Xxxxxxxx Alqualondë xxxxxxxxxX
It had been three days since the Valar had seen fit to return them to the palace. Since that time, the couple had been in a deep healing sleep. She pulled the blanket down slightly and drew back in shock at the blindingly white garments they wore. These were obviously not made by elves. She put her hand on Elrond's chest and assessed his heart. Amazingly, it beat strong and sure with no trace of the murmurs and skips that had so recently plagued him. The tissue would still need time to mend together, but she thought at least this injury would no longer plague him. When she focused on his spirit, she noted its lack of balance. The songs that combined to form his fëa, slipped out of rhythm. The melody that was Celebrian rose up around his, bonding the songs of his fëa into one again. A glow caught her eye. Three small azure stones were set on a surprisingly delicate silver colored circlet. This was no wroth by elven hands.
"When had Celebrian grown so strong?" Cévëalë wondered even as she offered a silent prayer of thanks. Somehow, she did not think this was a rare occurrence. Perhaps their restored marital bond tied Elrond to this world and prevented his death. The physical injuries would heal fully in a matter of months. However, such schisms of the spirit would require much longer healing. They would need to buffer Elrond and Celebrian from danger.
"The circlet is a gift from the Valar." Idril realized her brow furled in memory. "The audience with them early injured his spirit. Perhaps they seek to make amends."
"It does not good to question their motives." Cévëalë said as she gently took Idril's hand. "Let us just give thanks for their help."
Xxxxxxxxx Lórien xxxxxxxxX
"It is not much farther," Finrod promised then raised his voice again in a gentle song. His wife Amarië added her voice in harmony. Arafinwë carried his daughter. Her golden head was nestled against his shoulders, and her eyes were closed in peaceful slumber. Arafinwë sent a prayer of thanks to the Valar and exchanged a wordless glance with Eärwen, who brushed his arm in response. The canopy of trees shaded their descent down to the secluded alcove of the lake. The delicate fragrance of camellia flowers accented the fresh woods of Lórien spreading peace and tranquility through the spirits of the elves.
"Here Adar." Finrod and Amarië spread a blanket under an amiable willow. Eärwen gently held back the foliage as her husband passed through, carefully bent, and set his daughter down against the willow's trunk. The natural curtain of willow further shielded them from any who wandered by. Yet, a break in the curtain afforded breathtaking views of the lake. Dazed azure eyes blinked open as he set her down. Finrod and Amarië's song of healing worked its gentle magic. Arafinwë smiled supportively down at his daughter. The confusion in her eyes was slow to clear, and he bent and whispered so that only she could hear.
"Healing comes in its own time." He smiled soothingly as he read a jumbled mix of fear anxiety and remorse, which flashed momentarily in her eyes. Then a steel resolve fell like a curtain around her thoughts. She drew inward as if mentally buffering her mind against an onslaught against a foe. She thought herself in Lothlórien! Worry sprang in his soul, though he sent thoughts of peace through the bond to his child. This was the product of millennia of fighting. "The enemy you stood steadfast against has been defeated. Sell-nin, you dwell now in the West, in the haven of Lórien seeking healing." Long did he hold her gaze before memory sparked.
"Atar," she whispered.
"Sell-nin, leave those memories in the past. I know from experience how hard it is to let down your guard. But you must to allow healing. There is nothing your Naneth and I would not do to help. Nor is there anything in your past which would take our love away." A wry grin spread across his face as Eärwen settled beside them. She picked up his thoughts easily.
"You will need to be whole and well, Galadriel, by the time your silver mate arrives." Eärwen smiled. "I am sure he released you to sail trusting us to be here to support your recovery."
"Galadriel," Arafinwë pointedly adopted the epesse bestowed by her beloved husband instead of her childhood name. Two ages had she carried that name, and it was a sign of who she now was. As her Adar, he was happy to have her back in their lives whatever name she used. "Open your fëa and accept our love and support. Our only wish is for you to heal." It pained him to see the proud golden head bend as lashes fluttered shut over watery eyes. One treacherous tear slipped loose and he brushed it away gently as he kissed her brow. Then his deep voice rose in healing song. It was one that the Lord of Mandos had taught him before Findaráto was released into his care. Eärwen's voice soon joined the song, as did Finrod's and Amarië's. The song swelled imparting healing and peace into Galadriel's soul. Finally, the song ebbed and slowed; the lakeside suddenly became silent as if lamenting the loss of its beauty. But gradually nature began again, its own melody filled with the rustle of leaves and the call of larks. Finrod and Amarië settled down next to Arafinwë.
