The music in his head was once melodious, the melodies complementary and flowing harmoniously. Yet, now they moved painfully out of rhythm. As the voices drifted apart, their individual rhythms surfaced and sometimes clashed dissonantly. He drew a pained breath. His eyes closed as his consciousness wavered. Although their connection was not as strong as during their long years of marriage in Imladris, due to the damage to his fëa, she could sense much through their restored bond.
White fire rushed around her – never satisfied, always seeking to create. There was a steady, enduring song that mirrored nature. Then, she sensed an imperishable flame that seemed to burn as it touched her through their bond.Even as she registered pain, the other songs pulled this fiery one back. She knew well that Elrond would rather cut off his hand than ever hurt her. Fear swelled in her heart, and she set aside the tones of these songs and focused on his too-pale face. Her soul strained to anchor his.
"Meleth-nin! I will not give up. You must heal. We will get through this together." With one hand she reached to pull another chair over, while her other hand never once let go of him. She sat and focused solely on her beloved, anxiously waiting for the melodies to come back in sync, for him to return to awareness. A tear escaped her eyes as she watched him. Elrond would be pained to know how she feared for him even more. He would be horrified by how long he sat there, lost to the world. Over ten minutes passed before she felt his spirit's voices merge.
"Meleth-nin, Meleth-nin," she called softly, hoping he would not detect the tremor in her voice. As yet, he was unaware of how many people clamored to see the long-lost prince. So many wanted to meet this youngest prince, whose deeds spanned three ages.
"Bri?" Silver eyes blinked dazedly but then cleared. "Celebrian? Where?" She kissed the worry from his eyes.
"Ereinion is coming soon." She rubbed his hand and smiled soothingly. There was no need to alarm him. That he could not sense her fear was telling. "We thought you might better heal in the shelter and quiet of the cove not far from here." It took a few moments before recognition filtered into his gaze.
"Shell cottage," Elrond said slowly. His hand moved over his bandaged chest. She caught it before he could touch the bandage. She shuddered slightly, having spread the salve over the incision site earlier this morning. She leaned to whisper in his ear, enjoying how he shivered when she touched him.
"They said you are doing remarkably well." She paused and smiled provocatively. "They released you to add otheractivities as you feel up to." She enjoyed the way color spread across his cheek.
"Forgive me, Meleth-nin." He stuttered. Shame flared in his heart, which she sensed through their bond. "I am not worthy of you… too broken."
"Meleth-nin, I love you. Leave those thoughts behind." She leaned forward to claim his lips and plunder his mouth. He was trembling when they broke the kiss. "You will heal. I will see you whole again." She ran her hands through his glorious hair.
"While I prefer your hair down. It would not be proper to walk through the palace so. I should make you presentable before Ereinion arrives." She rose and picked up the brush again. Slowly and methodically, she brushed his hair, smiling as she heard his soft sigh. "I have missed this." She acknowledged as she braided it so he would be presentable. She had just finished when a knock sounded, and the door opened.
"Come in, Ereinion." She laughed. Gil-Galad was always larger than life. The fact he was no longer High King but Prince Reagent of Tol Eressëa had not changed him.
"Elrond! You look well." Ereinion's booming voice made Elrond jump. Celebrian gave him a cool look over her husband's head, and the former King had the grace to look momentarily ashamed. He lowered his voice to a normal volume as he reached for Elrond. "It is a beautiful day outside. A perfect afternoon, I think, for you to move to the Shell Cottage."
"Perhaps I should bring his cloak?"
"Nonsense. We will be walking. It is not cold." Ereinion pulled Elrond to his feet but then had to steady him. "Dizzy?" Ereinion exclaimed in surprise.
"Fine. Just a moment." Elrond said quietly.
"See! He speaks!" Ereinion pointed out loudly. At Elrond's grimace, he said more softly. "Your wife is worried that you are short on words. I told her to enjoy it while she can." He ruffled Elrond's hair. Then, they led him from the suite. Celebrian and Ereinion acted like a buffer, standing on each side of Elrond, ready to turn others away. Cirulian greeted them as they exited. Ever faithful was the Teler to assuring the safety of his Lord.
"Ernil-nin, it is good to see you on the road to recovery." Cirulian waited patiently for a response. It was clear on all of them that Elrond took far too long to process the comment. Celebrian knew this was due to the schisms in his spirit.
"Not my title." Elrond finally whispered. Cirulian's eyes glittered with mirth and mischief.
"I look forward to our grand tour, Ernil-nin." Cirulian bowed with his hand over his heart. Celebrian's heart soared as she saw a smile gradually light up Elrond's face. A choked laugh escaped him.
"I suspect there is a story behind this." Gil-Galad openly laughed. "But come, we should continue before the hour gets too late." Ereinion mouthed the following words to Celebrian behind Elrond's back. "It should not be crowded. We guided as many as possible away." Still, it was the first time since the surgery that Elrond had left the suite under his own power. Cirulian took up a protective watch behind the three. The elves they encountered in the hallways and the gardens stopped and stared. Some bowed before them. Others gawked in amazement.
