Post by Rhonda on May 22, 2014 21:47:29 GMT -5
Chapter 10 – Unexpected Guests
Thranduil’s traveling party was just reaching the foot of the Misty Mountains. Movement to this point in their journey had been uneventful. A few spiders as the caravan left the Greenwood had been efficiently dispatched and now they were about to make the climb up the Eastern slopes of the mountains to the crest that would lead them to the hidden valley of Imladris. Thranduil was in good spirits as he rode alongside his son Legolas. The young elf was antsy, itching to ride well ahead of his father with their scouts to survey the terrain. The lumbering caravan of wagons and warriors wasn’t moving fast enough for the young prince and he wanted to be about moving faster...a lot faster. Surprisingly Thranduil was patient, definitely more than usual. It wasn’t often that he left his realm to travel, and he was quite enjoying himself. Being out in the fresh air amongst the trees did his spirit good. He felt enlivened, rejuvenated, and he could not wait to get to Imladris to celebrate with Elrond, and to meet this human who seemed to have found a way to captivate the hearts and souls of all of Rivendell.
Thranduil was, as always, prepared to impress. Whatever else went on in his kingdom he would never let it be said that he did not sit the throne as a king should. Normally he would have traveled with six to eight wagons filled with clothing and assorted accoutrement, two valets, at least three manservants, a personal maid and his seneschal. But thankfully for this trip a more reasoned head prevailed, and Legolas was able to talk him into bringing only his valet and leaving the rest of the staff at home. Having made what he considered a huge concession to his son, the elf king insisted on having three full wagons of clothing, citing the fact that you never could tell who might show up in Imladris and he did not wish to be caught unprepared in the event that someone of import arrived.
As they made their way through the pass that led to the hidden valley, Legolas could feel the gaze of several sets of eyes upon them. He was just about to fall back and inform his father when Findol, an eastern post sentry, appeared before them in the middle of the trail. The smiling sentry immediately welcomed the guests.
“Legolas, welcome! It has been long since we have had the pleasure of your company.” The young prince was just about to respond when Findol realized who it was that rode behind him. “Milord Thranduil, I beg pardon your majesty I did not see you there behind your escort.” The sentry immediately took to a knee and bowed, having heard of Thranduil’s penchant for decorum and ritual, he would not let it be said that he had not displayed the proper etiquette or that he had failed to represent his lord Elrond in an appropriate fashion.
“Rise sentry. I take it that when you spotted us you sent word forward to the house announcing our arrival?”
“Yes Milord, word was sent several hours ago when you were first detected on the trail.”
“Very good…we will be on our way then. As enjoyable as this trip with my son has been, I am anxious to be rid of my traveling clothes and into one of Elrond’s hot baths.”
“Of course milord,” Findol said as he stepped aside to allow the caravan to continue. However, as he stepped back, Thranduil had another question…
“A word more sentry…how fares the Lady Nénilya? Is she still in charge of Elrond’s kitchens?
“The Lady is well milord and still running her domain like a culinary general.”
“Ah Wonderful!” the elf king exclaimed. “I have quite been looking forward to seeing her again, and to tasting her epicurean delights once more. Forward then, let us move with haste; for the Lady’s dinner table beckons, and I would be off this trail before nightfall.” With the king’s order the caravan moved on down the pathway towards scented baths, warm hearths, and the Lady Nilya’s famous biscuits.
~~~~~
Cilinwë sat quietly beside Erestor watching as the seneschal sipped his tea. He was composed now, and the sword master could see faint signs appearing of the confident poised elf he knew so well. Placing his cup on a side table near the hearth, Erestor looked up and spoke for the first time in almost an hour.
“I really should get dressed and get about my day. Despite what has happened I still have my duties to perform…at least Elrond left me that.”
“I do not think that anyone expects you to work right now Erestor. This has been an unsettling day for all of us. No one would blame you if you stopped to take some time for yourself.”