"I must return to Tirion." Arafinwë lamented, his eyes assessing his daughter who lay deep in healing sleep.
"But you will be back within a month's time." Eärwen squeezed his hand. "Healing of the fëa is a slow and arduous. This you know from experience."
"We will support her in your absence. We have much experience shepherding others through the healing process." Finrod's grinned suddenly and pulled his wife closer. "I am looking forward to surprising her with tales of our daughter's antics."
"I know not how you were able to keep them away." Eärwen laughed. Finrod and Amarië's daughters had inherited some of their Adar's and Aunts seeking spirits. Indeed, they had been at the forefront of the push for greater opportunities for ellith.
Xxxxxxxx Alqualondë xxxxxxxxxX
"They sleep yet?" Queen Cévëalë repeated in astonishment.
"It is not a natural sleep, but one controlled by the Valar." Idril's assessment left no room for doubt. "Erestor and Cirulian, you have our thanks for watching over them again. You may rest now. We will take over for a time." Tuor held back a smile at the concerned faces of the guard and councilor. It was hard to convince Elrond's dear friends to leave their posts. But after the incident at the cottage, he could not blame them.
"They are under the Lindaran's protection." Queen Cévëalë coaxed. "Although later, perhaps you might share some of the stories of past adventures? I sense the last yen or two have been very trying."
"Not nearly as much as in the first age." Cirulian stated, then with no further explanation, bowed and exited. Tuor and the Queen looked expectantly at Erestor.
"Perhaps at some later time." The councilor was uncharacteristically at a loss for words. "I would not wish to divulge things said in confidence." Erestor said solemnly, then bowed politely to the queen and exited. Idril laughed lightly once the door had closed behind the retreating figures.
"Loyalty should be encouraged." Queen Cévëalë admonished Idril, though her tone was not serious.
"Gil-Galad told us much of those days in confidence." Tuor explained. "And one returns in some ways to their youth when they arrive here on these blessed lands. The inscrutable lore master and former ruler of Imladris is now not so difficult to read. His thoughts and emotions are reflected in his eyes, much as Gil-Galad said was true in Elrond's early years." Tuor and Idril shared a smile, for the memories of a newly reborn Gil-Galad describing their long lost Grandson were much treasured.
"Yes, I was able to sense his pain and discomfort when we were in the cottage." Idril said thoughtfully. "He is an intensely private person, who we should shelter through these days of healing."
"Strange that his parents were not able to sense his thoughts." Cévëalë marveled.
"They did not have the pleasure of raising their children and are themselves in emotional turmoil still dealing with the loss of the Silmaril." Idril reasoned.
"Olwë and I feel that Elrond and Celebrian would be better served healing in the quiet settlement of Edlothdor. Celebrian benefitted greatly from her time with her uncle and his family. Galathil has agreed to our terms that some of the Lindarin guards will join their ranks to further secure the village."
"Have you spoken of this with Celebrian?"
"Not yet, although she has always preferred the shores of Alqualondë or the forest dwellings of Edlothdor to the city of Tirion, much to Eärwen's chagrin." Cévëalë paused. "We have spoken with Ereinion, who also believes that Elrond would be more at ease among the trees and away from crowds. However, the settlement must be made more secure given that Elrond is such a pivotal figure."
"Many claim him as their Prince returned while others hold him in high esteem as the dear Lord who sheltered and nurtured them in Imladris."
Xxxxxxx Lórien xxxxxxxxX
"How are you, my boy? Did you sleep well?" Bilbo sauntered over carrying a small satchel. The elderly hobbit was obviously responding well to the healing air of Lórien. Frodo smiled at his uncle, taking great solace in Bilbo's renewed health. In fact, Bilbo looked much like the hobbit he had been at his one hundred and eleventh birthday.
