Laeste helped Elrond secure the elaborate cloak to his blue silk tunic. The cloak, given to him by Ereinion, was woven in the style and patterns of the house of the Noldor Kings but had Eärendil's coat of arms, a Silmaril radiating beams of light emblazoned on the shoulder. (1) Though unknown to Elrond, the mixing of the patterns was symbolic of Ereinion's desire to claimed Elrond for his own house. Elrond moved to braid his hair, but Laeste stopped him.
"You are not yet of age, though you are tall in stature." She stopped him. "Ereinion requested that you wear your hair down as befitting your age according to the count of Elves. Then those you meet today will easily discern your youth." She helped him comb out the tangles from his hair, which fell now halfway between his shoulder and elbow. She added two small decorative pins to guide it away from his face. He was beautiful, this child of Elwing, lovely and exotic. His chiseled features were reminiscent of Beren yet delicate like Luthien, his half-Maiar ancestor. He had an unusual aura about him, a light like yet unlike that of normal elves. Laeste had met almost all of his ancestors, and she enjoyed sharing stories of what they were really like with the youth.
"Do I look so different from other Elves?" Elrond asked quietly, sensing Laeste's thoughts. This day, the Great Hall, which was an architectural and artistic culmination of elvish and dwarfish craftsmanship, would solely be filled with Elves. That is with the exception of Elrond alone. He shivered at that thought. His nine sixteenths of elvish blood granted him access. He wished that Elros was here with him. There was safety in numbers.
"You are beautiful and unique little one. You are very tall elf for your young age. If everyone was the same, this world that Ilúvatar has made would be truly uninteresting." She ruffled his hair gently, not wanting to mess what she had just combed. Elrond, who normally was bursting with questions, had grown reticent over the last few days. Laeste and Cirdan had both noticed that Elrond drew back to the safety of his room in the family wing as the number of Elves in the palace increased. They mused over the possible reasons for this withdrawal. Together they had planned to keep the young elf chaperoned and shield him as much as possible from the public eye and from the wedding crowd. This was to be the young one's first experience at a Noldor royal event. It was the first large elvish celebration that he had attended since Sirion.
"What do you see when you look at your friend, Thainren? He is surely no elf." Elrond laughed, a clear ringing sound that reflected his amusement at picturing his friend forced in some twisted joke give up ale and compelled to lead the life of an elf.
"No, he is definitely not to be mistaken for an elf. But his heart is pure and his words are true. He is kind to others and loyal to his friends. I am happy to have met him."
"Pure in heart, much like you. I am happy to have the opportunity to know and care for you Elrond Eärendilion."
They were interrupted by a knock at the door. Cirdan entered, regally dressed in his official garb as Lord of the Havens. He smiled approvingly at the pair. "Ahh, here you are. I had wondered where you had been hiding. Are you well Elrond?" He asked in concern, closely studying the boy's reaction.
Elrond grimaced at the word 'hiding' and paused as if deciding whether or not to voice his misgivings. Surely there could be no one from Amon Ereb here. Perhaps it had been his imagination. "Yes, I am well." He answered.
The Mariner pierced him with his keen eyes. "What is troubling you, Elrond? Do you feel uncomfortable here among so many elves?" He knew that tonight there would be more elves in the Great Hall than the elfling had ever seen in one place.
"No, it is not that." Said Elrond now obviously uneasy.
"Come Elfling, we can not help, if you do not share your fears." The boy's eyes darkened slightly. "You are no longer alone. You must trust us as your family."
Elrond's voice fell to a whisper as if he were afraid that by saying it out loud it would somehow make it real. "I … I feel hunted, as if someone tracks me with ill intentions." He paused then tentatively asked. "There can be no one from Amon Ereb here, can there?"
"There are no Kinslayers here." Cirdan stated firmly. He was surprised as this was not any of the possibilities that he and Laeste had considered. "Have you had this feeling before now?"
"No not in years. Back in Amon Ereb this intuition helped me avoid countless confrontations. But I had not had this feeling since we left there at least not until three days ago." Elrond said earnestly. "Perhaps it is nothing. Maybe you are right, and I am just not used to being around such crowds."