"Ernil-nin!"
"Ernil-nin!"
Celebrian could feel Elrond stiffen slightly during each encounter. However, she sensed that he believed they only addressed Gil-Galad and did not refer to him. The perspiration that beaded on his brow was one of the few outward signs that the presence of others caused him pain. Through their bond, she sensed the shrill hum of a headache building. She scanned the garden, looking for the least populated path. Across the way, she noted the concerned looks of Arafinwë and Finrod, who sat at a table with her Naneth, Eärwen, and Indiriel while Gilwen danced beside them. The empty chairs were meant for them.
"Cirulian, go give our apologies," Ereinion ordered. "It is best if we proceed directly to the cottage." He waved towards them. Arafinwë nodded and awaited Cirulian's report. Celebrian looked up at her cousin in surprise, only now realizing that he, too, could sense Elrond's thoughts.
"Meleth-nin," She reached out to him through their bond to gift him her love and support. The wave of sound that engulfed her nearly caused her to stumble. Instinctively, she broke the connection. The world receded into the distant, peaceful hum of the ocean waves.
"It is but a little further, Meleth-nin," Celebrian coaxed, hiding her concern.
"Just past this copse of trees," Ereinion added. The wooded path suddenly gave way to sand and a secluded view of the edge of the Swan harbor. The air seemed to shimmer in front of them as if some barrier was blocking the path. For a second, they were caught in step. Then it yielded, and they stepped through. Elrond audibly sighed as if in relief, oblivious to the shocked looks that Ereinion and Celebrian were exchanging. As they stood momentarily stunned, Elrond ambled over to a large sympathetic tree, sat down, and closed his eyes as his lips curved upwards in a blissful smile. The ancient Oak's many branches and leaves seemed to tilt to hide Elrond from view.
"Greetings, child." She jumped at the address before realizing it was an echo across their link. The Oak was welcoming Eärendil's son by name. Its soft song slowly eased the pounding headache that he suffered from. She opened herself fully to their bond, sensing how Elrond forced himself to remain calm and listen to the Oak's song. His body felt light, as if it was merely an extension of the song. Melodies rose about him, swirling like eddies around his soul, eliciting questions deep within his being. His heart offered up his own melodies, entwined with the tree's song – playfully skirting then merging with the deep song. The natural rhythm endowed the Peredhel's strained balance with sudden stability.
Celebrian suddenly overcame her fear and knelt by her husband's side. Elrond's eyes were closed in peace, and the air that surrounded him crackled with energy. Only a handful of times in Imladris had she witnessed Elrond's connection to the valley and how nature sometimes gave back power and support to its unusual guardian. She wondered if this was a similar phenomenon. She gently unbuttoned his tunic to inspect the light bandage on his chest. Everything appeared in order, and she reached out to brush his hair back.
"I did not realize the proximity to so many others would be so taxing for him." Ereinion bent beside her and also reached out to assess Elrond. "The tree's song and care will do wonders for him."
"What happened? What did we pass through? It was not natural." Celebrian's fear was audible. Gil-Galad placed a calming hand on her cheek.
"We must be thankful for whatever it was, for it is a balm for Elrond. I think your in-laws know more. Maybe they are even responsible for it." Ereinion looked over towards the whimsical cottage. Two figures sat on the porch watching them. "Stay with him. I will find out." She nodded. Truth be told, the elder Peredhil still confused Celebrian. But she pushed aside these thoughts to focus on her husband's well-being as she settled beside him. Once Ereinion saw the couple slip safely into healing sleep carefully tended by the noble tree, he rose and approached the cottage. Elwing's eyes were silver and powerful like her son's but seemed too large for her delicate face. Both Elwing and her husband radiated insecurity as if they wished to approach their son but were not sure if they should intervene.
"Greetings, Elwing." Ereinion paused to kiss the knuckles of her dainty hand. Then he turned to greet Eärendil.
"Gil-Galad, I did not realize the short walk would be so difficult for him." Elwing worried aloud.
"Perhaps we should not have insisted." Eärendil's voice shook uncharacteristically.
"Nay, I already see why you advised this move," Ereinion said. "His spirit needs time to mend. Up at the house, he was already beginning to feel the influence of so many elves. There were too many strong fëar in close proximity. I do not know how this barrier works, but it is clearly helping. It is through your efforts it exists, is it not?"
"We would not have known how to help, if you had not shared so many stories about our sons." Eärendil paused to squeeze his wife's hand. She smiled encouragingly. "We are so very grateful for all you and Indiriel did for Elrond and Elros over the years. Especially what you did for Elrond, as we could not protect him."
"It was our great honor and privilege to count them as our family. Elrond is very dear to us, and we both rejoice that you have been restored to him." Ereinion deep emotion and sincerity caused Elwing to sob slightly, and he moved to embrace her. "Do not think for a moment that we could ever replace you. I know your son. His heart is loving and yearns to have a relationship with you."