"I slept well." Frodo deftly ignored the first question. They thought the pain in his shoulder and neck were due to the schisms in his spirit and would take somewhat longer to heal. They would try another 'nestalear' to recall his true spirit and mend the fabric of his shredded soul. Frodo did not understand all their terminology. The first 'nestalear' in Lórien was filled with singing and had made him feel markedly better. For the first time, he felt hope that healing would be possible. The Lórien elves had been interested in how Lord Elrond had removed the knife's shard in Imladris; however, neither Bilbo nor Frodo could supply much explanation and they had not been satisfied with what information Gandalf had written. Frodo's memory held no detail after the Bruinen had risen in his defense against the Nazgul to the moment he woke up and found Gandalf watching over him.
Frodo wished that Lord Elrond had accompanied them to Lórien. The elf had a calm, soothing personality and a self-effacing humor that never failed to put him at ease. He smiled at the memory of the healer adamantly declaring that 'he was no longer a Lord of anything' as they endured the long journey over the sea. As to why Elrond would be needed, Frodo had no idea. But he did trust the healers'diagnosis. Somehow it seemed fitting that Lord Elrond would be part of the final healing. The thought of healing induced a stabbing pain through Shelob's bite.
"I claimed it in the end." His conscience mocked. "Why should I deserve healing?"
"Eru used you and Sam and Gollum to complete the deed no man or elf was able to do." Elrond's soft voice rang in his memory blessing his soul with a protection it dared not provide. "You are truly a child of Ilúvatar blessed with strength and courage." If only he could believe that. No, he deserved this pain. It would never heal. He would succumb to the inevitable painful death far from home.
"Frodo?" When he looked up Bilbo was staring at him.
"Do not let me keep you, Uncle." A guilty smile spread over his face as he tried to squash these treacherous thoughts. "I need a few minutes longer. Please go. I will be right behind you." For a moment, Frodo thought his Uncle would protest. Relief filled him as Bilbo nodded and turned.
"Do not be long lad." Bilbo, cheerful and bright as the sun, turned slowly and ambled out the door. Night descended with the closing of the door.
"Your soul is black. They can all see." It mocked. "Bilbo gave It up freely, having born It for years. How long before you succumbed? Mere months?"
"Stop!" Frodo realized too late that he had spoken aloud. He fingered the jewel at his neck and made his way over to the small circle of sunlight that shone through window at the rear. He tried to focus and center his thoughts as Elrond, Mithrandir, and lastly Aragorn had sought to teach him. "I carried it in a time of war. There were Nazgul after It – and always did It seek a way back to Its master. I fought each step to keep its power away from my soul." Yet it felt that there was a monster inside him, berating all his actions.
"Master Baggins?" A gentle hand grasped his shoulder. He would have shouted had he not recognized the silver eyes, yet the face was not that of Master Elrond. The visage was too bright. He averted his eyes. "It is not meet that you should face this burden alone." The voice was deep but feminine. Fingers, long gentle yet insistent pulled his hand into hers. "See the finger begins to grow again. But the poison that inflicted your soul needs to be purged more slowly. Do not shut yourself away from aid."
"My Lady," Frodo tried to look at the being before him. As if sensing his discomfort, her light dimmed.
"Forgive me, I had not thought how mortals would perceive things, though my Lady Estë has spoken of it." Her smile sent a wave of comfort through Frodo, who at that moment would have forgiven her anything. Warmth radiated from their joint hands up his arm and spread over his neck, immediately soothing nerves. The warmth spread through his whole body energizing him. He looked up astonished.
"So my eyes remind you of my descendent. Yet I have many ages more practice in the healing arts than him."
"Lady Melian," Frodo gaped suddenly too shy to speak. Who was he to take the time of such a legend?
"Time is a gift we have in abundance here." Melian smiled. "I have talked with Bilbo and I think I have just the thing to ease your heart. Come, little one, my great granddaughter could use some good hobbit sense as well as a shared meal."
"Elwing?"
"Yes, Elwing and Eärendil await us."
Xxxxxxxx Alqualondë xxxxxxxxxX
Elrond would be embarrassed to know how many people watched over him while he slept. Celebrian at times would be pulled into healing sleep with him through their renewed bond. Yet, now she sat sipping a restorative with Elrond's grandparents in the living room of their suite.
