hey guys! Next chapter! I just started school,again, though, so I will warn you that I might not be updating as frequently as I have been. But I will update at the very least once a week. At the very least. But anyways, enjoy... And review! XD oh, and I don't own the idea of the first elfling born in Aman. That actually I borrowed from Fiondil. ;)
Sparklypancakes: *crawls out of bomb shelter* is it okay to come out now? Oh good. *grins* of come on, I don't want to give it away! ;) *snicker* I know. I love Maglir. But Glorfindeth rules!
LadyVanya: aww, thanks! Haha, a Maedhros obsession... I really like him though. He is so cool.
Eva: never doubt it! Elilion rocks!
Nimrodel626: thanks! You had me laughing with your comment. XD more Atto!Nàmo here!
Gwestiel: thanks! This is all just my excuse to write Middle Earthian crack. XD glad you enjoy!
Horseyyay: *snicker* I don't regret it. XP Khamûl! He's so cool. I think you made me obsess over him as my favorite Nazgul. Really! *glares* oh! he's mega cute is he? *wriggles eyebrows*
WoodElfJedi: hehehe! Yes, there are bells ringing for Maglir in the future~! *laughs head off* I thought you would say something like that. It just makes sense. XD
Chapter 25
"Wake up Míleth! You promised, remember?" Mairon's voice accompanied the bouncing of my bed as I groaned and woke up.
"Yes, yes." I mumbled, still not fully awake. I took a deep breath and squeezed my eyes shut, then sat up, rubbing them. Finally I opened my eyes and swung my feet over the edge, dangling them above the floor.
"Goody! See, I'm ready!" Mairon climbed off. I smiled unconsciously.
"You look very handsome, Mairon, little brother." I said genuinely. And he certainly did, dressed in his red tunic and white leggings, a small coronet on his brow.
I went to wash my face and take a quick shower, while Mairon did his own thing while he waited. When I got back, I dressed myself in the dress that Vairë had given me.
It was icy blue, making my hair and eyes pop, and had no other ornament but a plain belt of black silk that held the device of the sun-in-eclipse on it. The sleeves were tight and came down to my wrists, extending to the backs of my hands in triangles, and a pair of blue slippers had been added to go with it. And it went perfectly with my hair.
"See? It wasn't that bad." Mairon teased as he brushed my hair to silk. I sighed and rolled my eyes.
"Oh hush, you." I mock-threatened, shaking a finger at him.
"Don't move, I can't do it properly!" Was his only reply, and I gave up with a groan. He never listened. After settling my hair the way he liked it and putting the circlet on to hold it properly in place, I got up and went to the mirror.
I smiled to myself. "Thank you, Mairon." I said, and did a little twirl. The skirt flared slightly, coming back down to settle in perfect waves. Valarin touch, no doubt. My lips twitched.
Mairon opened the door at the knock and found himself getting tackled by the twins as Elíl and Lir came in with giggles, shutting the door. "Thought you might want some company!" Lir bubbled, and bounced over.
"You look awesome!" The three of us said simultaneously, and then burst out laughing.
Lir had on a forest green dress with red highlights, setting off her red-streaked, brown hair and hazel eyes tinged with green. Her high cheekbones, full lips, and slightly tanned skin were glowing with the wreath of holly she wore as a coronet and the simple neck collar set with one single beryl.
Elíl wore a plum purple velvet dress, decorated with silver and blue embroidery, making her golden chestnut hair gleam and her gold-streaked brown eyes stand out. A circlet of silver and diamonds graced her braided hair and Elfstone lay at her throat.
The twins were dressed in their classical red tunics and white leggings as well, just like Mairon. I smiled, as did Elíl and Lir.
"I think among us Lir looks most like 'valentines day' party dressed." Elíl noted. I nodded.
"Oh well, it's not like red and white is the theme here, though." I shrugged.
"Anyways, let's go!" Lir said cheerily, happily going to the door. Amras reached out and grabbed her hand. She giggled and curtsied. "Thank you, kind sir." She winked. He grinned.
Elíl's hand was claimed by Amrod. "Why thank you, kind sir." Elíl curtsied as Amrod bowed and they laughed.
Mairon grabbed my hand and bowed as I curtsied. "Thank you, dear brother." I winked, and we grinned.
We headed out the doors and moved to the stairs, happily talking and gliding down to the living room. Mairon and the twins told us that the rest were already there. We moved into the living room as everyone turned to see us.
"So do you think the Valar will be there?" Elíl was asking Lir and I.
"I believe so." I answered thoughtfully.
