Hey! I hope you all are having a great day/night wherever you are. I just wanted to inform you all that I will not be updating for a couple of days since I will be going on another relief work trip. But as soon as I get internet, I'll update. ;)
Thank you for all of your reviews, they make my day! Please, enjoy. ;)
Chapter 15
Eruanna woke up with a groan to see Glorfindel's face above her looking relieved. "Thank goodness, seler, you're awake. It's been a day already." Glorfindel said with a sigh, making her blink.
*A day?* She asked weakly, still feeling battered.
"Yes," was his answer, "but you were suffering from the strain. It is good that you rested." He went on, and Eruanna realized that it was true. She did feel better, and a few burdens had fallen off her shoulders.
Now she felt a little better and lighter, knowing that the fellowship was relatively safe and that they had made it that far already. The bout of tears had considerably helped her, and now she was also relieved that she had gotten things straightened out in her mind as far as the sigil e-hered was concerned.
With a slight struggle she managed to sit up as Glorfindel helped her, lifting a cup to her lips. She drank thankfully and found it to be a watered-down wine that eased the dwarven hammers behind her temples and made the world stop spinning all around her in taunting circles. With a sigh she slumped, placing her head in her hands.
Glorfindel gathered her into his arms, and tears rose to her eyes as she curled into him. She sniffled and clutched his hair. "What's wrong, sweet?" He asked quietly, rocking.
* hurt.* She admitted. *And I missed you, Glorfy.* She said weakly, closing her eyes tightly. He let out a sigh.
"I'm sorry seler. I should have tried to be here for you more often." He replied regretfully. "I hadn't realized how much our bond had weakened. I promise to be here more often. Where do you hurt?" He asked.
*Arm- Everywhere.* She corrected herself with a sour grumble. He began to stroke her hair.
"I'm sorry, penneth. I wish I could make it go away." Glorfindel murmured, kissing her hair. She shook her head and just buried herself into him even more than she already was, yawning and letting out a contented sigh as his warmth began to seep into her, warming her very bones and making her relax.
*Me loves Muindor.* Eruanna said suddenly, as though to make sure that he knew, peering up at him through her long eyelashes that swept onto her cheeks. He smiled down at her warmly, leaning down to press his lips against her pallid cheek.
"I know, seler. Muindor loves you too, very, very much." He replied gently, running his fingers through her thick hair. She gave him a sweet smile and closed her eyes half-way, drifting off onto the Path of Dreams.
Glorfindel watched over her sleep, thinking with a bitter-sweet smile about the days when Elladan and Elrohir had fallen asleep in his lap after listening to a story about Findárato, one of their favorite heroes.
LOTRLOTRLOTR
"It is time." Manwë nodded.
"Are you sure they are ready?" Varda asked Yavanna, who smiled reassuringly.
"Do not worry. She will be fine." She assured them.
"So the fellowship comes to Lothlòrien." Irmo mused. "She should be coming upon the maze sometime soon." He pointed out dubiously.
"Oh?" Aulë raised an eyebrow. "Who is she supposed to meet?" He asked, pulling up a pair of coordinates in front of him on a wavelength.
"Strangely enough, Eärendil." Was Manwë's reply.
"Hmm. That is odd." Aulë replied, pulling up a second pair of coordinates. "I wonder what that is to be for." He murmured.
"And what of Olòrin?" Nàmo asked, sweeping into the ring, his dark robes billowing as he sat in his chair. "He is shocked that he has arrived in my halls, and I must admit I had forgotten about that possibility." He admitted dryly.
"Atar has not told you what to do with him?" Manwë asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Of course he has, I'm just wondering if you wanted to come and assure him you're still proud of him, brother mine. He's rather nervous that he's failed you by ending up where he is." Nàmo replied.
"I shall set him straight, no worries, Nàmo." Manwë replied, waving his hand.
"Good." Was his only answer.
"And what about Beör?" Nienna insisted.
"It is going well, sister." Irmo said calmly. "It is as it should be, although I am not too pleased with Glorfindel." He added with a frown. "He should have been there for Eruanna. Their bond has somewhat weakened."
"But he will stay with her now." Estë comforted. "What does the tapestry say, Vairë?"
"The threads are darkening. I am concerned." Vairë answered. "Her silver thread is winding its way safely through the grey, but I feel that I shall soon be working on another scene..." Her fingers twitched thoughtfully as everyone exchanged glances.