“I would,” he said softly. “It would be selfish. I have already participated in more levels of selfishness and immaturity this day than I care to count. It cannot continue, there are others who depend on me, contracts to review, deliveries to assemble, classes to…”
His voice trailed off as the realization hit him that he would not be teaching Estel. That privilege had been taken from him and there was no one to blame for it but himself. Cilinwë opened his mouth to refute Erestor’s declaration when they heard the sudden knock at the door. Erestor, visibly shaken by the new facts of his life, shook his head in dismay, “I do not wish to see anyone right now,” he said as he turned his back to the door.
“I will take care of it,” Cilinwë offered as he moved toward the portal. Opening the door the swordmaster was surprised to see Silmo, one of the house sentries standing on the other side.
“I am sorry to disturb you Master Cilinwë, I was hoping to speak to Lord Erestor, is he available?”
“Lord Erestor is somewhat…indisposed at the moment, what do you need?”
“A travel party has been seen on the road heading this way. They should be here within the hour.”
“Do we know who it is? How many are in the party?”
“The only person whose identity has been confirmed is Prince Legolas of the woodland realm. There appear to be six to eight people in the group; they are driving several large wagons…”
“Wagons?”
“Yes sir and there is one other thing, the post sentries believe that one of the party may be King Thranduil himself. At the time they were too far away to be sure, and as you know, the King has not been here to Imladris in an age, so..”
“I understand Silmo, there are very few here in Imladris who are old enough to know what the King looks like, especially from a distance. Very well, worry not, Lord Erestor will be down to organize things momentarily. In the meantime put the staff on alert, start in the kitchen with Lady Nilya, she does not like surprises of this kind and this will at least give her a head start with her dinner plans. Tell her that Lord Erestor will be down to coordinate with her shortly.”
“Yes sir, I will take care of it immediately. Oh, there is one other thing sir…no one has informed Lord Elrond yet, would you have me take care of that as well?”
“No, Silmo, that will be all, I will speak to our Lord Elrond personally.”
“As you will Master Cilinwë, but before I go, would you tell Lord Erestor that I hope things are better for him soon…we all do.” and with that the house sentry headed downstairs towards the kitchens.
Cilinwë quietly closed the door and turned back into the room to find Erestor exiting his bathing chamber fully dressed and ready to go.
“That did not take long” he commented.
“There is work to be done. If it is indeed Thranduil on his way here then there is much to do to make things ready. He is no ordinary guest and will expect Elrond’s best during his visit. The first thing I must do is go and speak to El; hopefully he will not slam the door in my face. I will tell him about the possible arrival of Thranduil and I will ask him to reconsider letting me see Estel…if only to assure myself that he is all right.”
“I will walk with you,”
Erestor understood only too well that his friend was still trying to protect him, to run interference as it were, between him and Elrond, and as much as he appreciated it he could not afford to let it continue.
“I know what you are trying to do and I love you for it, but I must handle this on my own.”
“A word of advice Restor, I do not believe that now is the time to speak to Elrond about Estel, his emotions right now are too raw and there is bound to be lingering anger. Perhaps a better time would be after the little one is up and about. Were I you I would express my concern over the babe and leave it at that.”
The wise little seneschal thought on it for a moment more before he commented, “Perhaps you are right, doing anything more will surely elicit more anger in him than he already has. I will take your advice in this Linwë; I will only inquire of the baby, nothing more, perhaps later when things have quieted down I can have a private moment with El, maybe then I can bring it up.”
“Very well then, I will leave you to it. I am heading down to the training field in a while…would you like me to check on Glorfindel before I go?”
Erestor was torn, he had been very angry with the balrog slayer but now, having sat here for hours knowing that this discord lay between them, his anger had abated. Now he was truly concerned over Glorfindel’s welfare and wondering whether the slayer was feeling the same way about him. Looking away, Erestor answered quietly “I suppose I would be interested to know how he is doing…,” he said with an offhanded shrug.
Linwë smiled knowingly, “I thought as much” he replied softly. “I will find out how things are going for him and report to you after supper.”
“There is no need to ‘report,’” Erestor said timidly.
“No there is not…but I will anyway. Come on let us get about it then, you have a lot of work waiting for you and I have trainees who have probably been lounging for the last hour learning nothing.” Opening the door he led Erestor out and clapped him on the back for encouragement. “Have faith old friend, things will sort themselves out shortly, as soon as Estel is up and about all will be forgiven.”
