Glorfindel marveled at the effects of one good meal and a few sips of ale. The men were soon in fine spirits, and singing commenced. Victory songs soon gave way to bawdy tavern tunes. It was some time before Glorfindel realized that his companion had stopped singing.
"Too quiet." Elros moaned quietly. The words were barely audible to Glorfindel's sensitive ears. He turned to ask what was wrong and was met by a set of glazed gray eyes that stared unseeingly back. Both peredhil had the strength of mind that prevented even the Lady of light from probing their thoughts. But, these gray eyes were unguarded and he could easily delve into those thoughts. Glorfindel was stunned by what he read in the silver orbs: a depth of loss and loneliness, which made his heart ache in sympathy.
"My Lord Elros." He said a little louder than he intended, drawing the curiosity of those around. Elros did not respond immediately but, after some moments, blinked slowly. Confusion painted the noble features. Glorfindel understood the need for privacy, having been a close confidant of King Turgon, but vowed to question his friend later.
"I trust you have not forgotten your promise of a cot made in exchange for ale. I am much fatigued from the day's journey." The Vanya grinned to cover his concern.
"Glorfindel, forgive me. I had forgotten." Elros turned to Mikeal and Beleford. His good humor returned. "Far be it for us to deprive the Balrog slayer of his rest. Shall we give a cheer of thanks to our elven friends for providing the meal?" The crowd roared its thanks with lifted glasses.
"Mikeal, can you guide Glorfindel to my tent? He can take Elrond's cot."
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
"Two more days." Gil-Galad thought as he savored his final sip of vervain tea. The aches and pains from the last frantic battle still plagued the King, although his back was much improved in the weeks that had passed. "Two more days until he would again be called upon again to use all his tact and diplomatic skills to negotiate the treacherous terrain of thoughts and cultures that divided the elves into so many different tribes. He tried to push aside for a moment the addition of men, for surely, Elros could unite his disparate peoples. Two more days until he held his beloved Indiriel again." He placed his cup on the tray, removed the second dish, and set it aside so his page would not clear it away.
"Am I interrupting you Sire?" Tarest paused, waiting until he had regained his liege's attention.
"The repairs?"
"Are underway. Several healing wagons were damaged in our descent over the rocky terrain." Tarest continued.
"How long before they finish?" Gil-Galad planned to let his foster son sleep as long as possible. Had the young elf garnered any time to rest apart from that induced by his appearance before Eonwë?
"I think an hour yet. Then the remaining injured will be prepared for transport."
"Noenri did not send his usual summary of the injured. Was there an emergency overnight?"
"I spoke with Merwen. He said there were several emergency surgeries. Master Noenri was uneasy about their transportation but wanted to get them to the seaside camps as soon as possible. Supplies are dangerously low, and much equipment was sent ahead."
"Any word from the scouts and the night watch?"
"Lord Gildor reports that all was calm overnight. The forward scouts also saw nothing to cause unease; however, the rear scouts encountered several stray orcs." Gil-Galad frowned at this news.
"Send word to the band from Himring. Then make ready for our departure. I would have us begin our journey as soon as the healers are ready."
"Yes, Sire." Tarest paused, momentarily gazing at the elf who was deep in slumber on the corner cot. "How fares the young prince?"
"Exhausted as are many in our ranks. I will wake him soon."
"I did not expect one so young to fight so well or be so gifted in the healing arts. It is a strange dichotomy."
"Need drives both endeavors."
"And a genuine desire to make a positive difference." Tarest admired the young elf's tenacity.
"But how can we convince him to remain at the elven camp and distract him from these endeavors long enough to allow him to rest and recuperate?"
"Lord Oropher was drawing up plans to assess the state of the surrounding forests." Tarest began.
"An excellent idea." Gil-Galad exhaled audibly at the thought. "That should take months. A perfect solution - days spent among the trees and in the company of Oropher's sons and nights among family."