"Mmhm, maybe." Lir replied. Our escorts ditched us for other pastimes and we looked up to our brothers and 'special' guys. They were staring, brothers nodding approvingly as the others had wide eyes. I smiled.
"Well good morning and happy lovers day to you all too!" I laughed, causing me all to join me. Maedhros was first to hug me.
"You look wonderful, sister." He smiled. I laughed softly.
"Why, thank you, dear brother." I replied, and everyone began to give out hugs and kisses. I finally reached Glorfindel last. He hugged me and then whispered in my ear.
"You look beautiful." He murmured, causing me to blush and smile shyly.
"Thank you, Glorfindel." I replied, and kissed his cheek. He smiled, pleased.
Ecthelion had a hand around Elíl's waist and Maglor had his arm around Lir's shoulders. I grinned. "I ship Maglir." I declared unnecessarily.
"Hush up!" Lir retorted, and we all laughed.
"Shall we go? All the other houses are along the way." Caranthir said lazily. Everyone shot him speculative looks, which he ignored.
"As you wish." And so we trooped out the door and began the waltz down to the town square. On the way we stopped by several homes, and one by one each brother went in and brought back out an elleth.
Lir burst into muffled laughter when Maedhros escorted an elleth that was a good two heads shorter then he was. I was grinning like a fool and Elíl was choking. The rest were studiously looking away.
"Come on!" The twins called impatiently, and we were off again, chatting happily.
When we finally got to the town square, it was decorated with myriads of flowers and garlands and wreaths, and elves were milling about and randomly talking, mingling, chatting, and eating from the buffet tables that stood in convenient places.
I looked around as everyone shrugged and began to go their own ways, melting into the crowds and seeking for some fun. Glorfindel gently led me off to an area he wanted me to see. I allowed him to, looking around with a smile.
He led me through the crowds, arm tucked in his almost possessively. We reached a table where Ecthelion had also brought Elíl, and Glorfindel made a small snack for me. I smiled.
"Thank you, Glorfy." And I began to eat the small cupcake that was on my plate. "Speaking of which did you see Erunàro and Manveru anywhere?" I asked Elíl. She rolled her eyes.
"Why do you want to see THEM?" She snorted.
"I'm hurt." A disembodied voice sniffed. I snickered.
"Oh hush, Mnaveru, it's all your fault anyway." I laughed. Glorfindel and Ecthelion were agreeing heartily, to our amusement.
Someone suddenly walked up to us, dressed in a Maiar tabard with the device of Manwë on it. He had silvery-gold hair and violet eyes, with a kind, wise demeanor.
I took one look and cheered. "Good morning!" I exclaimed. Elíl gave me an odd look.
"Wha-" then she paused as the Maia began to laugh. Then she burst into cheers too. "What do you mean by 'good morning?' Do you mean to say that it is a fair morning, or that it is a good one whether I like it or not, or simply that it is a morning to be good on?" She asked with a grin.
Glorfindel and I burst our laughing as Ecthelion looked nonplussed. The Maia chuckled. "I suppose I am known by that statement, am I?" He asked rhetorically. "I must admit, it feels much better not to be in that old fana any longer." He sighed.
Elíl and I grinned. "Olòrin!" We chimed. "Oh, I have been waiting to meet you for soooo long!" Elíl squealed, hugging the Maia who seemed pleased.
"Oh? Am I that renown?" He asked, amused.
"Yes." I nodded. "And it doesn't help that you're her favorite Maia now, does it?" I added smugly.
"And not you?" He wiggled his eyebrows teasingly. I sniffed in mock-derision.
"Oh no, most certainly not." I retorted haughtily. Then I pretended to look around cautiously. "Only because Mairon would kill me." I whispered with a wink, and everyone burst into roars at my smirk.
"I don't believe that anyway." Mairon's voice came from not too far away, and he grinned at me before slipping off again. I rolled my eyes good naturedly.
*He has some confidence* Nàmo's voice told me. I scowled into the air.
"Shouldn't you be snuggling with Ammë or something?" I asked exasperatedly. He chuckled as the others looked at me with raised eyebrows.
*Not till later. Your pie escapade did that already.* he replied, thoroughly amused. I winced.
"No, no, I do not need to know that, please." I whimpered, making the rest grin.
*Oh, and Padawan, I do believe I will visit again sometime soon. You make a rather nice and warm thing to snuggle up to.* Nàmo added, and I got the mental impression that he was straight-faced as he said it.
"Oh, so I'm a stuffed toy now, am I?" I demanded, my scowling effect ruined by the smile that kept threatening to make itself known.
*You know you don't mind, yeldë.* was the only answer I got. I gave up.