“From your mouth to Elbereth’s ear” Erestor said as he walked away to face his fate, and his Lord for the first time since Elrond’s edict.
~~~~~
Glorfindel was fuming. He’d suffered many indignities in his long life, but this was different, this was personal. To be struck by an elf who was no more than a child, no matter which of his begetting days you used to count the years, and to have to stand there and take it was more than embarrassing, it was humiliating and he could not remember the last time he had been brought to that. Making his way to the kitchen he ignored the stunned stares and the surreptitious glances. There was only one face here that he sought and only one opinion that he cared to hear, that of the Lady Nénilya. The lady was the oldest resident of Imladris and was thought to be older even than Galadriel or Celeborn, which said much. Definitely an elf born sometime during the year of the trees, she had seen both of Glorfindel’s arrivals to Middle Earth and never failed to remind him of it.
When he appeared at the door to the kitchen she immediately motioned him into the pantry where they could talk privately. Standing there behind closed doors he looked ever so much like a misbehaved child who had just been caught with his hands in the pie safe. Posture slumped, head hung low he stood there silently waiting for the lady to speak, to take him to task for what he’d done. Instead, what he got was an enveloping embrace from a set of motherly arms. There, in front of the only person other than Erestor who he would allow to see his weakness, he broke down. Sobbing uncontrollably he let it all out.
“I messed up, I messed everything up. I threw the bottle that cut Estel…Estel Nilya…I hurt the baby, he looks up to me and I behaved like a spoiled child…how will he ever forgive me, how am I supposed to forgive myself?”
Nilya silently led him over to a bench and motioned him to sit. Allowing him to unburden himself she bid him “Continue.”
“Elladan is furious, he has just taken a swing at me,” he said as he rubbed his bruised jaw, “Elrond has had it with me, he has banned me from his table, and forbidden me to come near Estel, how will I ever be able to make him understand that I did not hurt him on purpose if I cannot apologize to him and explain that it was unintentional?”
He sat silently for a moment before Nilya spoke again, “Is the child your only concern?”
“Of course not…I have let everyone down; I do not know how I can ever look my warriors in the eyes again. I am Elrond’s Caun, the Commander of his Host, and I above all others have been the one to injure his child, disrupt his home and upheave the peace of this valley.”
“And…?” she questioned expectantly.
Covering his face with his hands and with his elbows on his knees Glorfindel sat forward with his golden locks obscuring his face and the tears began again.
“I have lost him Nilya…I have lost the only love I have ever had in all my many years here in Middle Earth.”
“Really?” she asked incredulously. “So you think him so fickle in his devotion that an argument..”
“A fight.”
“All right then,” she conceded, “a fight, you think that a fight can wash away all the years the two of you have spent together? That Erestor is so devoid of feeling, so bereft of loyalty that he would just cast you aside without trying to reconcile your differences? Is that what you think?”
Glorfindel could only shake his head no.
“Then do not speak foolishly child. Erestor loves you every bit as much as you love him. The two of you have just hit a bit of a rough patch, that is all. You must have faith in him, faith that he wishes to see this resolved as much as you do, faith that he will do what he can to make that happen.”
“Granted,” she continued, “it will not be easy at first, especially with the restriction Elrond has placed upon the two of you, but do not worry over that, I will speak to him…”
“It will do no good.”
“Heh, do not be so sure golden one, I am not without influence where Elrond is concerned, trust me in this,” she smiled, “I know where all the proverbial bodies are buried where that one is concerned” she said laughingly. “I think I can get him to see things my way in this.”
Glorfindel looked at her beseechingly, “Nilya if you could get him to relent, just a little…”
“Do not worry nín malthen glaur (my golden light) I have my own brand of ammunition…I think I can get him to …reevaluate things. In any event leave it to me, and while I work on Elrond what will you be doing?”
“I thought it would be best if I left the house for a while…just for a while,” he said trying to reassure her that he was not running away. “I thought that I might go out to the western sentry post, just until things calm down, they are always undermanned and I can make myself useful there. Tis certainly better than sitting here…...”
“Hummm…pining for the exotic one?”
