imladris' school of the healing arts. She blushed more deeply when she recalled directing her Lord to remove his shirt so that she could listen to his heart. He was strikingly handsome and the small signs of his mixed heritage only enhanced his beauty.
"Healer Lúnril, I remind you that you are here as a professional." Erestor could easily read her thoughts. "I am sure his betrothed would not be amused by your thoughts." The comment startled the healer back to the current questions.
"I detected a faint swish after every few beats, like heart murmurs of men. Later Lady Silsilalda said it was due to a recent injury. But she said that it had healed well and was now harmless."
"Did she say how he had sustained it?" Erestor asked curiously.
"She was very vague." Lúnril paused in thought. "Something about the final battle where the High King had perished. I can check if the murmur has changed."
"Please, let us do so now." Erestor led Lúnril to where Elrond was sleeping. Deep in slumber, the peredhel's face was relaxed and unguarded. He looked suddenly very young. Erestor watched as Lúnril took Elrond's pulse and listened to his heartbeat. She carefully assessed the elf Lord and then they quietly exited the room.
"His heartbeat is normal. He is well, only tired." Lúnril reported. "Perhaps he should just be careful to avoid that breakfast brew." Erestor smiled as an image of a sogeredh fueled Elrond came to mind.
"He will definitely avoid it in the future."