"Whatever, master." I sighed, tossing up my hands. The rest of them were smirking at my put-upon expression.
Ecthelion suddenly gave me a questioning look. I raised an eyebrow and used ósanwe to communicate with him as Elíl happily chatted with Olòrin.
*What is it, brother Thel? Or should I say brother-in-law-to-be?* I smirked. He blushed.
*Yes, well, I was going to ask what kind of flowers Elíl likes.* he stammered. I giggled silently.
*You mean, what's the best way to court her. Well she likes you, or else she wouldn't have accepted, trust me, so don't worry on that account. As for wooing, flowers of any sort are fine, as well as lots of chocolate- oh, and do something fun with her too. She loves having fun, and even playing some kind of care or board game will do. Evenings by the fireside with hot cocoa and popcorn does well too. In other words, not too romantic or mushy, but more like show her that you love her with actions, not poems.* I suggested with a wink. He smiled gratefully.
"Thank you." He nodded, just as Olòrin excused himself, declaring that lord Manwë was calling. Wil was in good spirits after that, and Ecthelion led her away somewhere, I'm not sure where.
*Elíl, girls' night tonight!* I reminded her. She sent me a wave of acknowledgement.
Glorfindel seemed somewhat thoughtful. He smiled at me as Thel and Elíl wandered off. "Shall we go too?" He asked. I smiled back.
"If you wish. I'm fine with anything." I replied. He took my arm and led me away to his own preferred area, I guess. We walked together, entering the royal gardens that were opened to anyone who wished to wander there. Several corners housed some spooning couples that were ignored and left to their privacy.
"So, what kind of things do mortals do for courtship?" Glorfindel asked conversationally as we walked leisurely.
I obliged, just happy to be with him and talk. "Well, we would go on 'dates' as we called them, where the guy would take the girl out somewhere just to spend time together. Preferably dinner, but also just places to go for amusement, parks and the like." I replied.
"And rituals?" He asked curiously.
"None really, although of course asking permission of the parents." I smiled. "And sometimes the guy will dress formally as will the girl, especially with dinner dates. Roses are common. Or just flowers in general really. Oh, and chocolate." I grinned at him and he returned it.
"Interesting." He mused. We came to a more secluded part of the garden. "At what age did you start- dating?" He queried.
"Usually eighteen, though some would start earlier, though I wouldn't agree with that." I scrunched my nose. He nodded.
"Yes, I can see that." He paused in speech, and then suddenly blurted. "Do you think I am being too forward?" Then he checked himself. "I meant that since you have jumped ages so suddenly, perhaps you are uncomfortable with the idea of..." He trailed off, uncertain how to finish.
I stopped and looked up at him. "Glorfindel?" I asked. He turned and looked at me, face serious. "What exactly are we?" I motioned between him and I. "Are you asking to court me? Or is this just for Lover's Day?" I asked.
He hesitated. "Please, tell me the truth. What do you want from me?" I asked softly.
He looked down, clasping my hands in his. "I want to court you." He answered quietly. "I don't want it to be just one day. I don't want to see you with anyone else, mortal, elf, or Maia." He finished, almost savagely.
I paused. So he really was serious. It made me feel nervous and yet unexplainably happy at the same time. "I just wanted to know. I'm older now, and I know that I can make decisions on my own. I do like you, Glorfindel, and I wouldn't mind getting to know you better." I answered frankly. He looked at me, stepping closer. There was no one around.
"Then you- you wouldn't mind if I courted you formally?" He asked hopefully.
"If you are serious, then no, I don't mind." I replied.
He frowned. "Of course I am serious. Elves never ask such a thing unless they are intending to betroth themselves to someone." He said.
I blushed and looked down at his hands. "Then yes." I whispered softly. "I would like that."
He stepped even closer, causing there to be barely an inch of space between us. He reached out and hesitantly grasped my waist, and when I didn't protest became bolder and pulled me closer. One hand wrapped around my waist as the other cradled my lower back.
At the touch, there was a sudden clicking feeling, as thought something snapped into place, and I suddenly felt whole, though I never realized I was incomplete before. Glorfindel tilted my head up. I never realized until now that he was a good head taller then me.
His sapphire blue eyes were so intense. Golden hair caressed my face. I swallowed nervously. His eyes were getting closer, but I couldn't do anything because I couldn't even look away. The air was tense. Something had to give, and I had a feeling it would be my legs.
So close... And then something in my mind snapped sharply. With a cry, I ripped away from Glorfindel and clutched my head, falling to my knees. It hurt! I reached out and found the source of my pain- it was coming from a piece of my consciousness that was latched onto... Beleg.
