Chapter 34

Mae Govannen

When the time had come, Gildor and Erynlith were prepared to set off from the valley. Little caravan was provided by Elrond, but there were also weapons in case of emergency. Gildor was never the fighter among the other elves, and so he turned to Erynltih for the defense. Elladan and Elrohir tried convincing their father to allow them to come, but the elf lord had already set his mind. Erestor had nothing to say; trusting Elrond completely, but there was also worry evident in his fair face. He watched as horses were mustered and the traveling elves mount their steeds. Quietly, he handed Erynlith her usual grey cloak.

"Stay out of trouble. Say hi to Lord Círdan for me." He then kissed her forehead.

She smiled. "I am no longer a child, brother. I'll be back before you know it." The grey cloak was draped around her shoulders and she led the caravan outside the valley.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Erestor whispered aside to Elrond as the caravan faded into the foggy morning. "I mean, who is waiting for Erynlith at the Havens?"

Elrond chuckled. "Why worry? You'll see once they return here."

"Wait, what?" Erestor blanched. "Are you saying that, whoever this person is, will have to travel back here in Imladris?"

"You have proven yourself to be quite the sharp counselor, dear Erestor." Elrond pulled Celebrían by the waist and followed their children inside the house. Whatever it was, or whoever Elrond was talking about, the counselor had doubts about it.

"So… what is so exciting about these new people?" Erynlith asked Gildor out of boredom. They knew nothing about the newcomers, but their lord seemed enthusiastic about it. What made the situation more suspicious was the fact that people from the West were arriving in the Havens. She could only guess that these people were special. Perhaps they were sent to help them with the ongoing troubles in the lands.

The Ñoldo shook his head. "I am not very sure, but they sound interesting enough. I am looking forward on meeting them."

"What if Elrond just wants to get rid of us?"

He laughed. "Maybe… Who knows?"

The conversation continued until they passed the borders of the small folk, one that people call the Shire, and then moved ever towards the west. Songs were sung to keep them out of boredom; Gildor, though not being a minstrel himself, led the constant singing as they passed by the woods. Songs honoring a certain star queen who was said to live a very long time ago. She had heard Lindir singing the same songs, but the tongue in which they sang it was unfamiliar to her. Thus, she did not sing, only listen to the fair voices of her companions.

At last, the Blue Mountains loomed before them, and Erynlith gaped in awe. The last time she had been there was only a fragment of her memory: when the High King still lived and invited her over to his kingdom. The mountains were higher than she remembered, but the waves of the Sea could already be heard.

Gildor clicked on the sides of his steed, mustering it forward, and the rest of the caravan followed. Erynlith huddled under her grey cloak, pulling the hood over her head. She knew dwarves lived somewhere in these mountains, creatures that she did not wish to meet at all. Erestor had told her stories of old, even singing out some lays that he knew, about the endless hatred between the Elves and Dwarves. She had little interest in that matter; dwarves were of no concern to her.

Before she even realized, they had passed the mountains with little to no difficulty. The white gates of Lindon shone before them, laden with white pearls and gems. Elves began to appear and Gildor was the first one to dismount his horse. He spoke queerly to the elves, much like how Erestor spoke to the others. Soon, the elves from Lindon and Rivendell mingled delightfully, years of being sundered were ignored. And Erynlith stood there, feeling rather out of place. Quenya was not her tongue to speak, but Erestor tried to educate her when he had time. When the elves continued to move on, she was pulled by Gildor on the wrist, prompting her to follow him. Círdan's fortress was as beautiful as she remembered, but now higher. Lamps were hung about the pillars, and the grey sails of the ships loomed on the port.

"Welcome back," Círdan said cordially, admitting Gildor in a welcoming embrace, and then Erynlith. "I see Elrond has chosen to send the two of you instead." He laughed quietly. "Please, follow me inside. A little dinner has been prepared for your arrival. Fret not; tomorrow, the real feast will take place."

The bearded elf led them through his marbled white halls. Paintings were hung on the walls, depicting stories and songs behind them. But the elves of Lindon were mostly singers, making Erynlith want to stay with them even more. The dinner that was prepared for the travelling caravan was modest, with enough cakes and wines for everyone. Erynlith pushed her plate away when vegetables were served, and she focused on treating herself with the elvish cakes instead.

