Disclaimer: I do not own anything but my own characters, everything belongs to Tolkien the genius.

Author's Note: I've been thinking recently about where this story of Glorfindel is going and I came to the conclusion this will become a multi-part collection of stories. So far I have three sequels to "Eternal" and an offshoot on Ecthelion's life planned out and some semi-coherent thoughts written down on paper. This one is a little short but I think next week's shall make up well for that!

Chapter Thirty-Four: Elessavére

Spring came finally but it almost seemed like forever to Glorfindel who awaited the day he could return to Vinyamar. The anticipation of finally reuniting with Elrilya after a decade was making his heart race faster and his blood rush hotly through his veins each time he recognized a feature on the landscape that reminded him that he was that much closer on his journey. The troop of soldiers he led back were also excited to be returning after their long time away but Glorfindel hardly noticed their happy natures since most of his focus was on what lay ahead.

Of course in the back of his mind a thought worried him of what had become of Telrúnyë after he gave his permission for her to return to Vinyamar. Her extremely dangerous, and near fatal, attempt at getting out of her required stay in Gondolin still touched a nerve in Glorfindel since she would certainly not keep to herself what she had told him. Telrúnyë's reasons to let him know were much more than trying to bed Glorfindel but to also warn him that she knew much that could cause him trouble. It was a rather despicable act in the golden lord's opinion but his hands were tied. The thought that his trust and love with Elrilya was strong kept him from any mere thoughts of despair.

This evening Glorfindel's returning group was just passing into the Ered Wethrin in the finally days of their travel to the seaside city. They had traveled hard for many days without rest but this night they would have to stop despite being so close to their destination. It made Glorfindel grumble to himself overmuch in the latter half of the day thinking that he would have to wait one night longer but he knew it would be worth it.

The spring season had come at its typical time of the year but like forty years before, it was incredibly hot for so early in the time of year. The soldiers had taken to removing most of their restrictive wool clothing of the usual winter months and cool spring days to refresh themselves in the evening air. Glorfindel had doffed his cloak and jacket to only wear his regular travel shirt that he had carelessly unbuttoned halfway in an attempt to keep the oppressive heat off him that much more.

As the elven soldiers traveled on further through the woods along the trail that would take them home, it appeared there were other travelers ahead of them upon whom they were quickly advancing. A strange feeling came over Glorfindel as they came closer until he realized what it was he sensed because it had been, as it seemed to him, a long time since he had been consciously aware of the sensations in him presently. Spurring his steed onward at a faster gallop, Glorfindel forged ahead to meet those ahead of them as his surprised warriors attempted to follow. The trees and bushes flew by rapidly as Glorfindel's tired horse tried to heed his commands to drive on further. Within a few moments he came upon the flank of the other party as they turned to face him in his approach. Several familiar faces met Glorfindel and his troop with warm smiles but one in particular made his heart jump into his throat as she reined in her horse to face him.

Finally seeing his beloved's true countenance instead of a dream image sent Glorfindel's emotions reeling at the unexpected but gladly welcomed reunion. Elrilya's own wealth of joyful feelings could be felt over their bond and nearly overwhelmed him but Glorfindel managed to keep himself in check. To him, Elrilya seemed to be on the verge of throwing herself into his arms but was also holding herself in a seemingly calm demeanor. The leading soldier of Elrilya's group addressing Glorfindel snapped him out of his lover's ensnaring gaze. However, as they conversed over pleasantries, Glorfindel still let his warm regard glance over to her until all appropriate policies were dealt with between him and the other soldier.

The joined elven groups set camp together in a clearing not much further from where they had met. Glorfindel led them along at the front while riding ahead with the head soldier from Elrilya's travelers. Unable to see Elrilya, Glorfindel was resigned to looking ahead instead of behind him where she was; although, he could feel the weight of her gaze upon his back.

While riding to the campsite for the night, Glorfindel learned the purpose of the other travelers. Fresh natural supply runs were always made during the winter in the neighboring wilderness areas of Nevrast and this group was one such gathering. Glorfindel was surprised to find Elrilya in their company but he would learn more soon enough. After they had finally finished making camp at the clearing, Glorfindel went to his lover.

Not wanting to be overly enthusiastic to see each other in front of the others, Glorfindel motioned for Elrilya to take a walk with him into the woods next to the stream flowing nearby. She gladly took his arm and let him lead her silently away from the semi-knowing and scrupulous eyes of their fellows. Glorfindel smiled amusingly to himself as he realized they were walking along the same stream he had once frequented many decades before while on patrol on another hot spring night when he was plagued with his once confusing interest in Elrilya. With a sparkling glint to his eye, Glorfindel led them slowly toward the place of his reminiscing.

"I missed you, my love," he whispered into her ear as he pulled her close.

"As I did you, beloved," she replied with a smile as she leaned up to kiss him gently.

Staring up at the twinkling stars above while feeling whole and at peace once more after a short sleep, Glorfindel pulled Elrilya closer to him as she lounged beside him in the cool, soft bed of grass and clover. A delicate arm was draped over his chest and a soft head of dark hair nuzzled into the crook of his neck while long legs were intertwined further down. Glorfindel let his fingers trace along Elrilya's side down the dale of her waist and up the curve of her hip as he still had to remind himself she was truly there.

"Elrilya, are you awake?" he asked, breaking the quiet of their comforting.

A mumbled and muffled content reply came from her as she snuggled closer to him and nuzzled her face into his neck. Glorfindel sighed a little as he rested his cheek on her head.

"I would like to tell you about something," he began, noticing she had perked up and shifted to watch him as he spoke.

Elrilya knew it was important since he was finally prepared to tell her of his dark, private thoughts in the part of his mind he had yet to share with her.

"Go on," she encouraged him as he paused in hesitation, pondering how to continue.

Stroking Elrilya's hair, Glorfindel studied her features, "Her name was Linwëlin..."

Glossary

Elessavére: renewed troth