Forever Afternoon
Chapter Thirteen
Word Count: 3,435
Rating/Disclaimer/Summary: Same as chapter 1, really
Author's Note: So... I realized that I committed a couple of big... er, sins with this fic. First, I failed to do enough research. That became clear to me after the last chapter where I tried to add back in Glorfindel. Second, the story is, I fear, more about an original character than it is about the characters of the fandom, which really means I should just be writing Varyar's story for my own enjoyment and not posting fanfic because it's not what it should be, not truly.

I almost didn't post this chapter as I'm still trying to decide if those sins are even slightly forgivable and if this story should come down or not. Since I haven't been able to keep this story updated at the same pace as Storms, so maybe it would be better if it was not continued. I don't know.

Counsel before the Council

"I think I should be offended."

Sérëdhiel looked up, torn between what Legolas thought was an instinct to run and a smile. She laughed, and he went over to embrace her. He was glad that they had not left Imladris before he reached here, not this time. These were his friends, his adoptive family, and he was glad to be among them again, even though his visit would be short and the circumstances surrounding it were dark indeed.

"You are willing to stay in Imladris but not in my father's land? Yes, I do believe I am very offended," Legolas said when he stepped back. "I do not understand. I told you that you were welcome. Ada told you that you were welcome."

"Your father does not know that you were betrayed by my brother. If he did, he would not be so gentle with any of us."

He did not like to admit that she was right about that. He knew his father would be angry if the true circumstances of his capture by Ogol were known, but he did not think that anyone would ever tell him—why would they? It would gain them nothing. "I still do not believe that you should have had to go."

"If it appeases you any, I believe we will soon leave Imladris."

"What? Now? When the council has been convened and the ring is found and darkness is growing? No, Sérëdhiel, do not go."

She shook her head. "I do not like how long we have remained already. Were Nostalion here, we would already have gone—"

"Why will you never settle?"

"It is... our life, Legolas. We do not have a home or a people. We are our own, and we must make our way separately. That is how it has always been, and how it will always be. When we were younger, we thought that we could change that, that we could find some place where we would feel safe and welcome, one where Ogol would not find Varyar and hurt him or any of us. The last time we tried to stay somewhere... Well, that time went poorly, but even before then..."

Legolas touched her arm. "What? I thought you had some place where you could go. That was what it sounded like when you left after Varyar died."

She lowered her head. "Alassë told you some of what it was like with her family, but not much as she will not break their rules even now, and I think you would have to know a great deal more about them to understand what it was like there, but the truth is—we were not welcome or at peace there. Varyar ended up a walking plague because of what he had to do to negotiate our passage through that land, and it was only because they were terrified of him and Nostalion afterward that we had a measure of peace. They would not challenge him because he could kill them in an instant and turned their main weapon against them."

"Nostalion?"

Sérëdhiel nodded. "Varyar was convinced—and he was correct in being so—that they had abandoned Nostalion to his fate after he was unable to save Turvuin. They worked together to get Eruaistaniel back, and by the end of that, they were near inseparable. However, his family does not fear him on his own, even with his abilities and training. They believe they can make him loyal again, and they would have used me and Alassë to make that happen."

Legolas shook his head. "I do not understand. How come you to all this trouble?"

"Varyar used to say we must have been cursed by the Valar."

"That is not true. It cannot be—you are all good, too good for what you have suffered."

"That belongs to you, gwador, not to us," she said, patting his cheek. "I think you will be wanted down in the council chambers, not here with us."

"Other delegates have yet to arrive," Legolas said. "I am not going to leave until the others are ready. Until then, I will spend my time in the company of friends. Now, where is Thenidriel?"

Sérëdhiel laughed.

"I don't see why we couldn't all have seen Frodo now. It's not like he's not our cousin," Pippin muttered, unhappy with his hosts' decision to bar all but one hobbit from the room where Frodo recovered. Aragorn did not think it was meant in any kind of reproach—and he would even say that his ada did not quite understand the bond between these four hobbits—but having traveled with them for as long as he had, he'd known that they would be disruptive to anyone sleep and healing.

