"She was too beautiful. He did not deserve her. He had nearly lost her before he truly understood his good fortune." Eärendil shifted uncomfortably. "When had he last watched her sleep? What kind of husband had he been? Sorely deficient." A pained sigh left her lips. He vowed to do better. Three days ago, the Valar had searched her memories for clues to the attackers' origin. Elwing was compelled to share her memories of the battle and sense of the foe through Ósanwë. The experience had shaken her greatly. It also intensified her guilt at attempting to force such sharing on Elrond. She was tense and taught as a strung bow in the three days since. The approach of other Maiar or the healers sent shivers through her, though she tried to hide it. Only Melian stayed long in her presence. Her foremother had gained Elwing's trust. In three days, the only meals she had eaten were in the presence of two disarming hobbits. Even in his presence, his wife was quiet and withdrawn. He moved to stroke her hand gently.
"I will make our future better." He vowed softly. She had spent the ages as the leader while he had been bound to the Vingilot and a captive of the Silmaril. "Close your eyes and remember the time before you were possessed by the Silmaril. Remember your song from early in your courtship, from the first days of your marriage." It was so strange not to feel the overwhelming song of the Silmaril. The music of Elwing's soul was so soft in comparison. "Soft yet compelling and sad," he realized as his heart went to her. He pushed aside all his regrets and focused on a single message. "I love you." His heart soared when he felt her mood lighten. They were such small, insignificant words. Had he not already pledged his love to her for eternity? Yet, these simple words meant so much to her – too much. Why did she need to hear these words repeated? He felt like a fraud. Sometimes, he did not know what he felt. What did these words mean to him? He loved the clouds and sky and Silmaril's song for many years. Her dark silken hair was splayed enticingly around her delicate pale face. She smiled in her sleep, and joy blossomed in him.
"I love you." He whispered and meant it this time. Marriage was like sailing a ship. It always needed tending, and there might be storms ahead to weather together. He had hurt her. They had hurt one another. Maybe that was inevitable in a marriage. They had never discussed the possibility of having more children. For they still felt the guilt at having abandoned their sons. Eru had blessed them with two sons, yet he had been willing to sacrifice his sons and his wife for the good of the rest of the elves and men. He did not deserve to ask Ilúvatar for another child. Elwing, he knew, also felt deep sorrow at what had amounted to her abandoning their boys. Yet, he believed the truth was more complicated. She had no choice. Still, she had hurt Elrond at the cottage. Now, guilt colored her dreams. He bent over to kiss her brow. So strong a will in such a delicate-looking body. His long talks with Ecthelion gave him greater insight into and appreciation for what Elwing had accomplished in Gwaelindë. Nearly half of those reborn from Doriath and many of those who perished in Sirion had chosen to make Gwaelindë their home. The remainder decided to live in Edlothdor under Galathil's guidance, hoping that Elu Thingol would someday be reborn.
"We have lived our lives separately." He whispered.
"But still with love," Elwing replied. Shocked that she was awake, he could only gape at her breathtaking silver eyes.
"I do not know my place in this new time." The words left his lips before he could censor them.
"Change is unsettling." Elwing's bright eyes assessed him. He could see a shadow fall over her. Could it be she was as uncertain as he?
"Especially change that may bring new dangers with it." Eärendil said slowly. "I would not have you exposed to such dangers. I," he paused. "I do love you, though it seems I only know a small part of you."
"Would you want to know more?" Elwing shivered and looked away.
"Yes, I would." He laid his hand on her cheek but did not surrender his desire to kiss her. Yes, physically, they always fit together so well, but when they came together, words stopped. Guilt overwhelmed him at the thought he had used her to satisfy his own needs but not given back what she needed.
"You also have to be willing to share of yourself." Elwing placed her hand over his.
"I was defined by the mission set by the Valar. I have not been," he paused suddenly at a loss for words. He wished suddenly for the quiet of the open sky. This conversation was complicated. "Perhaps I do not have much to share."
"We both have basked in the beguiling light of the Silmaril. Its light makes all our own needs and desires flee. But you are now returned to me."
"We will discover our new path together," Eärendil said, then quickly amended. "I will support you on your new path. Not everything has to be together."