"Who are we waiting for?" She asked Círdan as she took a mouthful of her cake. It tasted queerly, but delicious nonetheless.

"Do not worry. They will arrive tomorrow during the sunset," Círdan answered. "Bedchambers are prepared for everyone. After dinner, we can stay in the halls for the sharing of stories. If you insist, you can head straight to yours, Erynlith. Lord Gildor and I have some things to talk about. Apparently, Elrond does not send messages over here anymore. I heard from Lord Celeborn that he was busy with his family."

Erynlith groaned inwardly. The two elves began to talk about things that were and would be. At length, she pushed herself off the dinner table, and a kindly elf offered to escort her to the bedchambers that were prepared. It was not hard to find at all. After she thanked the elf, she discarded her grey cloak and approached the porch of the room. It overlooked the Sea up ahead; the silver moon looming above was a sight to behold. She sighed in contentment; perhaps she was too bored in Rivendell that she had forgotten about the sheer beauty of Lindon.

"I could stay here for a few years…" She mumbled to herself. "Then again, I cannot leave Erestor for that long. He would be very lonely."

She sighed audibly and flopped on the wide bed that was provided. Her mind wondered again about the newcomers that would arrive tomorrow. What would they look like? Were they elves? Men? Creatures that she had not heard of? Slowly, she found the matter interesting enough. She closed her eyes. In her reverie, she caught glimpse of something golden, a flower maybe.

Sunset was upon them at last. Círdan, Gildor, and Erynlith were standing by on the edge of the ports; countless ships were docked not far away from them. The waves were louder and the gulls went to and fro, calling out to their flying companions. Círdan told them only few elves were able to see that part of the port: only those who chose to leave were allowed so. At the sight of the sea and the golden sun setting in the horizon, Erynlith felt something stir within her. The yearning feeling to see the White Shores was great. The sight before her captivated her too much, and Gildor had to tap her shoulder to snap her back to reality.

It was not yet time, Gildor reminded her. There were more things that she had to finish, things she had to settle before sailing West. And when she would, Erestor would come with her, and maybe Lindir and Gildor himself.

As they held each other's gaze, Círdan stepped forward; his dark eyes were darted on the horizon. Erynlith and Gildor went beside him, anticipating something that would appear. And there it was: a ship soaring in a fair distance; the creaking of its oars was heard, and the white banner that was held aloft the main mast swayed with the speed. The ship was approaching at a fast pace. Erynlith could see people walking in the ship's deck, clearly excited of setting foot in Middle-earth. Soon, the grey ship docked and the anchor was weighed down. The three elves were waiting. Next, the platform was lowered. Three figures marched out first.

One was robed in all white; his beard and hair were white also. He was scanning the area as if it was an entirely different place for him. At the sight of the elves, he stepped down and greeted Círdan in a cordial manner. The second that went down was a rather eccentric-looking fellow: his staff was carved to show a beast, and his brown beard cascaded to his belly. Like the first one, he looked warily at his surroundings before proceeding to greet Círdan. They spoke eagerly to one another, in that High Speech that only Gildor and Círdan could understand. Erynlith could not tell if they were elves; they looked too strange to be one of them. But she was also certain that these people were not of the Men. They looked old and almost judgemental; the dark eyes of the first newcomer pierced her like a cold dagger. She clamped her mouth shut and waited for the next that would follow.

There were three that arrived at the same time; the two were robed in all blue while the other was in grey. Erynlith felt a mutual connection with the last one, being cloaked in grey herself. As she met his eyes, the old man smiled and nodded at her. He was the first one to greet her among the newcomers.

"Ah, Olórin." Círdan sighed in relief, embracing the grey one. "I have not heard of you since the days of old. I am very relieved that you are one of them."

Olórin laughed thoughtfully. "Lindon is different from what I have heard. 'Tis more beautiful than the songs that were sung in the West. I would rather stay here for a while before continuing in our task."