I leaped up frantically. "Míleth!" Glorfindel called worriedly. I gasped and stumbled as he caught me.
"Beleg!" I cried, twisting. "I have to get to Beleg!" And with that, I thought us both away to Lòrien. Arriving there, I found myself next to the elf in question, who was thrashing about and screaming as a few healers tried to calm him down.
Glorfindel sprang into action. "Blood trance!" He yelled, and I turned to the healers.
"Who was he attacking?" I demanded. Several of them pointed to one, who looked shocked.
"I don't know why-" he started. I grasped his sleeve and pulled him next to the thrashing elf.
"I'm sorry, but this is necessary." I said firmly, yanking up his sleeve. Glorfindel knelt, a dagger in his hand. He slit the healer's palm and shoved it into the face of Beleg. After a moment, Beleg's eyes cleared and he stopped, staring blankly at the hand in front of him that was drawn away.
I knelt in front of him. "Beleg." I called softly. "Be calm, yonya, it's alright now, you are safe. See? You are among friends." I said softly. Recognition sparked in his eyes, and he began to suddenly weep.
"Nana." He choked, and I gathered him up, hugging him and rocking gently as the healers and Glorfindel looked on, nonplussed. I smiled at them reassuringly.
"I'm sorry nana." Beleg sobbed. "I said I'd be good, I tried, I really did-" he cried.
"Hush, Beleg." I said firmly. He stopped speaking, though he still sobbed. "You are not at fault. It was beyond your control. You have done well in keeping your word, and no one is upset with you." I soothed.
"Be at peace, yonya. I am here." I whispered, kissing his light hair gently. He sniffled, slowly calming. Finally he looked up at me.
"Nana not mad?" He whispered. I smiled.
"Not in the least, yonya. Now, I think it's about time you slept, don't you? You need the rest." I murmured. Tuckered out, all he did was nod before he conked out on my shoulder. I sighed and shook my head.
"Such a precious reborn." I laughed softly, stroking his hair.
"Nana?" Glorfindel asked, confused.
"I was at his judgement, during which I comforted him at an interlude and his mind dubbed me with the title." I said amiably. "Therefore I have been his nana ever since and I thought it was about time I address him properly as yonya." I added dryly. He smiled.
"I see now. A good nana you'll make, I'm sure." He nodded.
I raised an eyebrow. "Was that a suggestion, Glorfy, or merely an observation?" I asked teasingly, and them thought myself away to Beleg's bed as Glorfindel blushed and laughed heartily.
I wonder, though, what would have happened if we had not been interrupted?
...
It was evening. Elíl and Lir and I had retired early, to the disappointment of our respective special ones, but we had played the 'tired' card so after a good night we had made out way to my room.
"So, anything new?" I asked, hugging a pillow to myself and wiggling eyebrows at them. Elíl and Lir laughed and blushed.
"Well... Ecthelion asked to court me." Elíl said shyly. Lir and I cheered.
"Wait, you said yes, right?" Lir sounded momentarily panicked.
"Of course, silly!" Elíl sniffed, giggling.
"Me too." Lir said unthinkingly, and then suddenly choked on her cocoa as she realized what she had just said. Elíl and I laughed our heads off.
"Yes! Maglir must remain forever! As well as Elilion." I added. With a grin.
"Glorfindeth rules!" Elíl sang teasingly as I sighed.
"First time, anyone?" I asked them curiously in all seriousness.
"Me." Elíl admitted shyly. Lir and I shook our heads.
"Almost, but you first." I said.
"What was it like?" Lir asked, wide-eyed. Elíl sighed at us as we grinned.
"Don't blame me if I make it sappy, but... It was sweet. I liked it." We blushed and shrugged. "The taste of miruvor was rather prominent, though, and I'm not complaining." Elíl grinned, and Lir and I went into hysterical laughter.
"Almost? What?" Elíl asked, trying to get the spotlight off of her.
I shrugged. "Well, he asked to court me, and I said yes, and suddenly I felt this weird feeling like there was a click, and then I was... I don't know, complete." I shrugged. Elíl and Lir nodded, and then exchanged surprised looks.
"I think it has to do with being soulmates. But anyway, I think he was going to, but it was almost... You know, like, inevitable, or like neither of us really realized it. And then suddenly I got a pain spell and realized that I was still monitoring Beleg." I said with a frown.
"So I went to Lòrien with Glorfindel and yonya was in a blood trance. I hope he'll be okay." I finished worriedly. Elíl frowned and Lir looked confused.
"He will be, Míleth, no need to worry." Lord Nàmo's voice broke in on our thoughts. "Well done, by the way."