"Nay, likely not if you pursue your dream to design and build your own flying ship."
"I think that will take a long time, and I should make some effort to be involved in the governing of Gwaelindë." Eärendil frowned. Politics and governing were not high on his list of enjoyable endeavors. More and more elves would be returning in the years ahead.
"You have done your duty to the Valar for ages. I do not think anyone would mind if you pursue your hobbies now."
"I would also like to spend time with Elrond." The thought made him smile. "Maybe he can be convinced to help with shipbuilding. Cirdan said he took some interest in it."
"I hurt our son. I hurt them both long ago. But now I have hurt him again when I promised to do all I could for him." Elwing's voice held pain. "He may not wish to spend time with me.
"Search your fëa beloved. Can you not feel the nascent bond to our son? In this, he is not the self-assured Lord who ruled Imladris but a hopeful yet tentative soul who dearly would like to establish a relationship with us. He guards his soul against disappointment. We will not disappoint him."
"No, we will not." She agreed and then added. "I will try my best not to."
Xxxxxxxx Edlothdor xxxxxxxxxX
"Ereinion!" Celebrian rose to embrace him. "Is your family here?"
"Indiriel and Gilwen will be here momentarily." Ereinion Gil-Galad smiled brightly. "There was a family of rabbits to watch."
"Your daughter is delightful. These childhood days are so precious and pass far too quickly." Celebrian said with nostalgia, then laughed at her friend's tired sigh. "And in a few more years, you may be able to sleep through the night, but it will be some time before you can sleep late. That is a price parents gladly pay."
"Elwing and Eärendil? Have they kept in contact?" Ereinion pitched his voice so low that no one else would overhear.
"They have sent letters steadily, not even waiting for Elrond's reply." Ereinion was visibly relieved at the news. Celebrian was amused by the change in her in-law's demeanor. She had often wondered why they had not contacted her. She had long hesitated, fearing they would not welcome a relationship with her. "But Elwing was injured and remains in Lórien."
"She will be well in time, as will Elrond. It lifts my heart to see them establish a relationship. As a youth in Mithlond, the loss of his parents hung heavy on his spirit." Ereinion admitted, then added in a low voice. "I had not been certain." Celebrian squeezed his hand as if to say she had the same worries once.
"Have you shared your endeavors of this past yen with him?" Ereinion grinned. The former Lady of Imladris was a skillful diplomat and an artist. Celebrian blushed but shook her head.
"It has not been the right time. His healing comes first."
"But he would rejoice in that knowledge."
"He would also feel self-conscious and think he has no purpose here. He needs years without burdens and responsibility to heal, just as Daeradar, Uncle, and so many others were careful to provide for me."
"And Elrond? Has he taken to jogging yet?" The question reminded her of how well he knew Elrond's ways.
"Not yet."
"So, not recovered." Ereinion frowned, remembering the disparate songs he sensed when Elrond first awakened. "And the melodies of his spirit? The schism that sometimes overcame him, does it still happen with the same frequency?"
"You may still be dismayed by his appearance, but he is most definitely on the mend. Healing of the spirit takes longer, and we are blessed to have aid from afar to help him learn to combine his songs." Celebrian whispered as her cousin gave her a comforting hug. Of Dior's help, she dare not speak. For the son of Lúthien was yet to be re-embodied. "The strengthening of his song and his spirit's subtle but returning glow is real. These woods have been very conducive to healing, as have friends and family."
"I know Olwë and Cévëalë were sad to see you leave." Gil-Galad studied his cousin. Her aura was vibrant and full of hope. Her words on Elrond's health must hold truth.
"Thank you for helping to convince them that a stay in the woods would be best for Elrond and also for convincing Erestor and Gwidian that they could go with their parents to meet the rest of the family in Tol Eressëa."
"I carried many letters from well-wishers from Tol Eressëa. All pray for Elrond's recovery."
"I will wait to give them to him. He needs time to focus on himself and forget about all the others he has thought himself responsible for - if only for a little while." Gil-Galad smiled in agreement.
"Elrond always shouldered far too much responsibility." Gilwen's shriek of joy made Celebrian jump. The little sprite was getting closer and had found something that delighted her.
