Xxxxxx One of the Edain settlements xxxxxxxX
"I declare this court adjourned." Elros rose. The people scrambled to their feet and bowed. He had enough of these cases. "Why must everyone come to him for justice?" He mused darkly. These proceedings left a hollow ache inside him.
"My Lord?"
"Is that what I am reduced to now! Your Lord? We trained and went on our first patrol together?"
"And now I look like I could be your father. You have both elven and godlike blood." Beleford pointed out. The stark differences between them were a source of discomfort for both, for they only highlighted Elros' peredhel status.
"Not godlike. Please never elevate me. Remember that Elves and Maiar have carried out deeds so dark that I can not even voice." Elros shuddered as the memories of Sirion flashed before his eyes. He was a little sprite who had fallen in a heap beside his brother. They were like two puppies in a litter except that both shook with silent sobs of terror.
"Elros," Beleford said gently. "There is no shame in being moved by that last case."
"There is nothing a child could do to warrant such punishment," Elros said vehemently.
"We have no law against it." Beleford reminded him. "Yet, I think your ruling to remove him from his family and place him with his aunt was just."
"We should have laws to protect the weakest among us from such harm."
"Perhaps you could write them."
"I know nothing about writing laws and dictating judicial precedence."
"You have just set a precedence. You have the time most men do not have to learn the best way to scribe such protections into laws that would withstand the centuries."
"Elrond knows more about those things."
"I do not think so. Your brother studied healing, and perhaps he read a little about the law. But you have practical experience from years of weighing the problems of our people. There is time to gain knowledge of written law, before we leave for Númenor. You could study the laws of the Eldar. Then together, we can best determine how we might change and improve upon their ideas to give a solid foundation for our people."
"You would have me entreat Gil-Galad to borrow his lore masters, jurists, and councilors?"
"A sensible request that he would happily honor."
"You, your son, and a handful of others will take lessons then."
"Is that an order, my Lord?" Beleford added cheekily.
"If I am to suffer the title, I may as well give a few orders." Elros clapped his long-time friend on the shoulder. "Thank you for lifting my spirits."
"You are most welcome. How is your brother? I heard you received a letter from him today."
"He is slowly recovering and wishes that he could celebrate Yule with us."
"Surely next year."
"I will pressure Gil-Galad to give his permission. They worry for his welfare. Gil-galad assures me that two guards are always assigned to him, though he has been too distracted to realize this."
"Once he is well."
"Once he is well, he may give them the slip and show up on our doorstep." Elros smiled. "I would like to see Cirulian, or even better, that glowing Glorfindel straggle in days behind him."
"That would make for a good laugh," Beleford agreed.
"How is Riand?"
"I apologize again for questioning your judgment, my Lord."
"One more, my Lord, out of you, and I will devise a suitable punishment." Elros' eyes twinkled deviously.
"Your appointment breathed new life into my brother."
"Our brother." Elros teased. For Riand and Beleford's parents had all but adopted the peredhel upon their release from Himring. "Riand lost use of his hand, not his brain, though yours may have been addled. He had some great ideas for handling the logistics of a head count and keeping track of our population as it grows."
"I did not appreciate how much count of our population would help with the equitable distribution of food. Selina said we have been able to feed many more by shipping the right amount of food to the settlements and eliminating spoilage."
Xxxxxxxx
"You best eat, or I will be accused of starving you." Glorfindel thrust a wrapped waybread into Elrond's newly washed hands. "No excuses. Orondo said you had finished checking on the injured and needed only to rebind Ivorchith's wound."
"Thank you. I have tended Ivorchith, and he is in healing sleep." Elrond managed to mumble graciously, although the lembas reminded him of the hardship they had endured after Sirion fell. He tried to push the terror of that time to the back of his mind and to focus on his breathing as a way to ward off the inevitable nausea such memories induced. Finally, he settled for an excuse. "I am not hungry." But Glorfindel would have none of it.
"I find it's best to imagine you are eating a savory meal. What would entice your taste buds on this snowy evening?" Glorfindel coaxed as he led Elrond toward the Vanyar part of camp. Orondo and Glorfindel decided that the Peredhel would be better off among those who accepted him.
"A steaming bowl of squash soup." Elrond closed his eyes and imagined the thick burnt orange puree steaming before him. He obediently nibbled a piece of the lembas but almost choked on its flavor.