"If it bothers you, it should not be dismissed. I will check with the guards to see if anyone new has arrived that might have ties with the Fëanorians. If there is we will investigate. You will stay with Laeste and I most of the evening. Avoid places where you would find yourself alone." Cirdan said seriously. He doubted that a Fëanorian would have made it past the guards, but of course the elf who was responsible for the poisoning of the boy was still at large.
"Back to the events at hand." Laeste interrupted, feeling the need to lighten the air. "I need to warn you that certain characters are known to overindulge when celebrating and will likely be inebriated as the night progresses. Do not be surprise if someone mistakes you for your father, fifteen years is short in the count of elves and you resemble him even if your hair is dark like your Naneth's. I should also warn you that the most outrageous, drunken one is likely to be a golden haired elf named Gildor." At this Cirdan laughed loudly.
"Yes, remind me to introduce you to that lush. He is most entertaining." Cirdan smirked, ignoring the looks of disdain that Laeste flashed his way. "Well, it is almost time, we should make our way out to the courtyard.
The sun had already passed overhead and had started to slip towards the horizon when the ceremony began. Elrond and Laeste sat to the left of the natural gazebo constructed from live wisteria vines interspersed with fresh white Chrysanthemum blossoms. To Elrond, the scene appeared blissful and serene, especially with the lilting music that seemed to sing directly to his soul. The musicians were set up next to the gazebo. There were two golden-haired elves and three darker ones. Previously, Elrond had only ever heard a harp. Maglor, a minstrel, had taught him to play. Here, there was a harp player, a flutist, a long lute player and two elves using woodwind instruments that Elrond did not recognize. The wind instruments were similar: both had a reed mouthpiece on a wooden tube and multiple finger-holes differing only in the length of the tube. Laeste called them chalumeaus. The two sizes, alto and tenor, produced different octaves. Elrond found their tones both haunting and beautiful. So enthralled was he by the music that he did not notice the procession start.
A flash of white and blue caught his attention, and he was startled to see Indiriel and her Mother walk by him and step up into the gazebo. Indiriel's glowing white silk gown glistened in the sunlight due to small delicate crystals that were sewn into the dress. She wore a delicate pale blue organza cape, and her flowing silver hair was woven with thin blue ribbons and jewels. She radiated a joy that seemed to increase as she stepped up next to Ereinion. The High King was dressed in deep navy blue colors with the symmetrical gold and white emblem of Finarfin emblazoned on the sleeves and a sash containing the radiant symbols of a star-covered sky. Cirdan stood behind his foster-son and had his hand on Ereinion's shoulder. Their vows were said twice: once in the melodic tones of High Quenyan and a second time in the more widely known Sindarin.
The joy and love that radiated from the bride and groom was so intense that Elrond looked down for a moment. He silently promised to do all that he could to help protect this couple that he had, in such a short time, grown to love.
"Your parents had that light of love in their eyes on their wedding day as well." Laeste whispered, folding her arm around the young elf's shoulder. "I had the pleasure of witnessing their betrothal ceremony and their wedding. It is my hope that one day, you too Elrond will find such joy in the arms of your soul mate for whatever time Eru blesses you with. Your parents found great happiness in the short time they were gifted together."
Elrond smiled at Laeste and silently wished to Eru that someday he too would find his Silver Queen. Over his musing, he could hear the end of Ereinion's vow in Sindarin.
"Im Ereinion estathar le Indiriel sui hervess nín. Gerich velethnín a guil nín al lû bân. (2,3) (I, Ereinion will name you Indiriel as my wife. You have my love and my life for all time.)
Soon Cirdan stepped forward to give the blessing of the Teleri. Next an elf that Elrond did not recognize stood and gave the Vanyarian blessing. Finally, Cirdan, in place of Erieinion's father, recited the blessings of the Noldor. The bride and groom kissed then linked arms and descended from the gazebo. They stopped to greet many, pausing to embrace Ereinion's Aunt Galadriel and her husband who were also seated in the first row. They stopped in front of Elrond and Laeste. Elrond bowed then embraced Indiriel and shook his King's hand as protocol dictated.