Glorfindel couldn’t help but smile. “He is beautiful my Erestor, is he not?”
“Leave it to you to think of that first,” she said as she gently rapped him on the side of his head with her fist. “Come on, go, use my room and get yourself cleaned up and do not forget to say goodbye to me before you leave…I will make you a proper supper to take with you on the trail. Go, go on” she said as she pushed him towards the door. Giving her one last hug he thanked her for her help.
“Thank you for understanding,” he said kissing her cheek.
“Pish tosh…Go” she said with a blush on her cheeks. As he walked away she silently thanked the Valar for the mighty gift they had seen fit to bestow upon her, the children of Imladris, and the children of all the other realms that she had mentored and mothered for these many millennia. “Thank you Manwë, together we will see him right.”
~~~~~
Elrond sat at the side of the bed watching over his youngest son. Elladan and Elrohir had just returned from Glorfindel’s room along with Haldir and Rúmil who were now pacing impatiently on the balcony. The Imladrian Lord was trying his best not to lose his temper as he argued with his eldest over his recent behavior.
“You had no right to put your hands on him.”
“Adar he hurt Estel!”
“And as much as I know you love your brother, you are not his father. If any action was to be taken against Glorfindel, which it was, it was up to me to take it, not you.”
“But Adar…”
“Silence! Do not stand there and gainsay me! You had no right to do what you did. I had already punished Glorfindel and Erestor, quite severely I might add, and your interference has only served to make the situation worse.”
“Adar please,” Elrohir interjected, “how has it been made worse, as much as I hate to agree with Elladan, Glorfindel got what he deserved.” Elrond stood and moved to the center of the room drawing Elladan and Elrohir with him, and away from the sleeping boy.
“It has been made worse by the fact that your brother has now committed the same offense for which I had to discipline Glorfindel. By striking him he placed himself in a position where his actions are no better than Glorfindel’s in harming Estel. At least Glorfindel can claim that what he did was accidental – your brother however cannot. He deliberately laid hands upon him in an effort to inflict harm.”
“But Adar…”
“Be quiet Elrohir, your brother does not have a leg to stand on in this. He has attacked my Caun, (Commander of the Host) and in doing so has exacerbated the upheaval in my home. Attacking Glorfindel serves no purpose, it does not help Estel, it does not make for peace in our home, and it does not set a good example for others in the house to follow. What if everyone did what he did? Is this the way we settle disputes in this house? Has this ever been the way we handle things here?” But Elrond’s question would remain unanswered, for at that moment they finally noticed Estel sitting up in the bed, tears streaming down his face, struggling to catch his breath.
“Estel!” Elrond called out as he rushed to his son’s side. “You are awake ion nín.” Elrohir called out to Haldir and Rúmil as Elladan approached the bed. Dan reached out to caress his brother, but Estel was having none of it. Flinching back, away from his elder brother’s touch, the child buried his face in his father’s shoulder and began to cry in earnest.
“What happened?” Haldir questioned as he reached the bed.
“I am not sure,” Elrond whispered as he rubbed the child’s back trying to calm him. “He probably heard me chastising Elrohir. Elbereth knows he has heard enough arguing and fighting this day to last him a lifetime.” Gently the Elven lord tried to pull the child away from his shoulder, but Estel held on even tighter and cried even harder.
“It must seem to him that everyone around him is fighting” Haldir said as he knelt at the boy’s side. Elrond continued to try to calm the boy and ease his breathing to no avail, Estel just cried on, shaking in the elf lord’s arms, his breathing becoming more labored. The warden felt as if his heart would break, he’d seen this kind of emotional unrest before with Orophin, when their parents were killed. His brother cried for days as the three of them made their way alone through the wilderness to the golden wood.
“My Lord, may I give it a try?”
“Of course Haldir,” Elrond said resignedly, “you certainly cannot do any worse than we have.”
“Estel... it is me Halli…will you come...” Before he could finish his sentence Estel turned and launched himself into the safety of Haldir’s arms. “Halli!” he called out, “Dey fightin’, dey all fightin’.”
“Ssshhh, little one they are not going to fight any more, is that not right Elrohir?”