"Fragrance of allspice and almonds?" Glorfindel handed him a cup of ginger tea, which the Elrond quickly sipped to wash down the waybread.
"Yes, allspice and almonds flavoring coarsely blended carrots and butternut squash." Elrond sipped at the tea again before trying another nibble of waybread. This time, the light-flavored bread did not cause him to gag. The image of a soup enjoyed with his family displaced the unpleasant memories of lembas. Glorfindel shared stories of his own favorites until Elrond had unwittingly finished the tea and eaten the small square of waybread. Stuffed and contented, the peredhel yawned.
"I think sleep is in order." Glorfindel smiled at his weary charge. "We should reach Lindon mid-morning tomorrow and you can indulge in a long hot soak."
"Good night, Glorfindel, and thank you." Elrond rose slowly and meandered towards his tent.
Xxxxxx Edain settlement xxxxxxxX
"Your garments are ready, my Lord." Selina sketched a mocking bow. "Shall I announce that the Yule festivities must be postponed due to our Sire's inability to eat properly."
"You need to adopt some of your husband's good manners," Elros said indignantly.
"I did not dribble food down my shirt."
"I had not imagined such an off-colored joke would escape such a lady's lips." Elros feigned seriousness and then hugged the woman he thought of as a sister-in-law. "Thank you for cleaning it."
"You need a wife, Elros." She teased.
"In due time." He agreed, though his heart ached slightly at the sight of the gray streaks now woven through her once pure golden locks. How many generations would he outlive? How many of those whom he so dearly loved would he bury? "But first there is this speech to begin the Yule festival."
Xxxxxxxx Lindon xxxxxxxX
"Lord Elrond, Lord Glorfindel." The servant bowed. The elf could not be past his majority. "This way please. Rooms have been prepared for you in the palace."
"Close your mouth. You will need to learn to act as a lord." Glorfindel's teasing whisper was closely followed by a loud announcement. "Lord Elrond and I sorely need a bath. We have been on the road for days." The page stopped and blinked at the Vanya.
"Oh, of course, follow me."
"May we borrow some clean garments?" Elrond was painfully aware of how his other garments stank.
"I will bring some from your rooms."
"My rooms?"
"The Queen took great care preparing for your arrival." The page pointed to the baths. "Here we are my Lords." Elrond and Glorfindel graciously thanked him and disappeared inside what was a public bath. Several bathers were already soaking, and the attendant handed them buckets, soap, and towels. They stripped off their attire and filled their buckets with hot water. Elrond chose a corner spot away from the bathers and began to thoroughly scrub off the week of grime, rinsing several times before turning his attention to his hair.
"My, you are slow for a Noldo. You will catch your death of cold if you do not hurry." Glorfindel teased from the steaming pool, where he lounged contentedly. The other bathers blanched at these words then slowly and discreetly began to exit the pool, toweling off and donning robes. By the time Elrond slipped into the water, there were only the two of them. The peredhel hissed at the heat and closed his eyes. Glorfindel grinned at the sight of his friend, who was obviously enjoying himself.
"What are you staring at Vanya?" Elrond voice wavered slightly as one eye opened warily.
"It is nice to see you enjoying yourself." Glorfindel smiled and moved over to his friend where his friend sat, clearly uneasy about their nakedness.
"What?" Elrond started questioning as Glorfindel dipped a small hand towel into the pool and then rang it out tightly.
"You will like this, trust me. Lay your head back on the ledge." Glorfindel's order earned him a hard glare, but Elrond closed his eyes and leaned back on the ledge. Glorfindel slid the heated towel over Elrond's closed eyes and forehead.
"Hot," Elrond hissed.
"It will do you some good. Better than any healing tea."
"And you know this how?"
"Quiet, just enjoy the heat of the water."
Xxxxxxxx
"Noenri!" Celeborn embraced his old friend. Both matured in Elu Thingol's kingdom.
"I was shocked to hear of the attack on the Yavannildi. I would have come sooner. But they refused me transport."
"As well they should! You look terrible - worn out and strained."
"Here, I thought I was beginning to recover," Noenri said even as he scrutinized his old friend. "At least this time, all the effort was for victory." Both paused for a moment of silence for those lost in the tragedy that was Doriath, though they would never broach the horrific subject aloud.