"May Eru bless you with much happiness and many years together." Elrond whispered. A wood elf emerged silently from behind him to greet the new couple. To Elrond's surprise, it was the High King himself and his bride who bowed low to this elusive figure.
The Elf placed his hands on both Ereinion's and Indiriel's heads and murmured a blessing over them in a language that Elrond could not understand. He could feel the power that emanated from the dark figure. Instinctively he knew that this was one of the Avari from the first awakening on the shores of Cuiviénen, perhaps one of the oldest and wisest of Elves of this world.
"Hantanye Herutaurë (Thank you Lord of the Forest (4)) we are most grateful for your blessing." The High King said humbly.
"May Ilúvatar watch over you and bless you." The mysterious elf said, dismissing the newlyweds with a wave of his hand. King Gil-Galad and Queen Indiriel then resumed their course through the crowd, slowly making their way into the Great Hall for the reception.
The elf turned his gaze on Elrond, who bowed humbly before this figure. "Greetings Elrond Eärendilion, heir of Elu Thingol. When it is time, seek me in the forest and I will teach you its secrets." With no further explanation the Elf turned and disappeared into the night.
"It is a great honor to meet the Avari King." Cirdan said softly, appearing behind Elrond. "And an even greater honor to receive an invitation from him. Come Elrond, we should follow the crowd to the Great Hall." Laeste, Cirdan and Elrond walked through the gardens towards the Hall. Many stopped to greet Cirdan along the way and Elrond gave polite greetings, much to Laeste's approval.
Elrond marveled at the gallant pageantry that surrounded the wedding of the High King of the Elves. He found himself suppressing a grin each time one of Thainren's witty remark's would pop into his head, usually when he spied some of the extravagant food sculptures or flower arrangements that were decorating both the gardens and the Great Hall. One long wall of the Hall was lined with glass doors that opened onto the gardens and each of the doors was swathed in white sashes. They passed through one of the glass doors. Star decorations on the ceiling seemed to transform the hall, giving one the illusion that they were eating under the night sky. Our trio filed past many tables before reaching one that was next to the head table, where only the King and Queen would sit. The centerpieces of each table consisted of elaborate votive candles surrounded by an unusual flowering plant that had five-sided white star-like flowers as well as red, lantern shaped pods, that dangled beneath the flowers.
"Elrond" Laeste chided breaking through his thoughts. "Pay attention it is time for the toast." Moments later everyone rose and lifted their goblets to toast to the happiness of the new couple. Elrond took a large sip from his goblet. The fragrant red wine had a bold flavor that almost brought tears to his eyes. He quickly swallowed. The wine seemed stronger than the ale that he had consumed with the Dwarven company. The flavor grew on him, as he slowly sipped it.
"Do not forget to eat, young one." A voice chided from across the table. It was Indiriel's Naneth, she smile kindly. "You remind me much of my own son at the same age. Indiriel tells me that you are interested in learning the healing arts."
"Yes, I would very much like to become a healer, though I think for now it is important to also be trained as a warrior and learn the ways of the court."
"There will be time to follow your dreams, young one."
Elrond looked down curiously at his salad before him. There on a bed of variously shaded green and purple leaves were fern like curls mixed with wild mushrooms and pale yellow, layered slices of some unknown vegetable.
"What is in the salad?" Elrond asked with interest.
"Those are fiddleheads, a type of edible fern and perhaps you have not yet tasted artichoke hearts. They are the center of the unopened flower." Laeste smile. "I think you will enjoy them both." The food alone spurred many questions from the young elf, keeping both Laeste and Ereinion's new Mother-in-law well entertained. There were many unusual dishes that Elrond had never seen before. During one course, Elrond stared curiously at a small plate that held a central yellow cone-shaped flower surrounded by dark green blanched leaves.