"We hope to forge that relationship in the coming months."
"How did you convince the Valar to intervene? What was the negotiated price?" Ereinion whispered.
"It is not your concern," Eärendil said as he gazed at his wife, who nodded slowly. "We will aid our son as best we can."
"May I suggest that we limit the number of visitors each day? He needs solitude and peace to heal slowly and to establish a new balance between the diverse songs of his spirit."
"He must also embrace his heritage as a Maiar and learn to understand and respond to the songs. I hope I can help him with that." Elwing said slowly.
"If anyone can, I believe it would be you. But these things take time. Please do not rush him." Ereinion soothed.
"Time we have." Eärendil said firmly as he squeezed Elwing's hand. "Will someone bring their belongings here?"
"Erestor and Cirulian will come later." Ereinion told them and then laughed at the familiar kitten, purring at Elwing's ankle. Elwing the White smiled as she bent to retrieve the mischievous feline.
"Russigil! I had wondered where you wandered off to." Elwing admonished as she lifted the white kitten. Little had Gilwen known her gift to Elrond would catalyze healing! "Gilwen and Indiriel relocated her yesterday. But she disappeared this morning only to emerge an hour ago with a present for us. She has caused much outrage among the birds." Ereinion laughed as Elwing tickled the kitten's chin. Russigil had other ideas and was soon eyeing the Lady's long braids. Ereinion knew that look and admonished the cat as he placed her again on the ground. The three spent several hours discussing ways to aid Elrond and Celebrian. Finally, Elwing felt the approach of others.
"I believe Erestor and Cirulian have arrived."
"Then I must depart." Gil-Galad rose and embraced Elwing. "I promised my daughter we would ride on a swan boat this night."
"Come visit us soon." Eärendil said as they clasped shoulders. Gil-Galad met Erestor and Cirulian at the barrier. Both waited for an explanation.
"Elrond needs time to heal in a space that's protected – nay isolated from others. His Maiar heritage lets him hear the songs of others."
"The songs of the Maiar?" Erestor remembers the incidents on their long ship ride west.
"Not only of the Maiar," Gil-Galad explained. "This barrier dampens the songs that are a natural part of everyone's spirit." Erestor and Cirulian were stunned, but a full explanation was beyond their understanding, even beyond the understanding of Gil-Galad. "Do not be afraid. Enter slowly and keep calm. It will suddenly give way and allow you to enter." The two nodded their understanding and moved to carry some of their Lord and Lady's belongings through the barrier. Elwing met them on the other side and directed them to the house. When they came back out, Eärendil was helping Elrond to his feet. Celebrian stood next to her husband.
"My Lord," Erestor approached them. I must say these new accommodations seem to agree with you."
"It is a quiet place." Elrond agreed softly, his silver eyes now looking over his dear friend in concern as he extended his hand. "Are you well?" Erestor stepped forward and grasped Elrond's hand tightly. His eyes lit with pleasure at seeing the small but noticeable improvement in his dear friend.
"I am feeling a little better each day. For that, I thank Ilúvatar. I pray that you also will recover soon." Erestor's eyes glistened with emotion. Cirulian also stepped forward to greet their Lord. Although Elrond could not manage more than a few words, both were heartened by the brightness of his eyes. Eärendil guided Elrond and Celebrian into the cottage as the two Imladhrim took their leave. The next few weeks passed slowly and uneventfully. Soothing naps under the noble Oak often followed their quiet breakfasts. Celebrian sometimes remained at the cottage, sharing their family stories with Elwing as they worked on embroidery. This gave Eärendil some private time with his son. The first time Eärendil spent alone with Elrond, he noted his son was cold, for winter was nearly upon them. The Mariner retrieved a cloak and rejoined his son, who was dozing at the base of the Oak tree.
"Ion-nin," Eärendil began shyly. "This kept me warm during the long nights on the Vingilot." Then he bent low and awkwardly wrapped a cloak around his shivering son. Their hands brushed. The Mariner muttered an apology but could not help but close Elrond's cold hand in his own. Silver eyes looked up at him first in confusion but then Eärendil recognized something else – a mixture of fear and hope.
"I am sorry." The Mariner started to pull away.
"Please do not go Adar," Elrond whispered. His eyes glistened with an unnamed fear, and suddenly, Eärendil knew that Elrond still had trouble believing he was really in the West.
"I will be here as long as you need me – as long as you want me." He pulled his son into his arms and kissed his temple. The songs of Elrond's spirit swirled in confusion at first, then settled as the nascent bond grew. "You need time to rest and recover." Eärendil began slowly. "Later, I want to hear all about you. But right now, I think I should like to tell you about your Naneth and I, about our journey west and our lives at home in Gwaelindë. That is if you want to hear?" Oranges and yellows colored Elrond's spirit, and he felt joy rise in his son's heart. Joy also blossomed in Eärendil too, as he realized this lost son dearly wanted to know him.