Elíl and Lir yelped in shock as we scrambled out of the way so he could sit. He smiled at us amusedly. "I didn't think I was that unwelcome." He said teasingly with a raised eyebrow.
I rolled my eyes, recovering. "So I'm assuming you're here for your stuffed animal?" I asked dryly as Elíl laughed and Lir choked.
Nàmo smiled. "I am." He replied amiably and reached out, grabbing me and pulling me into his cloak.
"Don't tell anyone, but I rather enjoy being a stuffed animal." I winked, making them all laugh themselves silly. Nàmo just chuckled.
"Oh do go on with your most interesting conversation. Don't mind me." He waved us on. All three of us sighed.
"Embarrassing." Lir whined.
"I don't tell tales." Nàmo sniffed.
"I find that hard to believe." I said dubiously, peering up at him with mock-suspicion. "They say that dead beings don't tell tales, but maybe that's because Nàmo tells them not to..."
Elíl and Lir were laughing until they cried, as Nàmo sighed heavily and shook his head.
"I don't know why I put up with your insolence." He groused.
"Because you know I spice up your life, master." I replied gleefully. He didn't deign to answer.
"Errm, speaking of which... Yonya?" Elíl asked me, confuzzled. Lir raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, you know, Beleg. He calls me nana, so I decided it was high time that I call him by the proper title." I replied easily, snuggling into Nàmo's cloak farther. He was warm and comfortable, and made me feel snug and safe. Strangely.
"Awwww." Lir mock-sniffled. "I'm gonna... Cryyyyy." She wailed, causing Elíl to laugh and me to grumble.
"Do you know what Glorfy said when I explained?" I asked dryly.
"What?" Lir asked.
So I told them. And my reply. And they laughed. Nàmo smirked. "Told you they were a good match." He said smugly, sending me into a sulking fit as Elíl and Lir rolled about at my expense.
"So anyway... What are we supposed to do tomorrow, master?" I asked lazily from the depths where I was being willfully smothered. He wrapped his arms around me and hummed.
"Well, yeldë, I do believe that Beleg needs you, but otherwise unless something else comes up there is nothing else to so in Mandos. I will lend you to Irmo." He said wryly, and Elíl giggled.
"Imagine, lending Maiar." She laughed. Lir and I snorted.
"Tch. Yeah right." I scoffed.
"What will I be expected to do?" Lir asked interestedly.
"Well, for one thing, you will be expected to sit at Nienna's feet and learn all things from her. You will call her mistress. You will do anything she tells you to. You will learn hands-on what it means to be a Maia of Nienna." Elíl and I rattled off. She nodded.
"Okay. Sounds... Like school." She grinned at us conspiratorially.
"Oh, so you were the class clown, were you?" Elíl asked suspiciously.
Lir had on an innocent air, feigning hurt. "How could you? I always got good grades." She whined.
"Don't whine!" I teased. Elíl collapsed laughing, as did Lir.
"Hey, that's my line!" Nàmo declared. I blew him a raspberry, to his exasperated amusement. "No better than he was." He sighed, and is crossed my arms.
"So what if we are alike?" I sniffed. "Maybe you should say we were a match made in Mandos." I said slyly.
He quirked an eyebrow. "Ah. That explains it, then." He said dryly. Elíl and Lir were clutching their sides as I sighed.
"Whatever. I think I must want to stay here and comfortably zzz." I retorted, and curled up like a baby. I grinned. "Ga ga?"
Nàmo sighed. Lir gasped and bent over. Elíl flopped over laughing. I just grinned triumphantly. "Da da!" I cooed and reached up, patting his cheek like a child would. He smiled down at me indulgently, allowing me to grasp his finger.
"If you will insist on being an elfling then I suppose I must treat you like one." He sniffed condescendingly. I rolled my eyes.
"Say, Atto, who was the first child ever born in Aman?" I asked curiously. He gave me a name.
"Hmm. Was that the first time the Valar ever saw an elfling?" I queried. Lir and Elíl recovered, listening intently. Nàmo smiled.
"Yes. In fact, the poor ellith didn't know what to do. We all were fascinated by the little one, and Tulkas and Aulë nearly came to blows over who would get to hold her first." He smiled reminiscently. "I turned out to be the first." He winked at us. "While the others were arguing I took the child and began to show her the trees." He chuckled, as we all laughed at the mental image he sent us.
"AWWW. I have a great Atto, then." I grinned. He rolled his eyes at me.
"What a child you are, Míleth." He sighed. "What a child you are."
The last thing I saw was his smiling face in front of me until everything blacked out, my vision swimming in spots of black as I fell asleep.
Master, you really need to teach me how to head pet better.