"You can stay for as long as you want," Círdan offered. His face grew grim. Then, he leaned over to the grey one and whispered: "I have something for you that shall be discussed later. Keep it hidden; keep it safe."

Olórin nodded in understanding as he and his other blue companions mingled with Gildor. He gave one more glance to Erynlith, and he could tell that the elf was rather more interested in him than the others. As he turned, he addressed the white one as Curumo and the other Aiwendil. The one called Curumo huffed and turned his attention back to Gildor and Círdan; he had much to hear about the tidings in Middle-earth.

When everyone prepared to leave, Erynlith attempted to follow them, had she not heard light footsteps behind her.

Someone was still arriving.

Turning again to the ship, the last person standing was illuminated by the setting sun; his richly golden hair flowing and his face was obscured. Yet as he walked graciously down the platform, his sapphire eyes probed around the new environment that was there. He looked young and fair, tall and well-built. When his feet touched the ground, he flinched. To Erynlith, he looked like a curious and cautious elfling. But the golden one did not pay attention to her. He approached his companions and was greeted eagerly by Círdan.

"Laurëfindil!" Círdan said as he approached the tall golden elf, tapping the elf's shoulder enthusiastically. "Welcome to Middle-earth."

The golden elf smiled politely and said in a weird accent: "Mae govannen."

One could tell that Sindarin was not his native language. At the sight of the newcomer, Gildor quickly greeted his kin, though not by blood. They seemed to acknowledge each other in a friendly way, and Erynlith felt out of place once again. Everyone turned to leave and Círdan ushered them in his grand banquet halls.

Like what he had promised the day before, the feast that night was more festive and energetic. More food and drinks were served; the minstrels singing and playing their flutes and harps. The five odd-looking newcomers conversed with Gildor and all the other elves, leaving Erynlith to sit in one corner. Gildor had thrust a wine cup in her hands, although knowing that she did not drink liquor. Moreover, the dinner served vegetables again.

I would rather starve myself to death.

She sat on the staircase outside the fortress, the wine cup still in her hands. She listened to the mixture of songs that were heard behind her and the waves that was before her. Occasionally, she would sniff at her drink and would end up cringing at the bittersweet scent that it offered. At length, she set the cup beside her and sighed. So far, so good, she thought, looking up at the stars. The Elves loved the stars more than the moon and the sun.

Inside the festive halls, the golden elf kept to himself. He watched as his companions walked abroad to talk to the others. Cautiously, he felt for the sword that was strapped loosely about his waist. He tried to be positive about everything: about the reason why he returned and the reason why he was sent back for a task. He found no joy in being reborn, if that was the right term for it. For one thing, he enjoyed his place in the White Shores, in the Halls of Mandos, where no one could ever hurt him again. But no, he returned for a purpose. And he would find out what it was.

"Come, Laurëfindil, join us!" Gildor offered his hand to the golden elf.

He shook his head, once again smiling politely, and watched as the other Ñoldo crossed the floor to invite someone else. He sipped casually from his drink, finding the taste queer yet sweet. He leaned against the white wall. He wore a simply blue tunic trimmed with gold, and his trousers and boots were dark. He laughed quietly when Gildor was declined by one of the elf maidens; his friend was too energetic for that particular night.

His blue eyes continued to observe. He should get used to this kind of environment before anything else. He would make friends, respect and honor them like he did long before. Yes, he would do that. When his eyes darted outside, he could see the lone elf sitting on the staircase. He inclined his head to the side, wondering who it was. Sparing another sip from his drink, Laurëfindil approached her. He stopped a few steps behind, suddenly doubting himself for walking towards her.

"I see a star wondering—what is it doing?

Twinkling all the night

Star light... Star bright,

The most beautiful star in the sky.

Tra-la-la-lay."

Laurëfindil's doubts were shunned when he heard her sing. The song was simple, almost childish to him, but it was a product of an innocent mind. But his shadow betrayed him, and the lady turned to look at him. He flinched and bit his lip, unable to say something.

"Would you like to sit with me?" Erynlith smiled and patted the space next to her.