"How is she?"
"Resting."
"Galadriel resting!" It had been months since the attack. Now Noenri knew the truth.
"It was a near thing." Celeborn's voice shook. "But she is on the mend."
"And you?" But there was no reply to Noenri's query, so he tried a different tactic. "The healers released her?"
"She could take no more of Tarwatirno's heavy-handed attitude." The admission made Noenri laugh. He had more than his share of disagreements with Finarfin's haughty chief healer.
"I fear these lands have changed your lady. For all she would like to see her family again, I doubt she could survive a year under the rules there." He watched a smile slowly curve Celeborn's lips.
"Thrice I had to steal her away to the safety of the trees. I do believe she would quickly tire of the stone palaces of Tirion unless injury hindered her escape."
"You will not remain long in Mithlond."
"Both our hearts long for the forest, as does Oropher's. We will return often to aid Ereinion, but our dream is to make our home in the forest canopy."
"Once you are both well," Noenri astutely noted. "You will wander far together, taking in the wonder of these lands. Perhaps the Lady will consent to reveal her injuries to me."
"Talking would ease her spirit. But I doubt, from the look of you, that either of us would consent to you resuming your healing duties."
"All our spirits have suffered in this age of war. But victory is ours as is the time necessary for healing."
Xxxxxxxxx
"Elrond!" Gil-Galad embraced him then pulled back to scrutinize him more thoroughly. The timing was unfortunate, for the King was on his way to council. It was mere chance that they had met in the hallway. "You seem to be on the road to recovery. The healer told me that a short stay away from the woods might benefit you. No duties! Just rest." Elrond stiffened at the statement.
"I am not an invalid Ereinion. Surely, I can be of some help here." Elrond's voice was tinged with frustration. Ereinion smiled and rubbed the dark hair in a manner he knew Elrond found most annoying. He laughed at the dark look with which he was rewarded.
"No, I would not risk your health." He put on his most series mien and held back a smile at the irate whistle that escaped Elrond's lips. "I have been justly chastised for not taking better care of you. Unfortunately, I must dash to a council meeting. Indiriel will return this evening. Go relax, and we will dine together later." He turned towards the guard. "Show Lord Elrond to his rooms neighboring the royal suite."
Xxxxxxxxx
Elrond moved out to the balcony pulling his cape tightly around him. One of the changes from the old palace was that the royal rooms were now situated on the second floor for added safety. He looked into what would someday be a garden; however, only a lone oak stood in the center, its bark still sporting signs of the fire that had swept through these lands. He could see sticks and string that formed outlines where flowerbeds would be planted once spring warmed the earth. Tears leaked uncontrollably down Elrond's face preventing hims from answering Glorfindel call.
"I am going down to see Orondo. I will see you later." The bright voice came from the distance. It echoed in Elrond's ears and finally died away.
"So many good people lost. So many nameless folk willingly paid the ultimate sacrifice to save this world from Morgoth. So many valiant men and elves, who toiled to forge weapons, reap wheat, make bread, build wagons, forge shelters, tend horses, and protect their families. The list went on and on. They died in battle or ambushed in their homes or betrayed by those who should be their allies." He shuddered at the memories. "Yet without fail, another took their place in the battle for freedom. These brave souls were part of the earth now." Thwack! Sounds from afar roused him from his grief. He looked across the gardens and discerned movement in the distance. There were wheel barrels and piles of rock. He squinted to see masons and workers struggling with a heavy load. These elven eyes could see further than before. It was strange to deal with all these changes. The wind caressed his hair. Its song questioning and caring. His unspoken desire was somehow communicated. A little whirlwind distracted the centuries, who stood guard in the garden devoid of flowers. He hoisted himself over the ledge, carefully climbing down until he dared to jump the last eight feet. They failed to notice him crossing the grounds, and soon, he was on the path that crossed to the industrious masons.
"A messenger from the Edain?" The foreman's tone was one of surprise. Elrond shrugged non-committally. His hair was hidden behind his unusual hat. It was only reasonable that the elf assume he was one of the Edain.
"Could you use an extra set of hands?"
"Do you have any experience in masonry?"
"No, but I take directions well." The mason spent several moments considering the offer then nodded.
"Help Amarchrist unload the stones."
Xxxxxxxxx
"Master Noenri!" Glorfindel embraced the Master Healer. "You have returned. Are you well?"