"Have you sent Gwaihir?" Vána asked eagerly.
"Yes." Manwë replied absently, lost in thought.
"I will be glad when this drawn-out hunt is over. It gives me a headache." Oromë muttered, rubbing his temples.
"I agree." Tulkas grumbled. "I still say I go and pummel Aulendil to pieces and being little Eruanna back-"
"And make Glorfindel follow after you in a rage? Better make contingency plans." Nàmo snorted, and everyone snickered at the obvious diversion from what Tulkas had planned to say instead.
"Well. I shall go see to my faithful servant, now." Manwë said, and stood to go see to his discouraged Maia.
"Give him my greetings, dear." Varda called after him, and Manwë gave her a smile before fading away into the fabric of reality.
"How is Ecthelion?" Oromë asked slyly in Nàmo's direction.
Nàmo scowled. "Very well, I suppose. If he weren't making trouble I'd probably have to be worried." He said sourly, and the rest of the Valar burst into laughter.
"You know you love him, dear." Vairë kissed his cheek. He sighed.
"As much as I do our other Balrog-slayer, love." He agreed amusedly, and everyone smiled knowingly.
"They grow on you." Aulë chuckled.
"Funny. I'm pretty sure that's what Ingwë said about Glorfindel..."
And the Valar were left to laugh at the headaches of Arafinwë Noldoran in trying to keep Findárato, Sador, and the newly-reborn addition to the family in line; and make contingency plans about the upcoming events in what the children would come to call the War of the Ring.
LOTRLOTRLOTR
It had been several hours since Eruanna had woken up, and in the meantime lady Galadriel had sent messengers to Haldir to inform them that the fellowship was welcome. Eruanna was at the moment sitting in Glorfindel's lap in the main talan at lady Galadriel's insistence.
She had a thumb in her mouth, the other hand clutching a lock of Glorfindel's hair as she patiently and nervously awaited the arrival of the fellowship. She was eager to see if Legolas and Estel and of course the others were alright, but loathed to see Glorfindel's reaction to Olòrin's departure from Arda.
And strangely, she wanted to see Haldir. She couldn't place why, but she felt safe around him, even if she was wary of him for his coldness. But she knew that he was a good Marchwarden and soldier, and couldn't help but feel safe around him.
And again, she also wanted Legolas and Estel to hurry up so that she could get some reprieve from the constant pull on the bonds. They were taxing her, and she constantly felt tired and achy from the effort of sending them as much comfort as she could muster.
Glorfindel stroked her hair and rocked gently. "Don't worry, seler, Haldir will make sure they arrive safely." He murmured. She didn't reply but just sighed and squirmed slightly, whimpering as she wedged herself as tightly as possible into him. He shook his head with a slightly amused smile and wrapped his robe around her. Glorfindel was as warm as ever, and it soothed her nerves and made her relax.
An hour passed. It was quiet. Eruanna had fallen into exhausted sleep, and Glorfindel was still sitting in the same spot, looking down at his little sister and thinking, his lips pursed. He watched as her chest rose and fell, her unnaturally pale face drawn, and her fingers clutching his hair.
There was a sudden sound of scuffling feet that reached his ears, and he almost started before hurriedly pulling aside his robe. He touched his bond with his sister. *Seler, wake up, they're here.* Was all he said, knowing that that would be enough to get her up. And he was right.
Eruanna shot up as though she had been shot with an arrow, eyes bleary and hair slightly rumpled. Hurriedly, he smoothed her hair down until it was perfect again, and smoothed their crinkled robes, sitting leisurely with her perched on his lap.
There were few other elves besides Galadriel and Celeborn, who sat on their chairs and held hands while the others conversed. Galadriel turned and picked Eruanna up, holding her in her arms and smoothing a hand across her forehead.
"Rest, dear one. All hurts shall pass in time." She murmured, and Eruanna grasped a lock of the bright hair, closing her eyes and yawning widely just as the fellowship along with Haldir arrived at the top of the talan. They shuffled wearily into a line before the lord and lady of the realm, bowing politely. Celeborn and Galadriel stood. Haldir bowed, and Celeborn nodded to the Marchwarden.
"You have done your duties well, Haldir. Come, and sit for a while." Celeborn motioned with his hand, although there was a warning spark of amusement in his eye that made Haldir feel suddenly wary. Which proved to be well founded as Galadriel gave him a tiny smile.