He nodded and sat beside her, feeling all the more awkward in her presence. From the corner of his eyes, he examined her. He thought the grey cloak that she wore was too big for her built. Then, he remembered. She was the same elf that he saw upon his arrival: the very first person his eyes saw in that place.

"Welcome to Middle-earth." She gave him another pleasant smile.

Laurëfindil smiled back. Though he was no adept speaker of the common language, he learned enough from Olórin during their days at the sea. He decided not to speak his native tongue since he was also informed that only few elves spoke them in Middle-earth anymore. When he felt confident enough, he placed his cup beside him and started to introduce himself.

"I am Glorfindel." His voice was reluctant at first. It felt different to introduce yourself differently. But Laurëfindil and Glorfindel meant the same: golden-haired. "Mae govannen," he added politely.

"Erynlith," she answered, shaking on his hand. The golden elf looked surprised at her. "I come from Rivendell. And you?"

"From the West," Glorfindel answered, shaking their hands all the more.

When he released her hand, the confidence built up inside him once more. He yearned to be able to talk to others, to people who would not judge him and his past actions. Erynlith could be the first. She knew nothing about him; therefore, she would not judge. He could start as a new person all over again.

"I heard many stories about Rivendell. I am set to travel there myself, to serve Lord Elrond."

Realization dawned to her. Glorfindel was the reason why Elrond was so intent on sending her. But she did not understand her role in this. There was no particular reason why Elrond should send her. Elladan and Elrohir would have done well to greet Glorfindel upon his return. Nonetheless, she welcomed her new-found friend.

"It is spring, and Rivendell is more beautiful during the spring. If we travel now, you will get to see the eltiria bloom, tra-la-la. Flowers are always beautiful in the spring, tra-lo."

"I am excited," Glorfindel admitted, her humming voice echoing in his mind. His female companion kept on singing absentmindedly, mostly about flowers and trees and rivers, each trailed off with a 'tra-la-la'. Then, he remembered Erynlith pushing her vegetable-filled plate. He chuckled and said, "You do not like vegetables, do you?"

She abruptly stopped from singing. She shrugged. "Vegetables, tra-lay… Ah, you put them on the table and it makes everything look pretty. After dinner you throw it out with the trash." Her answer was honest, and the golden elf beside her laughed.

And the conversation continued on. Two elves who did not enjoy the night's festivities found entertainment in each other's company. Elrond had his plan all along.

It was the start of something new.

*I See a Star Tonight – Maria Luisa Taylor

Next Chapter: There are always demons of the past.

Author's Notes: Geez. After a long time, we finally get to have Glorfindel in the story! Our favourite golden elf, or is it just me? What did you guys think of Laurëfindil showing up? Me? I was fangirling the whole time while I write and reread this chapter. I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I did! Thank you for reading!

*llcyyxx - Eryn might actually do that, y'know. But with Glorfindel in tow? How would our dear Elvenking take that? Hmmm..

*Queen Amaryllis Kay - She's an eccentric elf and loves to sing, always responding in singsongs; thus, the 'tra-la' at the end of her sentences. And thank you for the review!

*Rosiethehobbit17 - Thrandy really does need a knock on the head. I'll ask someone to do that for us ~

*only-one-mirkwood-princess - I think we should start an anti-Celairis organization. What should we call it? XD

*SparklesJustReads - Yep, immortality is such a difficult thing to understand. I always wondered what Elves do throughout a thousand years. Oh, and thanks for stopping by!

*Asmodeus Black - Let the suspense haunt you every night! *evil laughter* Would you like to join the anti-Celairis group, too?

*DeLacus - Aww, thank you. I was a little reluctant on doing that time skip, but oh well. At least we get to have Glorfindel, right? *continues fangirling*

*Guest - Is this you, only-one-mirkwood-princess? You and the guest have the same review. No matter! You could always join our anti-Celairis group!

All in all, thank you everyone for the overwhelming reviews! I was out working and when I got back, I was surprised! So, this is where things get complicated. Thrandy and Celairis, Erynlith and Glorfindel. We shall see how things work out on both sides, but the upcoming chapters would most likely focus more in Glorfindel and Eryn.

Again, thank you for the kind reviews! Have a wonderful day! ~