“We are just having a difference of opinion Estel…we are not really fighting are we Adar?”
Elrond tried to verify Elrohir’s statement “Of course not, it is only a disagreement ion nín.” But Estel wasn’t buying it, not one bit.
“I heard dem Halli, Roh is dis ‘puttin’ Ada, and Dan hit Glorfyyyy!” Haldir was at a loss as to what to do. He was not Estel’s father and he knew his next move could get him sent packing. The only thing he was sure of was that he had to do what was best for Estel, and d**n the consequences. So he did. Standing with the boy in his arms he made his pronouncement.
“Until things calm down Estel will come with us. He will stay in the room with Rúmil and me until everyone involved has examined their demeanor and can comport themselves like the adults he loves. Rúmil bring his things.”
Elladan was the first one to speak. “You cannot do that! Adar say something…by what right do you take Estel anywhere?” Haldir answered calmly, “I am his tirn…and I will care for him until those around him can.”
“Adar…” Elrohir interjected, but his objection was met with Elrond’s iron will. “Haldir is right,” moving to place a kiss on the boy’s forehead he gave Haldir his blessing. “Take him where he feels safe Hal, until I get this chaos straightened out he will stay with you and Rúmil..”
“But Adar...”
“And I will hear no more of this. Go, Haldir take him out of this confusion…when we have calmed down we will come and visit. Will that be all right with you melyanna? When we have stopped fighting we will come and visit with you?” The child nodded his agreement and then made his own pronouncement. “You been very bad Roh…you too Dan…Ada is mad and you did dat. I not speakin’ to you til you get good again.”
With that the child turned back to Haldir and issued his own orders. “Les go Halli, come on Wú we gon’ leave.” As Haldir walked towards the door Estel looked over his shoulder and pointed his finger at his brothers saying…”Bad elves…you not getting’ no walk either, you gonna get it! Right Ada?” There was only one acceptable answer, and Elrond gave it forcefully.
“Right ion nín…their walking days are over.”
Slowly the Master of the Last Homely House turned to face his sons. Many lessons would be taught this day, and he would start with those who seemed to need it most. For too long he had allowed the twins to run wild, had given them their freedom in the name of patience, and had turned a blind eye to their shortcomings in the name of love. Now those chickens were coming back to roost with devastating consequences, and he intended to put a stop to it here and now. As he raised his head and made eye contact with his sons the look on his face was unmistakable. Gone were the eyes of their father, and in their place were the eyes of a warrior, the no nonsense Herald of Gil-galad…the Lord of Imladris, and by the end of this conversation, come hell or Mordor’s hounds, they would both know exactly who was running things in the hidden valley.
Thranduil’s traveling party was just reaching the foot of the Misty Mountains. Movement to this point in their journey had been uneventful. A few spiders as the caravan left the Greenwood had been efficiently dispatched and now they were about to make the climb up the Eastern slopes of the mountains to the crest that would lead them to the hidden valley of Imladris. Thranduil was in good spirits as he rode alongside his son Legolas. The young elf was antsy, itching to ride well ahead of his father with their scouts to survey the terrain. The lumbering caravan of wagons and warriors wasn’t moving fast enough for the young prince and he wanted to be about moving faster...a lot faster. Surprisingly Thranduil was patient, definitely more than usual. It wasn’t often that he left his realm to travel, and he was quite enjoying himself. Being out in the fresh air amongst the trees did his spirit good. He felt enlivened, rejuvenated, and he could not wait to get to Imladris to celebrate with Elrond, and to meet this human who seemed to have found a way to captivate the hearts and souls of all of Rivendell.
Thranduil was, as always, prepared to impress. Whatever else went on in his kingdom he would never let it be said that he did not sit the throne as a king should. Normally he would have traveled with six to eight wagons filled with clothing and assorted accoutrement, two valets, at least three manservants, a personal maid and his seneschal. But thankfully for this trip a more reasoned head prevailed, and Legolas was able to talk him into bringing only his valet and leaving the rest of the staff at home. Having made what he considered a huge concession to his son, the elf king insisted on having three full wagons of clothing, citing the fact that you never could tell who might show up in Imladris and he did not wish to be caught unprepared in the event that someone of import arrived.