"That is Curcurbita pepo, from the squash family." Ereinion's Mother-in-law informed him. "It tastes of the finest nectar and complements the pickled spinach underneath. If you are to be a healer, you should learn which plants are edible as well as which have medicinal value." On the far end of the table sat Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn and several other members of their house. Their conversation did not often drift towards Elrond, and for that he was grateful as there were many interesting things to observe and he was only paying cursory heed to the voices around him.
Once dinner was over, the royal couple led their guests outdoors for the beginning of the dancing and the start of the winter solstice celebrations. Winters in Mithlond were mild due to its proximity to the warm sea. Yet, this was still the shortest day of the year, the day when the sun followed it's lowest arch across the sky. This day and night were shrouded in their own mystery and magic. The music and celebrations of the evening had their roots in ancient rituals. Elrond looked for the Avari King for surely he would know the origins of these dances, but the mysterious elf was nowhere to be found.
The music started, slow at first in a lament for the early departure of the sun then increased in speed to signify the hope of the sun's rebirth. The dances associated with the rapid pace of the music were frantic as if by their energy they sought to bribe the sun to reappear.
The King and Queen danced the early dances together. The love between the pair was obvious to all who beheld them. It was still early when the couple thanked all their guests and took their leave. Elrond was hidden behind Cirdan and the Lord of the Haven's circle of friends. The boy stood entranced clearly enjoying the festivities. He was watching the frenetic dancers twirl and leap around the circular path. The golden Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn were elegantly moving among the circle of dancers, their movements graceful beyond belief. Gold, silver, brown and black shining heads laughed and danced. These were elves of all heritages celebrating the solstice together.
"Who is your young apprentice?" Oropher asked Cirdan pointing towards the oblivious youth. The Sindarin elf had just emerged from the dance circle with his wife.
"That is Elrond, one of Eärendil's sons." Cirdan replied.
"He looks to be as old as my son." Oropher said thoughtfully. "But that can not possibly be so. Eärendil sailed only fifteen years ago. How can he be so tall?"
"Peredhel grow more quickly. He is just over twenty." Cirdan answered turning briefly towards the youth who was intently watching the dancers. Galadriel and Celeborn came over to join them. They both knew Oropher well from the time they had spent together in Doriath. Cirdan poured the ellon cups of wine, while Galadriel politely declined. She walked over to Elrond.
"Would you like to dance?" The Golden Lady smiled. Elrond looked up in surprise.
"I have never danced like that before." Elrond admitted, though he could not disguise the longing in his voice.
"It is not difficult. Come, I will teach you." She took his hand and guided the shy youth into the circle.
The ellon stood outside the path of the dancers enjoying their wine. Gildor was entertaining them with his outrageous stories, though at times, Oropher would add some colorful ones of his own. Cirdan smile at both these noble elves, but he was distracted, watching over his young charge from a distance. Elrond had at first appeared tentative but under Galadriel's guidance rapidly gained skill and soon the pair was swirling around the circle as quickly as the other dancers. Cirdan could see pure joy light up the youth's face. It was an emotion that he knew that Eärendil's son had had precious little time to experience. He hoped that their future would be different that it would contain much happiness. Celeborn paused when he saw that the Mariner had not heard what he was telling him. He followed the ancient elf's gaze towards the boy.
"Galadriel has done a good deed." Cirdan said in approval turning to meet Celeborn's eyes. Then the Mariner raise his cup to toast. "To the future. May there be much joy."
Authors note:
(1) Cool pictures of the devices of each of the elven houses can be found on the web though somehow it will not let me list the site here. It is at w w . .
(2) The vows in Sindarin are not from me and are also found on the web, at clevercrow dot com.
(3)This is really AU as there is no mention by Tolkien that Ereinion Gil-Galad ever wed. In any case, Tolkien did not identify Gil-Galad's mother and several versions of who his father was exist. I thought I would take this liberty, since I feel that Elrond must have been surrounded by a loving and caring family to grow into an the elf who would eventually found a sanctuary for all races at Imladris.
(4) I'm not sure if there really is a Lord of the Forest. I made the name up with information from the English-Quenyan dictionary that can be found on the web at geocities dot com. (google English-Quenyan dictionary and the full site name will pop up) Somehow it won't let me type in the site name here.