"I'm going to see Mr. Frodo right now," Sam had insisted, and though Aragorn thought his elven hosts could have disagreed with him, no one did. Glorfindel seemed almost amused as he led the hobbit away, but the other two hobbits had been dismayed to learn that they were going to have to wait to see Frodo until after Sam had gone.

"Do you suppose they'll change their minds about that?" Pippin asked, fidgeting. "If they're going to make us wait until Sam leaves, we'll never get to see Frodo."

"They probably figure he needs his rest," Merry told Pippin, getting a snort from the other hobbit. "I don't know that we will ever be allowed in there, not all of us. No arguing with Sam, though. He's gone a bit too far as Frodo's gardener, if you ask me."

"Aye," Pippin said. He looked up at Aragorn. "You think we can see the baby elf? Since we can't see Frodo, I'd like to see this rare elf."

Aragorn smiled at them both. He knew that this decision would displease even more elves than trying to argue or sneak their way in to see Frodo, but he would take them in to see Thenidriel rather than have Frodo's recovery disrupted. He knew that they had been close to losing the ringbearer, and he did not want anything to harm Frodo's return to health, not even his friends. "Yes, come. I will introduce you to Thenidriel and her family."

"Will Nostalion be there, do you think? He could have gotten here before us, couldn't he?"

"I do not know if he will be here or not. He said this was his destination, but Nostalion comes and goes as he wishes, and he usually cannot be seen when he does." Aragorn frowned after he said that. It was strange that he had seen the assassin—that the hobbits had spotted him first. That seemed unlikely. For some reason, Nostalion had allowed himself to be seen, and that did not make sense to the ranger.

"I think it would be better if he is not," Merry said. "I don't think he liked us much."

"It is not just you. I suspect that Nostalion likes no one besides Sérëdhiel," another voice said, and Aragorn looked over with a bright smile, unable to contain his pleasure at seeing that elf again.

"No one?" Pippin repeated. "That's a sad sort of life, isn't it?"

"I do not believe there has been much joy in Nostalion's life," Legolas told him. "He had one other, one very close and dear friend, but he died recently, and so I fear it is only Sérëdhiel that brings him any sort of comfort."

"Not even the baby?"

"Thenidriel is adorable, but she is not that powerful. Not yet," Legolas answered, laughing. He smiled. "I have seen her turn kings into fools, though, so she may yet be a force worth fearing."

Pippin's eyes grew large, and Aragorn shook his head. Now the elf would have the hobbit believing terrible things about that baby. He pushed the hobbit forward, falling into step with Legolas. "It is good to see you again, mellon-nín. Long have the days been since I left you in Mirkwood. I did not expect to see you here."

"Ada sent me when Elrond called for the council. I do believe he assumed you would make it, and I am quite glad that you did."

"We had assistance. Glorfindel, mostly, though I suppose you could give Nostalion some credit for what he told us about Frodo's fate."

Legolas frowned. "It is not like Nostalion to volunteer such information. I cannot see why he would. We are not... friends. Perhaps if Varyar had lived he would have been more willing to ally himself with us, but Varyar is gone, and Sérëdhiel threatens to leave daily, so I do not know that we can expect any assistance from them, though I would have asked for it. Estel, there is something you should know—"

"Are all elves as tall as you?"

Legolas looked down at Pippin. "What?"

"The hobbits are very curious about everything," Aragorn told him. "Though I think we could distract them with their promised visit to Thenidriel—or perhaps some food."

"I could go for some—what do elves eat?"

Legolas met Aragorn's eyes over the hobbits' heads, and he nodded. Yes, they were always like this. The elf gave him a look of pity, and Aragorn almost grabbed hold of him before Legolas could slip away. "We should take you to see Idhrenion and the others. He will answer your questions. He is a very knowledgeable elf."

Aragorn frowned. "Idhrenion?"

"A fine scholar," Legolas insisted. "He was always reading, and now that he is a father, he is a good choice for their instruction."