"He is healing, Celebrian. There is no need to fear for him any longer." Tuor assured her.
"Yet, his weariness extends deep into his fëa." Celebrian bit her lip as she remembered the meeting with Lord Namo and Dior. It was not her place to broach the news yet of the elder Peredhel's imminent return.
"It is to be expected given he has been burden by a ring of power and the guardianship of Imladris for much of this age."
"He has only revealed a small portion of what occurred in these last five hundred years." Celebrian shivered. The revelation that her husband had been a captive stirred unwanted memories. She knew he would never share more than a cursory account of what happened. "But he escaped." She focused on the positive. "He is here now and is recovering."
"He has your love. Apart from that he needs time, care and the songs of the trees." Idril reached over to squeeze Celebrian's hand. "We can give him that." Celebrian stood abruptly. Through their bond, she felt momentary fear as Elrond woke disoriented.
"So our grandson is awake." Idril smiled knowingly at Celebrian. "I will arrange something to entice him to eat. He is far too thin."
"Thank you." She said fervently then hurried to the bedroom. She paused to examine her link with her husband. She did not wish to startle him. She perceived part of her husband's morning prayer. "Dear Eru, thank you for this blessed day." She marveled yet again at his faith and said a prayer of her own, thanking Eru that faith had allowed him to endure through the long years of their separation. Slowly, silently she opened the door then slipped in and eased the door closed behind her. Elrond was sitting up in bed but his eyes were closed in prayerful meditation. She licked her lips at the sight of him. Silky hair messy from sleep framed his face and fell past his broad shoulders. It took all her patience to stand quietly and observe him. She reached out with her senses. His aura was bathed in deep pinks of gratitude and appreciation. She felt his thoughts turn toward her. He was giving thanks for her recovery and health. Throughout all the upheavals he had endured in his long life, his deep spirituality and his abiding love had been a constant. She drank in this time of clandestine observation. His hröa was healing, as was his fëa, though healing of the latter progressed much more slowly. At times, she perceived pieces of his prayer - "cherish the time you blessed me with my children" along with jumbles of images of Elrohir, Elladan, Arwen and his several adopted children including the last one he had cared for - Aragorn who was now their son through marriage. His prayers turned to those with whom he had been newly reunited – Eärendil, Elwing, Idril, Tuor, Gil-Galad, and Indiriel and to those he hoped to meet in the future – Nerdanel, Mahtan and Maglor. The pinks of gratitude gradually changed into aqua, gray and blue as Elrond asked Eru to guide and protect Arwen and Estel. The length of time that Elrond focused on Elrohir's spirit and well being triggered shivers of foreboding in her heart, and she sent her own prayer.
"Dear Eru please bring my sons west once they have carried out your will." She prayed silently. Elrond slowly emerged from his prayers. Silver eyes blinked open still focused on the spiritual and not yet perceiving his surroundings. She sensed his spirit and aura …
"Good morning, Meleth-nin." She whispered, still standing at the door. His eyes immediately latched on to hers. Love and admiration flickered in their depths as he held out his hand towards her. Moments later she was beside him, lips meeting in bliss as a sigh escaped one of them. From whence it originated, she could not discern. For the merging of souls, while still a shadow of what they once had, was utterly captivating. She pull back to assess the state of his fëa through breathtaking silver eyes. It was beyond her understanding, but somehow in dreams under Dior's tutelage Elrond was slowly learning how to balance the disparate melodies of his heritage, which had fallen into dissonance during those last harsh years in Imladris. Instinctively, she knew he needed peace, solitude and communion with the rich tapestry of songs in the forest. Olwë, Gil-Galad, and Galathil were helping to plan for the safety of their short journey to Edlothdor as well as arrange additional guards to protect them during their stay. She had decided it would be a slow journey from Alqualondë to Edlothdor to Tirion and finally to Lórien. She prayed that by that time, his Maiar heritage would strengthen enough to let enjoy, not just endure, the presence and songs of so many of the Maia.
"Your eyes are much more beautiful." His rich tenor reverberated in her being. "You have made plans." Left off was the fact that the plans had been decided without his input.