"Indeed." She remarked softly as he stepped forwards. Then she held out the elfling in her arms to him. He froze. Glorfindel could feel himself trying to choke back laughter at the slight look of utter panic that crossed the Marchwarden's face before being shoved with difficulty behind his normal, stoic mask.
Legolas and Estel looked at the elfling longingly and worriedly. Gimli stared at Galadriel. Boromir looked uncomfortable. Pippin and Merry were looking around. Frodo was looking at Eruanna, while Sam just kept his head politely and shyly bowed.
Just then, Eruanna opened her eyes and turned her head to see Haldir, and a weak smile crossed her face as she let go of Galadriel's hair to reach out for him. Feeling immensely uncomfortable and almost on the verge of panic, Haldir automatically complied, gingerly allowing his lady liege to put Eruanna into his arms.
She yawned and clutched a lock of his silver hair that trailed down his shoulder, relaxing in his firm grip. It was slightly too firm, but she would never tell him that. Haldir stepped aside and sat next to Glorfindel, who shot him a conspiratorial grin. He said nothing, ignoring the urge to glare at the elf-lord who was clearly muffling snickers at his plight.
"The enemy knows you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone. But nonetheless, I welcome you all. Aragorn, Dùnadan; Legolas Thranduilion; Boromir of Gondor; Gimli son of Glòin; Meriadoc Brandybuck; Peregrin Took; Samwise Gamgee; and Frodo Baggins, kin of Bilbo Baggins, elf friend. Nine there were that left Rivendell, but eight there are here. Tell me, where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak with him. I can no longer look upon him from afar." Celeborn spoke with a masterful air that spoke of ages long past.
Eruanna shuddered at his words, feeling tears prick at her eyes and curling into Haldir. She muffled a sob as emotion poured across the bonds again, making Glorfindel look to her worriedly.
"Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land. He is fallen into shadow, and my mind no longer sees him. His path is hidden from me." Lady Galadriel spoke, sounding both grieved and horrified. Eruanna turned herself into Haldir's chest, shaking with sobs.
There was a silence for a moment as Celeborn looked to his lady with astonishment. Then Legolas spoke up. "He was taken by both shadow and flame. A Balrog of Morgoth- for we went needlessly into the net of Moria." He said mournfully, head bowing. Glorfindel's breath abruptly stopped, and he stood from his chair incredulously, although Galadriel spoke up before he could.
"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life, we do not yet know his full purpose." She attempted to give them all some semblance of comfort. Glorfindel sat back down hard, his hands shaking. Eruanna was gasping for breath, trying not to double over at the pain that poured over the bonds.
"Do not allow the great emptiness of Khàzad-dûm fill your heart, Gimli son of Glòin. For the world has grown full of peril, and in all lands love is now mingled with grief." Galadriel continued. She studied them all with her piercing eyes. Boromir burst into muffled sobs.
"What now becomes of this fellowship? Without Gandalf hope is lost." Celeborn murmured.
"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains, while the company is true. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace." Galadriel's eyes settled on Frodo for a moment. He blanched briefly.
Then her eyes skittered back to Aragorn and Legolas in particular and nodded at them subtly. They stayed as the rest of the fellowship bowed and was led away, casting surprised glances at the two who remained. When they left, Galadriel motioned a graceful hand and they sat in the empty chairs by Glorfindel.
Legolas immediately reached for Eruanna and Haldir handed her over with much relief, though he didn't show it. He had the grace to blush slightly, however, when Galadriel gave him a mildly amused look. Legolas clutched her to himself, but she stiffened, going completely rigid as the touch doubled the intensity of their connection.
He pulled away, looking slightly hurt, until he saw the look on her face. Estel noticed it as well. "Eruanna?" They asked simultaneously. Glorfindel scowled slightly.
*Bonds... Please...* She moaned in their minds, shuddering. For a moment they didn't understand, and then suddenly recognition dawned on their faces. Estel hissed under his breath as Legolas looked disgusted at himself.
"Forgive me, Eruanna! I cannot believe I did not see it-" Legolas shut the bond abruptly, just as she muted her bond with Estel, now that he was aware and wouldn't be shocked at the odd feeling that accompanied the action. He looked chagrined.