Aragorn tried not to laugh. He spoke in elvish, rude as it might have been. "Alassë could kill you for that suggestion."

"She just might."

"Here, dearest lady. We came across these flowers on our latest patrol, and we thought you should have them," Elladan said, bowing as he offered the blooms to Eruaistaniel. "They cannot compare to your gentle beauty, though."

She flushed red, backing away as though she would run if she had not become cornered against the wall. "Please, my lords, stop this. I do not wish to be... to be noticed. You are gracious and kind, but I do not want this attention."

"I believe you need it all the more because you do not think yourself worthy of it," Elrohir said, giving her his own bow. "It is our duty as hosts to make you feel welcome and appreciated, and we have never failed in our obligations."

"Almost never," Elladan corrected, and his twin looked back at him, acknowledging his words with a nod. Elladan turned back to her. "Please take the flowers. You should have beautiful things to repair these wounds in your spirit. If our mother had been able to—well, we would do for you what we could not for her."

Eruaistaniel looked as though she might cry. The twins had fine, admirable intentions, but they were still terrifying her. Varyar did not want to announce his presence, not to the twins who would not withhold his survival from Legolas or his echil. He would have thrown something at them if he could have gotten them both with it, but he did not think he could. As it was, his own position was about to be discovered, and if it was, all would be lost. Still, Eruaistaniel had his protection, and he had to do something about this.

"If it is true you seek to heal such a wound, I must urge you to cease," she said, wrapping her arms around herself. "I do not believe you can, and I have tried—I had not the courage—but you must understand... I love one I cannot have, and that pain is not one that can be healed."

Varyar frowned. That was clever of her to say, but he had thought she did not love the one that her family betrothed her to years ago. At least if it worked, she would have no more trouble from the twins. They would understand and leave her alone.

"Give us the name of the fool, and we will ensure that he learns how to appreciate the treasure that you are," Elrohir said, and Varyar was once again tempted to throw something at him.

"You cannot," she told them. "He... has passed to Mandos' halls."

"Then take these with our sympathies, dear lady, and try to remember that there is still hope despite his loss," Elladan said, pressing the flowers into her hands. He gave her another bow before departing with his brother.

Varyar glared at their backs until they were out of sight and he determined it was safe to drop down beside her. She jumped, a scream not quite passing through her lips as she stared at him. He grimaced. He had not meant to spook her so badly.

"You are the only one I have seen in the open," he told her. "I did not know where the others were or what room to get close to. Nostalion and I had to separate, and I do not track like he does. I did not intend to startle you."

"Were you listening to that?"

"I heard a bit. I do not see why you would mourn that fool you were supposed to wed, but that is not my concern. Where are the others?"

She sighed. "In the rooms. They rarely leave. None of them want to socialize. It was my mistake to choose to look at Lady Celebrían's gardens. They are so beautiful, but Lord Elrond's sons have been so... persistent."

Eruaistaniel shuddered. Varyar touched her arm, and she stared down at his glove. "You handled them well—Sérëdhiel would have done something similar, I believe. Now, I need to know where the rooms are so that I can stay close but not get caught here. There are so many from so many different lands—"

"You could almost pass for one of the edain now," she said. "It would seem nothing to them to wear gloves and dark clothes, and then you could walk almost freely in this strange mixed company."

"I lived in Imladris for a time. The elves will recognize me. One already has."

She trembled. "Will he—You cannot stay, then. You are in danger."

"The fate of all Middle Earth is to be determined by this council. I will not leave."

"It is very good to be in your company again, mellon-nín," Legolas said, turning to Estel now that they had escaped from the hobbits and left them with Sérëdhiel and the others. Idhrenion's look had promised vengeance, but Legolas had to admit that he feared that far more from Varyar than he ever had his brother. "I have missed you as well."

"Even with the rift between us when we parted company?"

Legolas looked at him. "What rift?"

Estel laughed. "Can it be that time and distance has repaired what we could not fix before? Is it that simple?"