"Much better, thank you." The healer automatically replied though Glorfindel could see the strain in his eyes.
"But not fully recovered, I see."
"It takes time. I will take it day by day. I think it is the same with you." The healer squinted at him. "We have set up support groups to help reach out to the many who suffer from battle fatigue. It will take time to reintegrate people after so many years of war. Do you still suffer nightmares and flashbacks?" The healer knew that the Glorfindel occasionally lapsed into the terror of the past.
"Much less frequently. Elrond woke me the last time it happened."
"I am glad to hear. How is Elrond?"
"I think his stay among the Avari has done much to aid the mending of his spirit. But it was difficult to be a lone peredhel among such an insular people."
"Shall we go to see him?" Noenri was looking forward to seeing the youth.
Xxxxxxxxx
"What do you mean that he is missing?" Gil-Galad's voice rose in anger. His Seneschal suppressed a shudder. "Do we not have a watch posted?"
"I assigned two personal guards for Elrond. He did not leave his room through the door." Tarest returned. The royal guard had been on high alert since the incident with the Yavannildi, for the King would not have his Queen placed at risk again. Lady Galadriel's warning concerning the Elrond was also of utmost in his mind.
"Did you speak with him about the guards?"
"He was newly arrived, and we were under the impression that he would be resting."
"You have organized a search?"
"Lord Glorfindel took several guards with him. He asked for time to locate the youth before we initiate a serious search."
Xxxxxxxxx
"We have accomplished much this day." The foreman announced. "I think all have earned a good meal and a rest."
"If a good meal was possible!" Amarchrist turned to his helper and said good-naturedly. "If all men equally hard-working, we elven builders would soon be displaced. I think your Númenor will become a fine nation."
"I thank you for your compliments." Elrond returned and gave a humble bow.
"If you seek to relieve the monotony of your business here with another honest day of work, seek us out again."
"I will, good Sir. It was a pleasure meeting you." Elrond turned to take his leave but nearly collided with Cirulian.
"Perhaps a bath is in order before you meet with the Lord this evening." The Teleri's face betrayed nothing, and neither did he reveal Elrond's true identity to the workers. Elrond stood speechless. The Teleri guard did not miss a beat and gently steered Elrond away by the arm. Once they were out of earshot, he chastised Elrond.
"Our Lord and King are ready to hear your report."
"I was not given any assignments." Elrond returned softly.
"You were not expected to require one." Cirulian returned as he led the Peredhel to one of the communal baths in the palace. Its lack of occupants reflected the late afternoon hour. It would be a while before the private baths would be completed in the royal wing. Cirulian stood guard at the door while Elrond hurried to wash. Once clean, he borrowed a robe and followed Cirulian to his room. Ornate garments and a slim mithril circlet were arranged on the bed. He quickly dressed and braided his hair, fingering the circlet but not donning it.
"My Lord, your presence is requested at dinner in the Great Hall." A new voice called. It was Gil-Galad's Seneschal Tarest, he noted belatedly as he followed a page to the Hall. They were stopped outside.
"Lord Elrond," One of the servants bowed. "You are to wait here until you are announced. Please have a seat until it is time." He nodded and tried not to squirm in the extravagant clothing.
"Elrond! You have lost weight again. I shall have to summon the tailors to alter your clothing!" Indiriel embraced the surprised elf, who mumbled apologetically.
"You led your guard on a merry chase." Gil-Galad was regally attired as he embraced the dear Peredhel.
"I did not know I was under house arrest." Elrond quipped and dodged a good-natured swipe.
"You conveniently forgot your circlet." Gil-Galad produced the simple mithril band, which he had been gifted to Elrond upon his majority celebration. Elrond blushed as he set the circlet on his head.
"If you are recovered enough to aid in construction, then you can surely agree to a request from your King." Gil-Galad teased as he straightened Elrond's tunic. But before he could ask more, the Herald announced the royal couple. The King and Queen turned to enter the Great Hall, leaving the stunned Peredhel gaping in their wake. Many more elves were ushered into the Hall until the page turned to Elrond.
"It is time for your entrance my Lord." Elrond rose and moved to the doorway, taking in the view of the now filled Hall. His heart nearly stopped when he heard the next announcement. This one was voiced by none other than Aran Gil-Galad. The King and Queen stood together at the head table.