"At least you do not need to worry about your daughter sneaking up on you."
"Or losing track of her." Gil-Galad smiled. "How do Elrond and Tuor get along?" As far as he knew, Tuor and Idril had always lived in Vanyamar. The reasons for this were unclear. However, he had heard that Idril's Naneth, Elenwë, preferred the quiet gardens and sacred fountains of Vanyamar to the bustle of Tirion.
"Tuor's love of mathematics truly draws Elrond's full attention. His grandfather's tales of the schools of learning and the guild associations give him much to look forward to. Elrond has always valued his title of Lore Master more than any title bestowed through birth."
"Yes, even when I first met him, he thought so." Gil-Galad smiled at the memory of the young Peredhel, who was ever curious and seeking.
"Have you been to the Houses of Learning in Vanyamar?"
"I have not, though I think trips there and to the centers in Tol Eressëa and Tirion are also in your future. Of the schools in Alqualondë, I do not know."
"Olwë already described them to Elrond. I am sure we will be frequently traveling between the cities."
"Is that not what you have dreamed of, although perhaps under pseudonyms that afforded you more privacy?" Ereinion raised his brow. "I have brought my chalumeau. We can coax Elrond to join in playing. Indiriel also procured some of his favorite foods, guaranteed to whey his appetite tonight." Celebrian smile was bright.
"I knew I could count on you both. Elrond hardly knows how to react to being reunited with his dearest family. It will take time, but my heart rejoices that recovery will come."
"Our lives will all change and evolve as more elves are returned from Mandos. The years to come will transform these lands forever." Gil-Galad gave her a wry smile. "But first, should we not wake our slothful elf?" Celebrian laughed and motioned for him to follow.
"Only under the condition that you give us a moment first. I have heard Elrond tell of your thoughtful methods for waking him."
"Mine?" Ereinion smiled innocently. "All lies of course. No one would believe such things about King Gil-Galad."
Xxxxxxxx Dreams xxxxxxxxX
Putrid odor hung in the gray mist over the dead marshes. How many good people had been lost here? Beyond the accursed mountain belched black into the dreary horizon. The fog grew thicker as the sinister words of the black breath struggled for a toehold in his psyche.
"Not real. Just a dream. Eru, I place my trust in you." He shivered as he struggled to wake, following the loving thread to his wife. "Celebrian?" She was here. They were here in the West. He struggled to open his eyes and sit up, blinking away the remnants of the dream. The light that filtered into the flet was bright. "It must be mid-day already." He thought, chagrined that he had slept so long. A white cat stirred from the pillow behind him and slipped onto his lap, purring softly. She rubbed her nose against his palm as a subtle hint for his attention. He obliged her, smiling at her purrs of approval. He almost called her by the wrong name as she reminded him of another dear cat. But the pattern of copper dots near her neck jolted the correct name from his lips.
"Russigil, have you been watching over me?" The cat meowed in agreement.
"I am most grateful for your care, little one."
"Do not hunt among the shadows, for there is abundant love here, Meleth-nin." Celebrian's stepped into the room, her concerned gaze softened as she saw him. "Meleth, I pray these ill dreams will soon cease tormenting you."
"Forever," he regretted the whispered word and amended. "The lives of elves are so long that ill experiences linger." He shivered at the insight, but her hand traced his cheek.
"Nay, not forever." She breathed as she kissed his ear. "The trauma in our past recedes as we focus on the love and wonder that has also filled our lives." Even as the words left her lips, she knew that some hurt resurfaced in memories at times. Russigil mewed in jealousy. Elrond laughed and murmured lightly to the cat. His mood was brightened by the love bestowed.
"Shall I relinquish this warm space for your nap, Russigil?" The cat huffed and allowed her elf to rise, pacing slowly in his vacated spot before settling. Celebrian smiled at the cat's possessiveness.
"There is still time for us to wander the gardens and listen to the music." He paused to kiss his wife gently, wordlessly adding other pleasures that might yet be enjoyed. "For this blessing, my heart rejoices."