"No, it is not," Legolas said, knowing that he must confess to Estel how he had come to lose Gollum and everything that followed after that. "I have thought on it for a long time, as I suspect you have as well. I still forgive Varyar, and that has not changed, but I do not need you to forgive him to be at peace—with myself or with you."

Estel smiled. "That is good to hear. I have also thought about it, as you suspected. I have not yet reached a point where I forgive Firyavaryar, but it is not my place to forgive him. I cannot hold against you your decision to do so. You were the one wronged, and it is your choice whether or not you will forgive."

Legolas nodded. "How wise we sound all of a sudden, as though we have gained some kind of intelligence in our time apart as well."

"Impossible."

They both laughed, and Legolas found himself content. He knew that they were about to be tested. He thought the last of the delegates for the council would arrive today, and if they did, then it would begin in the morning. The ring's fate would be decided—their fate would be decided. He would have to tell everyone about Gollum, about his failure, but he felt as though now he was more prepared for that confession than he could have hoped to be if he had not managed to mend the rift between him and Estel. This was what he had needed and been missing.

"I should tell you all of my travels," Estel began. "The hobbits are extraordinary creatures, you know."

"You sound as though you expect me to believe you were not exasperated by them when I found you earlier."

"It is true that they have been a bit of a trial at times, but they are fun and admirable as well. You might never see a more steadfast soul than that of Samwise Gamgee," Estel said, and Legolas nodded. He was willing to let Estel tell him all of his adventures, to the smallest details about the hobbits, glad to be in the presence of a friend but also relieved to have something else to speak of besides Gollum and that embarrassing failure.

"There you two are," Mithrandir said. "I take it you have discharged the hobbits upon some of the other guests here and have secured your own counsel for a moment."

"Yes, but while I expected the moment to be brief when I informed Estel of Arwen's presence, I did not expect the interruption to come from you," Legolas said, frowning a bit. "I thought you were with Frodo. Has something happened to him?"

"Oh, no, he is quite well for one with a wound such as his," Mithrandir answered. He looked at each of them in turn, nodding thoughtfully. "I sense that all is well between you again."

"It was almost mended when Estel left, but I do not believe it is our friendship that concerns you at present," Legolas continued, getting a nod from Estel in agreement. "Is there something you would have us know or tell you before the council convenes? It will begin in the morning, will it not? I thought the last of the delegates was due today."

"He is, and he will be here soon."

"And?" Estel asked. "Is there something that you know that we should know?"

"First I must ask if either of you have seen the elf known as Nostalion, and then I would speak of other matters that concern us all," Mithrandir began, and Legolas could not help feeling worried by that. He was about to be exposed for something he should already have told Estel.

"Do you seek to hunt something?" Estel asked. "You know that he—"

"I seek answers, and I believe he has them, but if you have not seen him, then it will keep," Mithrandir answered, and Legolas did not know what answers he thought that he could get from Nostalion, but he did not think that the Istari would get them.

"I saw him outside Imladris. He revealed himself and reassured the hobbits that Glorfindel and Frodo had arrived in Imladris, but since I have been here, I have not seen him," Estel told the wizard. "I still do not think you would get him to help you. He said something about moving on as soon as he rejoined his wife, and she expressed similar sentiments to Legolas."

"That is as it should be, then."

"I do not think so," Legolas said. "I do not want them to go, and I do not like that they cannot find peace. Sérëdhiel spoke of what they had endured before Varyar returned to Greenwood, and it is not right. You are a servant of the Valar—why would they afflict them this way? They may be Avari, but not by their choice—Sérëdhiel believes in the Valar, and she is not the only one who would. Why should they be punished?"

"Is that what you believe is happening to them?"

"It seems that way, yes."

The Istari let out a breath. "Many that live in times like ours face unpleasantness. Many are made stronger by it. We all have our burdens to bear, and this may be theirs. We cannot know all that is at work yet. We must trust in the strength of our companions, for it will be our strength as well."

"Why, then," Estel began, "do I sense that you do not trust one of our companions?"