"I'm sorry, Eruanna. I didn't realize-" He was cut off as Eruanna just smiled at them, looking noticeably better. She was less pale and her exhaustion abruptly stopped as they stopped draining her of her energy. Legolas kissed her brow and handed her to Estel, who clutched her and let out a relieved sigh, burying his face into her hair and physically relaxing. Glorfindel smiled, pleased.
Galadriel and Celeborn looked on with approval. "I do believe it was about time." Celeborn remarked. The air lightened slightly at the odd jest and Eruanna's smile widened marginally. Then the air sobered again.
"Tell me how he fell." Galadriel commanded, albeit gently. Eruanna shuddered.
"Seler?" Glorfindel asked. Legolas and Estel looked chagrined.
"I think- I think she might have seen it through our bonds." Legolas admitted. "We didn't realize what we were doing..." He said lamely.
Eruanna just shook her head and instead motioned for them to go on, crawling into Glorfindel's lap and sighing wearily and mournfully. So the tale came out, from beginning to end. Estel looked so guilty that Eruanna instinctively stretched out her arms to him, and he took her up gently, even in his grief careful of how to handle her. She reached up and kissed his cheek trustingly, patting his chest comfortingly.
*Estel no feel bad. Not his fault. Although, I wish I could have told Mithrandir a few things if I had known he was facing a- a... Valarukar.* She ended in a somewhat grimly amused tone. Everyone stared at her, shocked at the sudden, somewhat flippant statement.
"What?" Haldir asked unthinkingly, and then swallowed as everyone gave him glances. Eruanna gave them a thin smile.
*One: the only way to... despatch one, is to catch it unawares, preferably with something sharp and pointy to the vicinity of the torso, and more so preferably around some kind of body of water or steep drop. Two: tie up your hair if you don't have a helmet. Three: if in the case of being near a body of water, try your hardest not to fall in with your enemy. Four: if in the case of being near a steep drop, never turn your back until you're sure it's fallen at least a few hundred furlongs. And five: always remember every detail of your fight- and if the case may be, consequential death- so that you may accurately and strikingly portray it next time you get the chance.* She finally finished dryly, sending her brother a weak but cheeky smile.
There was a stunned silence for a moment. Then Glorfindel suddenly piped up. "Forgive me, Mithrandir, but-" and he leaned back in his chair and began to roar with laughter, tears streaming down his cheeks. And then Legolas and Estel began to laugh hysterically, breaking down into tears in the midst of their own laughter.
Haldir suddenly looked on at the elfling in wonder as Galadriel and Celeborn exchanged knowing, amused smiles. Estel and Legolas never would have cried over their friend, being too shocked, and then other burdens would override the necessity to flush out their emotions and find closure with the incident in healthfully grieving tears.
They were already so strained that it wouldn't take much to drive them to the point of hysteria, and in doing so Eruanna had allowed them to cry, thereby bringing them some semblance of comfort and peace as they mourned their fallen friend. And of course, having something to laugh about while they were at it was merely a stroke of genius on her part.
And despite himself, Haldir had to shake his head and admit that though elfling she may be in body, her mind certainly was not.
"I may or may not have deserved that, impertinence." Glorfindel finally managed to say, wiping his eyes as Eruanna merely smiled and Estel hiccuped into her hair.
"That's not funny, Eruanna." Legolas tried to say seriously through his tears. And then for some reason, everyone burst into hysterical laughter again, even Celeborn and Haldir. Galadriel merely looked at the elfling, a small smile on her lips and a knowing gleam in her eye.
LOTRLOTRLOTR
The Valar were roaring. Tulkas was sitting back in his throne, slapping his knees and thumping Oromë's back as the hunter shook with laughter. Even the Valiër were giggling into their hands. Nàmo had a silly grin on his face as they finally calmed down.
"Now you see why I need her." He snickered.
Manwë chuckled. "Definitely. We must keep her with us, hmm, Varda?" The Elder King asked his beloved, who feigned horror.
"What!? No! Nàmo will never leave me alone, and she'll be tracking mud everywhere!" She wailed, causing the rest to go into another fit of amusement. It wasn't that they didn't care, it was just that the stress of trying to comfort a distraught Olòrin had taken a toll on them all, and they were glad for an excuse for levity to diffuse the tension.
And everyone knew how Varda hated it when Manwë or anyone else managed to bring anything dirty into their manse. It just wasn't done, Eru perish the thought.