"There is time in abundance." She linked hands with him and pulled him to his feet. He blushed, embarrassed that he had slept so long. "You need time to heal. You shouldered many burdens and responsibilities these last years." She smiled at a low huff that left his lips as he proceeded to wash his face and hands. She loved to watch him dress, enormously happy to observe the slow fading of his scars. She moved to the small wardrobe and picked out a soft shirt with silver embroidery.
"Is that not too formal for a walk in the garden?" His brow inched higher. She licked her lips as she handed it to him, smiling broadly as he shivered. But the garment slipped easily over his shoulders, and he buttoned it. She watched him freeze momentarily as a shadow fell over his face, and then he brightened.
"My King? Why do you wait on the threshold?" Elrond's voice wavered uncharacteristically as he called toward the closed door. It opened to reveal the shining figure of Ereinion Gil-Galad.
"I am King no longer." Gil-Galad declared though Elrond smiled wryly. Ereinion Gil-Galad would always be larger than life. In two strides, the former King had crossed the room and embraced him. In his exuberance, Gil-Galad nearly knocked the recovering Peredhel off his feet. Russigil huffed, then darted between their legs and out the door. Celebrian smiled as she saw her husband close his eyes as he tried to rein in his emotions, still amazed to find Gil-Galad returned to life. The former King had been re-embodied some five hundred years. Ereinion sensed his feelings and moved to distract him with a different topic.
"Bring your harp!" Ereinion ordered even as he turned towards the wardrobe. "It is fitting for us to gather as a family in song."
Celebrian glimpsed his thoughts of Arwen, Estel, and their son sitting with Elrohir and Elladan and felt his pain mingle with her own at the realization that they would never share such joys with their daughter's children. She blinked back her own tears as she comforted her husband.
"You gave them all that you could, Meleth-nin. If you had stayed, you would not have survived enough to see their children. You would have slipped to Mandos or disappeared in the wind before the turn of another year." Celebrian brushed a tear from her husband's cheek.
"You packed a truck of gifts for Arwen," she smiled through her own pain. I am overjoyed that you remember my journals." Elrond was too overwhelmed to respond. Arwen will love reading them and recording her own experiences for our grandchildren to read later." She hugged him. Her mind registered that the other occupant of the room was silent. They turned to see Gil-Galad looking at jewelry on the buro.
"Vilya, I recognize, though I see it has lost its secrets. But what is the significance of this ring with a swan? It was crafted by exceedingly skilled hands, yet I do not think it is elven work."
"Nay, not wroth by elves." Elrond agreed in a soft voice. "And it is recently acquired, but two years ago."
"A tale I have yet to hear." Celebrian was intrigued.
"I am afraid the House of Eärendil and the Haven of Imladris hold little sway with the Lords of Gondor." Elrond smiled wanly. "We had prepared - bringing food, gifts, craftspeople, and healers to Minas Tirith. The politics of a kingdom of men was one thing I had hoped not to experience again. Yet, Arwen had chosen and would not be parted from Aragorn. The possibility of our arrival stirring dangerous intrigue concerned me greatly, for the return of a long-lost King with his foreign bride was bound to have consequences among their nobility. Fortunately, the Prince of Dol Amroth proved to be a strong ally for Aragorn and was quite impressed with Elladan and Elrohir. Our sons and I were inducted into the Swan Knights of Dol Amroth. Perhaps Arwen will be afforded some additional protection through this association that I can no longer offer." Elrond paused. His guilt and grief at having left his children was palpable.
"You did not abandon them." Celebrian soothed.
"Elrond!" Gil-Galad's loud voice caused them both to jump. You had no more to give. You barely survived the journey west. Besides, you did not leave children but able adults who are more than capable of meeting the challenges they will face." Elrond nodded and whispered.
"Perhaps a granddaughter may marry one of the Prince's descendants. Who can say what visions may come to pass?"
"Beware, Finrod will press you for news of Barahir's descendants." Gil-Galad smiled at the thought of the Prince's single-mindedness. "He will not settle for short answers. You should prepare for days of conversation."
"Did you see aught of Imladris' future?" Celebrian brushed a wayward strand of hair behind Elrond's ear as she inspected his appearance.