"You are healing and need no worries or decisions to slow the process." Her mouth puckered in a wry pout. "You gave yourself over to me. Do you not trust my judgment?"
"You know I do." He breathed as he bent to steal another kiss. "Are you going to share our itinerary?"
"Nay, there is no need to think of anything other than the present and to focus on your recovery." She smiled and smoothed his hair. "Come, I will braid your hair and help you dress. By the time you are ready, Idril will have found a few morsels to entice you."
"She will have procured a feast where a slice of bread and some cheese would suffice." Elrond groaned. Celebrian laughed and pulled him out of the bed.
"Nay, Meleth-nin, you need more sustenance than that. Try to eat a bit or two more than you would otherwise." She watched his eyes flutter closed in contentment as she methodically combed out the silken tresses.
Xxxxxxx Lórien xxxxxxX
"You must try one of these cinnamon biscuits!" Bilbo coaxed brightly to the tense, gaunt figure next to him. "To think they followed my recipe! Frodo! Lady Melian! Welcome!" The hobbit rose and gave a small bow to Melian. Eärendil also rose from his seat.
"Please do not get up on my account." Melian smiled as she watched Bilbo serve Elwing a biscuit. The bruise on Elwing's neck was only partly obscured by her shawl. Her husband hovered protectively near. The injuries sustained in the attack were healing, but the psychological ones remained, and they were hard pressed to entice her with any food.
Mithrandir had suggested pairing her with the hobbits. "A hobbit can entice even the most difficult to eat." He had proclaimed. Indeed, Melian and Eärendil exchanged an astonished look as Elwing took a small bit of the biscuit as Bilbo explained the hobbit's best methods for steeping teas.
"It depends on the type and quality of the leaf." Bilbo was jovially explaining as Frodo reached to take a biscuit. Melian produced a bowl of colorful and sliced fruits, passing them first to Eärendil as Bilbo continued his explanations and added the boiling water. "Now this is a fine black tea." Melian studied the older hobbit closely. The colors of his fëa were calm and his spirit was responding well to the healing airs of Lórien. She turned towards Frodo, who was already finishing his biscuit.
"Did you really bring your recipe books?"
"What kind of hobbit does not enjoy sharing recipes and gathering new ones? Why, my boy, I taught the elves in Rivendell all the hobbit dishes."
"Did they like them?"
"Elves enjoyed many of them. Although only Master Elrond liked the bold more flavorful ones."
"Elrond?" Elwing spoke for the first time. "My son liked your recipes?"
"You should ask Erestor for more details. Although Cook, I mean the head cook of Imladris was always looking for recipes to entice Master Elrond to eat. Seems that stress or even an abundance of work would often cause the Master to forget to eat. Bless Eru that he was not born a hobbit!" Frodo could not help but laugh at Bilbo's audacity, though he hoped said hobbit would not sing some of the songs he had written to Eärendil.
"Not at least in his nonchalant approach to when to eat, but Master Elrond did enjoy our cheeses and many of our pickled and fermented vegetables. The other elves seemed to avoid them."
"Perhaps the rich smells were too much for them." Eärendil said thoughtfully. He too had enjoyed the more pungent and flavorful dishes of the men who settled near and around Cirdan's haven. Elwing discretely reached for a second biscuit and a small scoop of fruit.
"They have more in common than they know." Mithrandir far-spoke to Melian, who seeming sat enjoying the banter but in reality was working her healing on the small group gathered around the table.
Xxxxxxxx The river in Edlothdor, weeks later xxxxxxxxxX
"Do you catch many that way?" Tuor baited his hook as he watched Galathil bending over the water with a net. Leave-taking from Alqualondë had taken many weeks, for Cévëalë and Olwë were loathed to part from them. The journey to Edlothdor had been blessedly uneventful. If there were any doubts that the Peredhel was more at home in the forests, they were quickly dispelled, for the quiet natural beauty of Edlothdor seemed to speed Elrond's physical healing as if he drank it in from their surroundings. Healing of the fëa was a slower process. Still, Tuor took joy in the time he spent with his grandson, whether it was quiet discussions of mathematics, a joyous meal, or even observing his descendent meditating as was the case at the moment.