"Well. So far, so well. Perhaps now Estel can keep a clear head on his shoulders after proper tears and grievances are out of the way. He'll need it in the days to come." Irmo noted, pleased.
"Strange, Glorfindel doesn't seem to be as disturbed as I thought he would be." Estë noted with concern.
"On the contrary, it only makes sense. If there's one thing that Glorfindel has learned in his time in Mandos, it is how to let go. He does feel grief that his long-friend is gone, but he knows well that he shall see him again, whereas the others do not." Manwë answered the Valië, who nodded in understanding.
"And it is about time for Eärendil to find his way to the maze, isn't it?" Nàmo added in a mysterious tone. All the Valar looked to him expectantly, and he gave them the palms-up shrug.
"What? That's all I know." He said innocently, although several did raise their eyebrows at him. He merely gave them amused smiles, to which there were not a few eye-rolls.
"Keep your secrets then."Aulë muttered, albeit good-naturedly. Nàmo smiled.
"Yes, I believe I will." He replied in equanimity, standing and sweeping away. "Now if you'll excuse me, I must ready Olòrin and relieve Maranwë from the, and I quote, 'Valar-forsaken task of watching over that unspeakably frustrating ellon Ecthelion.'" He added, leaving them to laugh and then suddenly sober, wondering what he meant by the first statement.
"Ready Olòrin?" Aulë voiced their thoughts. "What in Arda does that mean?" He asked. Manwë merely exchanged a secretive smile with Varda.
"Well, we shall see, I suppose, won't we?" He asked, and then adjourned their meeting as they all went about their business.
Which, for Manwë, meant going to comfort a wailing newly-reborn Sinda as he wept for some reason or another. He sighed, shaking his head fondly. How infuriatingly precious the Eruhíní could be at times.
All foreign words are Sindarin unless otherwise indicated
seler (Quenyä): blood-sister
Muindor: blood-brother
Valarukar (Quenyä): Balrog
Eruhíní (Quenyä): children of God. Eru-God Hínya-child
Here are some facts about this chapter for those of you not as familiar with the Silmarillion:
Sinda: there are several 'clans' or 'races' of elves. There are the Noldor, Sindar, Vanyar, Teleri, and several others, but it is only necessary to know these four.
The Noldor were known for their dark hair and love for creating things. Feänor was a Noldor. The kind of the Noldor is known as Noldorin. At this point in my story, since Finwë, Feänor, and Fingolfin are still dead, Finarfin, or Arafinwë, is Noldoran. Elrond is a Noldo. Arafinwë's wife is Eärwen, and they had several children together; Finrod, Aegnor, Angrod, and Galadriel
The Sindar were often looked down upon by the Noldor, thinking them to be inferior to them since the Sindar chose to remain in Arda when the Valar called them to come to Aman. Thranduil's people are a diluted, mixed type of Sindar clan. Legolas is a mixture of Noldor and Sindar. In Fiondil's Elf, Interrupted, his OC, Sador, is a Sinda from Beleriand who died, was reborn, became good friends with Glorfindel and Finrod, and later married Finrod's cousin Alassiel. The Sindar often had light and occasionally red hair.
The Teleri are the ones who live in Alqualondë and the Grey havens by the sea. They build the swan-ships that carry elves back and forth between Arda and Aman. The first kinslayings took place at Alqualondë over the ships. They prefer to call themselves the Lindar, as Teleri was a name given them by the Noldor that means 'slackers' because they were the ones at the back of the group when they came to Aman. Their King is called Lindaran and is currently Olwë of Alqualondë who has several children with his wife Lirillë. From firstborn: Lindarion, Falmaron (died in the kinslayings), Salmar, Eärwen (wife of Noldoran Arafinwë), and Olwen. Race is known for their silver hair.
The Vanyar are the ones who are closest to the Valar. They are known as the elves who love to sit at the Valar's feet and learn from them. Their race is known for their golden hair and fair faces. Glorfindel are Eruanna are a mingled Noldo and Vanya, hence their bright hair. Their King is called the Ingaran, because he is also high King over all elves. In case of emergency, such as, say, the Noldoran becoming assassinated, the Ingaran has the power to either take up the kingship himself or appoint a new King. Currently, the Ingaran is Ingwë, who also has several children with his wife. From the firstborn: Ingwion, Ingalaurë (twin to Ingwion and also died in Aman when his uncle attempted to overtake the throne), and Indil their daughter.