"Glad to be of service Sire." Tarest bowed. "I will make ready our departure." Gil-Galad walked over to the peacefully sleeping figure. At least the deep healing trance had warded away ill dreams. He bent and kissed the dark forehead.
"Hear my voice. Come back to the light, my son." Gil-Galad commanded as he reached out with his thoughts to Elrond's spirit. He marveled again at the beauty and diversity he heard in the peredhel's song even as he recognized clips of sadness, loss, and pain. He could still feel signs of fatigue that plagued most of the returning warriors. Moments later, silver eyes shone up at him. They did not glint with their usual light and energy. But Ereinion was heartened by the small recovery he sensed. "Good morning Elrond. We ride soon. After the solstice celebrations, I will need you to assess the surrounding forests with the sons of Oropher."
Xxxxxxxxx
Erestor and Durgin were part of Indiriel's personal guard. The two elves stood outside the tent that the ellyth would use to prepare lembas once the solstice celebration was past.
"Halt," Durgin commanded. "I was told there would be six masons, but you are eight."
"We have two new recruits." Edebrion, the master mason, informed them as he pointed out the two new elves. "They will be hauling the sand up from the beach and will mix the mortar." The two bowed their heads respectfully to the guards.
"So noted," Durgin said after studying the two for a long moment. "The hearth will be constructed over there. Erestor will inform the ellyth that you are ready to begin." Edebrion nodded and turned to his crew.
"Off-load the bricks in a pile over there and go bring the other supplies." Wheel barrels were immediately lifted and rolled to the indicated site. Songs began as the workers began to offload the bricks. The Lady Galadriel glided from the tent as Erestor emerged awkwardly behind her. She scanned the group and then immediately turned to the master bricklayer, although they had not been introduced.
"Greetings Master Edebrion."
"My Lady Galadriel." Edebrion bowed deeply to offset the trembling of his voice. "How may I be of service?"
"We are blessed to have your skills." Galadriel's musical voice wove around them like a spell. "We require your input on the design to accommodate the preparation of large batches of lembas."
Xxxxxxxxx
"Stop that inane chatter!" Elros yelled at two of his dearest friends. His face contorted strangely in anger. Mikeal was Elros' second during the war, while Elrond and Beleford were the next in line.
"Surely, their joking does not deserve such ire." Glorfindel smiled as he laid his hand on Elros' shoulder. They had paused for lunch. The peredhel made visible attempts to control his uncharacteristic anger, and several minutes later, indeed succeeded.
"Tempers are short and flaring." Glorfindel soothed. "But we will soon be with our loved ones. Perhaps I can brew you a calming tea?" He watched the peredhel struggle against anger again, and finally, a calm Elros replied.
"Thank you Glorfindel. Tea would be most welcome." Glorfindel squeezed his shoulder lightly in response and left to fulfill the request. When he returned, Elros finished his meal and talked animatedly with his friends.
"Tea." Glorfindel interrupted.
"Thank you." Elros gratefully accepted. His eyes were now shining with mirth. "Are you my keeper now?"
"Do you need one?" Glorfindel quipped.
"No," came the clipped response.
"Are you unsettled that your brother rides with Ereinion?" Glorfindel paused, but Elros made no response. "Do not begrudge him a few days' rest. You will have ample time together." Ire flashed momentarily in the silver eyes, but seconds later, it was Elros's normal and calm voice that responded.
"I am unsettled. But it is not due to Elrond. It is nothing that a walk by the sea will not undo."
Xxxxxxxxxx
"There are pens already set up for our horses, Sire." Tarest relayed Finarfin's message. Dusk was already falling. The brisk winter air was biting at the weary riders. Spirits lifted as they crossed the final hills, and their destination glimmered in the moonlight. Tents and makeshift settlements that spread further than the eye could see. The outer perimeter was well guarded with small dunes and outposts that rose regularly along its length. The peoples protected here and at scattered settlements by the sea were the precious few who had survived an age of war.