"One must be silent." Galathil shook his head and sent an annoyed glance at Tuor. The carp darted away at Tuor's deep voice. "Or at least strive to be quieter than the water's song." Indeed, where the river bent west, it dropped over rocks forming white foam as it gurgled downwards. Both the waters song and his companions' gentle banter lulled Elrond. He sat peacefully on a rock a few feet away from Tuor but was focused at the natural beauty downstream. The Peredhel's feet dangled soothingly in the current on this warm spring morning.
"Sorry," Tuor cast his line again, and though he did not sound penitent he did speak more softly.
"Is Elrond well?" Galathil asked before turning his attention back to the fish below.
"It is a good place for striving for balance in one's spirit." Tuor said. Then he pulled at his line before standing to reel in a small sunfish. This one was too small for eating, so he carefully removed it from the hook and sent it on its way. Then he switched to a larger hook, not willing to hurt the fish here. The sun rose slowly in the sky. Birds called musically to each other over the river's din as the two fishermen increased their bounty.
He slipped further down the rock, immersing part of his calves in the currents. The wind seemed to play lightly with his hair while a soft glow surrounded him, nay seemed to emanate from the water and land nearby and flow into him. Tuor and Galathil openly gaped in surprise, for neither had before witnessed one from the line of Lúthien gain strength from nature, though both had heard lore and rumors along these lines. The gentle swoosh of a skirt against the foliage distracted them momentarily. Celebrian put her finger to her lips and motioned for her uncle and Tuor to go. Then she quietly approached her husband, enfolding him from behind in a loving embrace. They were a beautiful couple normally but the light that engulfed them now gave them an otherworldly quality. Galathil was even more shocked when he saw his niece's eyes close. However, Tuor had witnessed their shared healing trance previously and motioned towards the path. They gathered their fishing gear and the bucket with the mornings catch.
"The healing trance may last awhile." Tuor informed him.
"I will not leave them unguarded." Galathil protested quietly.
"I am not suggesting that we do. The guards are near, just not within sight. You can signal for several to come closer." Tuor suggested but Galathil disagreed.
"You can go back with the morning's catch, while I stay close." Galathil ordered as he folded his arms decisively, all the while his eyes never leaving the dear couple. "There is no need to breech their privacy further. I can signal quickly if need arises." Tuor nodded and took the bucket of fish, while Galathil turned to discretely stand guard over the couple. The sun rose to its zenith and began to descend before Galathil heard Celebrian's laugh.
"Why are the fish nibbling on your toes Meleth-nin? Are you tasty?" Her voice turned teasing as she unwound what was left of his braids then ran her fingers through his hair. "Or could it be related to some problem the Dúnedain more frequently encountered after Arnor fell?" Her voice was teasing. "We had to reteach them hygiene and direct them to shave their heads." Elrond turned to her – silver eyes widening as if he had taken affront, though laughter was in his voice.
"Nay Meleth, I do know something of hygiene, and there is not a louse to be found." Her laughter rang like a wind-chime.
"What could it be then?" She guided his hand into the water. The silver fish darted away at the intrusion but quickly returned, now swarming about their joined hands as well as his feet.
"I believe … they sense our song." Elrond said slowly, the sparkle of his eyes kindled with amusement and interest.
"More likely it is your song." Celebrian leaned to nibble on his ear, smiling inwardly at his tremor of delight.
"Their songs are a jumble – akin to everyone in the Hall of Fire speaking at once." Elrond murmured in surprise. "How do they understand? It is just a tumult of sound." He looked at Celebrian as if he believed that she too could hear the song of the fish. She pulled back from him and guided his wayward hair gently behind one ear as she seriously considered his statement. Galathil suddenly felt guilty about intruding on their privacy, especially as they took no notice of him this long time. Softly and silently he crept backwards, to observe them from a great enough distance to preserve their privacy.
"Perhaps it is not meant to be single words or one conversation. Is it the fabric that holds them together as a collective what keeps the school safe from outsiders?" The last words of Celebrian gave Galathil pause. Could it be that Elrond's bound spouse heard or sensed some of what the fays did? These were questions to pounder at another time. For now, Galathil was honored to be here to stand guard over their safety as well as their privacy.