"It is our pleasure to announce the ceremonial role of torch bearer and emissary of the Valar for the Solstice ritual. We bestow this honor on one of beloved Elu Thingol's line. I present to you the son of Lord Eärendil and Lady Elwing, Lord Elrond Eärendilion." Cirdan watched proudly as the young Peredhel followed the attendant through the applauding crowd. The elf was richly adorned and walked upright, his well-mannered demeanor set with a simple dignity and tinged with shock that was noticeable only to those who knew him well. The attendant led him to a seat at one of the tables that surrounded the table of Kings. Many of the elves gathered had yet to glimpse the elusive Peredhel, for few had seen him since before the war. Elves strained to see the exotic royal figure, who bowed low towards the King and Queen and then sat down. Aran Gil-Galad welcomed his guests, and then the leading figures at the head table, Aran Finarfin, Prince Ingwion, and Lord Cirdan, rose. Together with Gil-Galad, they led those assembled in a prayer to the Valar.
"The crowd notices there is no King of the Sindar to help lead the prayers," Galadriel noted silently to her husband. They were both at the head table but poignantly seated.
"I do not seek to fill that position." Celeborn returned. He was happy that his wife felt well enough to attend the festivities. She had slept much of the afternoon following her talk with Noenri.
"I did not mean to imply that. I only interpret the rush of emotions from the crowd. Perhaps Oropher will fill this role."
"Many will follow him, but many will not." He predicted.
"Ereinion's move to honor Elrond highlights his suitability to fill that role. He bestowed the honor as a sign of his claim on the Peredhel. A public announcement serves as a warning to those who might seek to harm him."
"Will it work?"
"I believe it may."
"Though the claim of a Noldoran King of lordship over Elu's descendant all but guarantees that our people will not embrace the Peredhel as their Lord."
"I think it was unlikely even without Ereinion's claim, however much this child of Elwing resembles our beloved Lúthien." Galadriel savored a bite of the potato leek soup. Everyone received a cup, a veritable feast considering the lean times. Lembas were arranged in the center of the table and glasses of watered wine sparkled festively.
"The resemblance grows stronger as the years pass." Celeborn watched the peredhel savor the soup. The youth's seat at a table populated by Gil-Galad's council was no accident, although it was likely a source of discomfort to the youth. "He is to have a full seat on Ereinion's council."
"He is the most knowledgeable at dealing with the Edain." Galadriel smiled slightly. "It is a bit ironic. Ereinion will need his council to understand their needs as they prepare for their departure."
"The others will not take kindly to such a young elf receiving full status among them."
"By they will not be overtly discourteous."
"At least not in front of their King."
Xxxxxxxxx
After dinner, Glorfindel helped Elrond change into the ceremonial garb. Songs and prayers rose from the courtyard, where thousands assembled for the festival of lights.
"Why me?" Elrond's voice was nearly a whine as Glorfindel did up the buttons on the back of the tunic.
"Must I remind you that you are the son of the great Mariner who helped change the tides of the war by slaying the vicious dragon Ancalagon?" Glorfindel's teasing tone merely deepened Elrond's dark mood.
"There are other elves far more worthy."
"You would second guess your King? It is a great honor and displays Gil-Galad's regard. You should be properly solicitous." He left unspoken that by naming Elrond to carry the Yule torch, Gil-Galad sent a clear message of his high regard and protectiveness towards this son of Eärendil. Glorfindel hoped that this would be enough to prevent Galadriel's vision from coming to pass.
"I do not wish to be on display in front of all." Elrond divulged quietly.
"It is merely another skill you need to learn. You already display great ability as a healer, and your brother and his contingent valued your council and strategic skills very highly. Besides, you need to learn these things. Perhaps someday you will be the leader and will need to perform the ceremony for your people."
"I think not." Elrond scoffed at the proposal as Glorfindel stood back and scrutinized his friend's appearance. Then the Vanya intoned the ceremonial words.
"On this night, we welcome as one the new light in hope, in friendship, and in love. We remember this night the great gift of light bestowed by Ilúvatar with the sun's first rising."
"I believe I can handle a single sentence and carry a torch." Elrond sighed, but Glorfindel glared at him.
"Your queue is the sun's first rising. Then you say."
"The sacred fire burns brightly to fuel life."