"Glimpses, though I know not how far in the future. I saw a daunting city, far surpassing Lindon in its prime. The peaks were worn down by time and by the industry of men. The house perched like a castle atop the hillside, overshadowing a city below. Elrohir guessed that one of Arwen's children would take over the leadership of the valley." The celebrant pursed her lips in a prayer that her sons would eventually sail west and not choose the path of the secondborn. Gil-Galad suddenly darted across the room as he glimpsed a silver instrument perched near the bed.
"I see you kept my gift well!" He declared, lifting the silver harp to inspect it more closely.
"Come," Gil-Galad ordered as he picked up the harp. "It is time to make some wonderful memories." He led them out of the flet and down toward the clearing where the others were waiting. He handed the harp to one of the guards to store with the other instruments. Indiriel, Galathil, his wife, Tuor, and Idril were talking softly but mostly watching a little Elfling play with the cat.
"Russigil! Do not rip my tunic. Nana will get mad." Gilwen was admonishing the mischievous cat. The little elfling's serious mien nearly made Celebrian laugh. The Elfling turned at the noise. "Ada, Ada, Ada!" She laughed and ran to Gil-Galad.
"Gilwen, Gilwen, Gilwen!" Gil-Galad mimicked his daughter as he lifted her and swung her over his head. Bright, infectious laughter rang out from the tiny pellets. Gil-Galad turned towards his friends. "Are you going to greet …"
"Uncle Elrond! Aunt Celbree!" Gilwen interrupted. Celebrian did laugh as Gil-Galad allowed his daughter to jump into Elrond's open hands. Immediately the little one pulled on Elrond's braids.
"I am happy to see you look rested, although we were thinking of beginning the meal without you." Galathil rose when he saw them approach. His wife Rhílir waved them over.
"He is not serious." Rhílir laughed. "We just brought out the food. Come sit!" Gilwen had already clamored down from Elrond's arms, though she held tight to one of his hands as she reached for her Adar's hand.
"Swing!" She demanded. Her Adar and Elrond were happy to oblige, and she was beaming as they swung her steadily between them.
"Are you going to help her with her meal?" Indiriel inquired as Gilwen demanded the seat between her Adar and Elrond. Her Naneth was happy to hand over responsibility for the meal, as the overexcited child had already stood on her seat. Her wide eyes surveyed the foods laid out before them.
"A special salad for you." Indiriel picked up a bowl and transferred it to Gil-Galad, who impolitely plopped a large serving on Elrond's plate. His daughter sat between them and carefully held her hands over her own plate. She was against her Adar giving her a serving but was giggling at the treatment of her 'Uncle.'
"Eat! You need it." Gil-Galad ordered, amused at his dear friend's incredulous stare. "Would you like something, Gilwen?" The child stood up to seriously assess the choices. Her Adar pointed out ones she might enjoy. Elrond recovered enough to inspect the salad. His fork immediately found a succulent fiddlehead. But Celebrian was heartened when he also ate the feta cheese and the beans, for he was still too thin, although she would not declare it aloud, unlike Gil-Galad. Elrond sensed her disquiet and smiled at her. She had yet to disclose much about the life she had made here these last five hundred years, and she liked her lips in anticipation of the promise of their future.
"Celebrian, need I protect my former Herald from your machinations?" Gil-Galad called her out. But it was Elrond who blushed and Galathil who laughed in amusement.
"Are you sure you are related to Elu Thingol? The way you blush, I would have thought you were a young Celeborn." Galathil's comment caused Celebrian to nearly choke on her drink.
"Adar was easily embarrassed?"
"When he was young. Our Adar, Melian, and Elu found it quite endearing. Although, by your reactions, he has long outgrown that tendency." Galathil looked a bit nostalgic. "It just shows how much time has passed. I doubt I would know much about him now apart from his appearance. Elves we may be, but we have spent most of our lives separated by unfortunate circumstances." Only one re-embodied could speak so nonchalantly of having passed through Mandos.
"But you know the daughter he raised. She reflects highly on him. In addition, you have heard of his deeds and actions in these last ages. I think he is the one who will have no idea of what you have accomplished in these many years." Elrond wisely pointed out. He did not glance at Celebrian, though he did gift her a wordless comment. "You do want to share those things with me?"