"We made it with a few days to spare." Elrond's voice was an uncharacteristic whisper. The solstice was nearly upon them.
"There will be many happy reunions soon." Gil-Galad smiled in anticipation. Lord Gildor and his patrol resumed their song. Their happiness at returning to the sea was contagious. It was not long until elves surged forward to greet them and care for their horses. The elf who stepped up to care for Braigsûl was met by a glare and a warning snort. His eyes immediately widen with surprise. Elrond dismounted and apologized.
"I will brush Braigsûl down and care for him myself."
"Still favoring such fiery mounts?" A familiar voice voiced the question in the tone of a compliment, earning Braigsûl's attention.
"Erestor!" Elrond exclaimed as he happily embraced his friend. "It is good to see you Mellon-nin!"
"Thank Elbereth, you have returned safe and whole for a change." Erestor returned, although he noted how tired his friend appeared. His next comments were but a whisper. "I am sorry to hear that fates will part you and your brother."
"It was both his choice and duty." The pain in Elrond's voice was not easily disguised.
"Still, I rejoice at your choice. I could not imagine life without your friendship." Erestor squeezed his friend's shoulder. Elrond was too overcome to reply. After a short silence, he turned to his horse, whose ears twitched with curiosity.
"Braigsûl, this is Lord Erestor a trusted friend. Erestor, this is Braigsûl, a fine steed who kept me safe on a rather exhilarating if ill-thought-out race against Elros." The proud horse eyed Erestor with a haughty gaze before lowering his head in a gesture of peace and friendship. Erestor greeted the horse affectionately and whispered much praise.
"Elrond!" A happy cry pierced the air. "Can you leave your horse and come greet us?" Queen Indiriel teased. Joyous reunions were taking place all around them.
"Go, I will take care of Braigsûl," Erestor promised.
"Thank you." Elrond smiled although his eyes held tears. He moved to greet Indiriel. The silver Queen hugged him tightly and ran her hands up and down his arms.
"Elrond! Thank the powers you are returned to us, dear one." She said as she kissed his temple. She was tall, almost the height of him. Ereinion had not moved from his beloved's side. Cirdan greeted Elrond with his characteristic pat on the shoulder.
"It is good to see you." The Mariner's voice was gruff, and his eyes were unusually shiny. Elrond looked around but did not see his brother.
"Elros?"
"He went with his people to a settlement closer to the sea. He will return for the Solstice celebration."
"Come, you both need rest and as good a meal as we can provide." She moved closer into Ereinion's embrace. The pair seemed to glow in each other's presence. "Elrond, congratulations on reaching your majority! Ereinion planned that celebration years ago. I heard you were more than surprised."
"It was unexpected, to say the least." The silver eyes lit with mirth as the full lips curved upward.
"You will have to share your view of the event." She smiled as Ereinion squeezed her closer. "Perhaps tomorrow for you both look weary. I have taken the liberty of arranging a tent for you and your brother. He came to greet me yesterday and promised that he would return soon."
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
"How I have missed you." He kissed her gently as he reveled in the afterglow of their reunion. Their bodies fit together perfectly. He sent a prayer to the One in thanks for his mate.
"Ereinion." Her voice hitched slightly. "The healers say that I may never fully recover. We may not be able to have children together."
"My love, we do not know what the future will bring. Let us rejoice in the present. I have been blessed with you. Eru loves us. He must. It is the only explanation for us finding each other. I would us live fully in the present. Who knows what the future may bring? Of my large extended family there is only us, the Peredhil and my Aunt and Uncle remaining. Whatever adventures lie ahead, we will face them together."
"But will they not call for you to remarry? For you to beget a heir?"
"You are my soul mate. I could not bear to think of life with another. Maybe it is not written that we should bring an elfling into this land. Maybe our child must wait ages until we travel to Valinor for true healing. I cannot see the future, and neither can you. But we will find out together."
"Together." She vowed, although her heart was filled with foreboding.