"Of course, beloved. All in good time." She promised mind-to-mind. Dinner was a wonderful affair as the conversation spun of times past and people who were now lost to them across the expanse of sea. Galathil and Rhílir spun tales of Celeborn and Galadriel as they were in Doriath. At the same time, Idril and Tuor divulged stories of Glorfindel, as they knew him in Gondolin and later after his re-embodiment in Aman. If they laughed and cried, it was for people they knew they would meet again. Only Gilwen was bored by the tales and soon fluttered back and forth between playing with Russigil and bringing her Naneth or alternately her Adar some treasured pebble or flower, which they patiently accepted with the required praise and piled on the table in between them. Too soon, the meal was over.
"Songs!" Gilwen cried. "Ada! You promised!"
"So I did!" Gil-Galad's announcement was met by a shrill shriek of joy. "Come, let us move and gather our instruments. Gilwen grabbed her Naneth's hand intent to skip towards their destination, where Rhílir already stood putting together her flute.
"It seems fitting that we should teach Elu's descendant some of the songs of Doriath," Galathil announced as he produced a folder with music. "I made copies for you. Elrond pushed back from the table and moved to follow them slowly. In the presence of such jovial company and intriguing tales, he had eaten far more than usual. He halted suddenly, his whole posture tense as he scanned the perimeter. Celebrian was by his side in an instant. She followed his gaze to see the outline of a shimmering figure hidden near the far tree.
"A Maia here?" She asked mind-to-mind. They both knew of the Valar's decree that prevented Maiar from entering the settlement of Edlothdor while Elrond resided here. Moments later, their line of sight was blocked by Gil-Galad, who stepped protectively in front of them. "Can Ereinion sense it too?" She wondered. Then Elrond relaxed, and she knew that the being had departed.
"Curiosity? Or something more sinister." Elrond asked, though he did not speak aloud. The King was surveying the area. Celebrian realized that Galathil had signaled many guards, who now stood nearby at attention.
"We, too, spent an age working together." Gil-Galad's voice held amusement in answer to Celebrian's earlier query. "Like Glorfindel, I can readily speak mind-to-mind."
"But you need not put yourself in danger." Elrond protested.
"Reborn Kings are a dime a dozen here, as are Princes. But for some five thousand years, only one has answered to the title of Master of Imladris." Gil-Galad said wryly and loudly as he turned, clapped Elrond on the back, and guided him toward where their instruments were set. Celebrian held back a laugh, for Elrond had expressed similar sentiments when others called him a Prince. "For now, I think it is safe for us to make some music."
Xxxxxxx Lórien xxxxxxxX
A Elbereth Gilthoniel!
o menel palan-díriel
le nallon sí di'nguruthos!
A tiro nin, Fanuilos!
She sighed and stretched her hand, automatically reaching out from the covers to caress the bark of the grand Mallorn tree. The grand tree hummed low in tune to the song, clearly enjoying the hymn that elves were singing somewhere far below.
"Thank you for sheltering me." She smiled at the tree's rumbled response. She turned on her side, contemplating whether she felt strong enough to rise. Her clothes were neatly folded and put away in a small wardrobe on the far side of the room. A small table held a pitcher and bowl meant for a quick washing. But daily ablutions took place in baths that suddenly seemed insurmountably far away. Her body was weighted down, and her eyelids were too heavy. The tree's song grew deeper as the elves' hymns echoed away. Its low hum rumbled in her bones as she took a deep breath and let consciousness slip away. A soft hand brushed her brow before a cool cloth followed. She shivered and tensed as her mind immediately whispered danger.
"Sell-nin, all is well. You are safe." The voice was soft but held authority. "I should know. I have been Queen of the Noldor for years uncounted." Eärwen laughed softly at her daughter's startled blue eyes flew open.
"Do not fear. You opened yourself towards your Adar and I. Do you not remember?" Eärwen waited patiently. Memories of days resting on the shores of Lake Lórellin returned. Her Adar words echoed in her mind. "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."
"If Arafinwë, King of the Noldor, can say that, it must be true. He sends his greetings and will return in a fortnight after he has quelled whatever pressing issues have come up in Tirion." Her Naneth smiled as she gently rinsed the washcloth in the fragrant solution. "Do not worry. Your Adar has a way of settling disagreements."
"Lavender?" It was reminiscent of lavender from Lothlórien but yet slightly different. Elrond's voice came out of memory. "Soil components, sun, and harvest methods alter the ratio of the different components of the natural compounds. Lavender is primarily a mixture of linalool and linalyl acetate but contains small amounts of perhaps ten other compounds. I think it also contains some waxy material found in camphor laurel leaves."
"Elrond will enjoy being able to follow his interests in healing and natural products." Galadriel was startled back to the present by her Naneth's voice. It was unsettling to have one's mind be so open.
"Especially when one is known far and wide as being inscrutable." Her Naneth smiled, clearly amused by the situation, and suddenly, laughter welled from deep within her. She laughed long until tears ran down her cheeks. Her Naneth! It was her Naneth sitting right here in front of her. A prayer answer after so many years! Eärwen took it in stride and let her laugh until, finally, she was gathered in a gentle embrace. "I love you, Sell-nin."
"I love you too." She whispered. They rested long, drawing comfort from each other until Eärwen finally sat back and assessed her.
"You have slept long and are better for it." She helped her rise and set about combing her hair. "But I think a meal and perhaps a soak in the baths will do you good. We can go together."
"Adar comes back in a fortnight."
"But Finrod and Amarië are here still." Eärwen smiled. "You were not surprised to see them married."
"My heart told me it would be so. It provided some comfort that he should be blessed with bliss after so much hardship." Her voice trailed off as memories assaulted her.
"Dwell not on what you sensed when he was lost. He has been returned to us these many years. I have practice caring for those recovering and returned."
"Who else?" Galadriel realized she had not dared to ask who else might have returned from Mandos. Eärwen just sighed and kissed her.
"This time is for your recovery. We will talk about others returned or reborn later." She pulled her to standing. "Except to say that Celebrian is not my only granddaughter. Arafinwë will not return unaccompanied. Your nieces cannot be appeased any further. It has been hard enough to keep them away."
"Nieces!"
"Finrod and Amarië have been married many years. Long enough where their daughters are grown and are pushing boundaries much like the Aunt they so admire."
Xxxxxxxx Second breakfasts xxxxxxxxX
"Wonderful! You have accepted our invitation for second breakfast!" Bilbo rose slowly as the Peredhil approached.
"For some of us, it is our first breakfast." Eärendil declared as he seated his wife. She was inspecting the food laid out abundantly on the low wooden table, perfect height for hobbits.
"I will be sure to tell Elrond. He will be happy to hear that I have cared for his parents." Bilbo declared proudly, then passed the plate of delicate bakery items. "These are his favorites, vanilla aurcram."
"His favorite?" Elwing reached to try one.
"Cook, well that is how the cook of Imladris likes to be called, knew what dishes would entice the Master of Imladris. Cook always worried that Master Elrond missed too many meals." Bilbo looked at Frodo, who seemed a bit uncomfortable.
"How do you know?" The younger hobbit finally dared to ask. Elwing took a bite of the aurcram and found them to her liking. Eärendil preferred to sample the bread and cheese first.
"I spent many years at Imladris," Bilbo replied firmly. "And a hobbit's duty is to ensure the kitchens are well handled. So, I often talked with Cook and his staff. I also shared recipes with him and with Cheredeth, the pastry chef. Have you met some of the cooks here?" He directed the question at Frodo.
"I had not thought to ask where the kitchens were." Frodo blushed as he served himself a deviled egg. Under Bilbo's scrutiny, he looked down and then, with nothing better to do, took a bite of the egg.
"See, that is how I know you are not yet cured."
"But definitely on the path towards healing." Elwing came to the younger hobbit's rescue. She was no stranger to being teased about her eating habits. "I had not thought to visit the kitchens here, although in Gwaelindë I help with the traditional making of lemba and cooked on feast days."
"You cook?" The question escaped Eärendil's lips too fast. Elwing held back a smile at her husband's embarrassment. Instead, she reached over to caress his hand. But Bilbo did not notice their exchange.
"We should cook together sometime soon!" The elder hobbit declared. "Nothing is better than preparing a meal together and enjoying each other's company!"