As they made their way through the pass that led to the hidden valley, Legolas could feel the gaze of several sets of eyes upon them. He was just about to fall back and inform his father when Findol, an eastern post sentry, appeared before them in the middle of the trail. The smiling sentry immediately welcomed the guests.
“Legolas, welcome! It has been long since we have had the pleasure of your company.” The young prince was just about to respond when Findol realized who it was that rode behind him. “Milord Thranduil, I beg pardon your majesty I did not see you there behind your escort.” The sentry immediately took to a knee and bowed, having heard of Thranduil’s penchant for decorum and ritual, he would not let it be said that he had not displayed the proper etiquette or that he had failed to represent his lord Elrond in an appropriate fashion.
“Rise sentry. I take it that when you spotted us you sent word forward to the house announcing our arrival?”
“Yes Milord, word was sent several hours ago when you were first detected on the trail.”
“Very good…we will be on our way then. As enjoyable as this trip with my son has been, I am anxious to be rid of my traveling clothes and into one of Elrond’s hot baths.”
“Of course milord,” Findol said as he stepped aside to allow the caravan to continue. However, as he stepped back, Thranduil had another question…
“A word more sentry…how fares the Lady Nénilya? Is she still in charge of Elrond’s kitchens?
“The Lady is well milord and still running her domain like a culinary general.”
“Ah Wonderful!” the elf king exclaimed. “I have quite been looking forward to seeing her again, and to tasting her epicurean delights once more. Forward then, let us move with haste; for the Lady’s dinner table beckons, and I would be off this trail before nightfall.” With the king’s order the caravan moved on down the pathway towards scented baths, warm hearths, and the Lady Nilya’s famous biscuits.
~~~~~
Cilinwë sat quietly beside Erestor watching as the seneschal sipped his tea. He was composed now, and the sword master could see faint signs appearing of the confident poised elf he knew so well. Placing his cup on a side table near the hearth, Erestor looked up and spoke for the first time in almost an hour.
“I really should get dressed and get about my day. Despite what has happened I still have my duties to perform…at least Elrond left me that.”
“I do not think that anyone expects you to work right now Erestor. This has been an unsettling day for all of us. No one would blame you if you stopped to take some time for yourself.”
“I would,” he said softly. “It would be selfish. I have already participated in more levels of selfishness and immaturity this day than I care to count. It cannot continue, there are others who depend on me, contracts to review, deliveries to assemble, classes to…”
His voice trailed off as the realization hit him that he would not be teaching Estel. That privilege had been taken from him and there was no one to blame for it but himself. Cilinwë opened his mouth to refute Erestor’s declaration when they heard the sudden knock at the door. Erestor, visibly shaken by the new facts of his life, shook his head in dismay, “I do not wish to see anyone right now,” he said as he turned his back to the door.
“I will take care of it,” Cilinwë offered as he moved toward the portal. Opening the door the swordmaster was surprised to see Silmo, one of the house sentries standing on the other side.
“I am sorry to disturb you Master Cilinwë, I was hoping to speak to Lord Erestor, is he available?”
“Lord Erestor is somewhat…indisposed at the moment, what do you need?”
“A travel party has been seen on the road heading this way. They should be here within the hour.”
“Do we know who it is? How many are in the party?”
“The only person whose identity has been confirmed is Prince Legolas of the woodland realm. There appear to be six to eight people in the group; they are driving several large wagons…”
“Wagons?”
“Yes sir and there is one other thing, the post sentries believe that one of the party may be King Thranduil himself. At the time they were too far away to be sure, and as you know, the King has not been here to Imladris in an age, so..”
“I understand Silmo, there are very few here in Imladris who are old enough to know what the King looks like, especially from a distance. Very well, worry not, Lord Erestor will be down to organize things momentarily. In the meantime put the staff on alert, start in the kitchen with Lady Nilya, she does not like surprises of this kind and this will at least give her a head start with her dinner plans. Tell her that Lord Erestor will be down to coordinate with her shortly.”
“Yes sir, I will take care of it immediately. Oh, there is one other thing sir…no one has informed Lord Elrond yet, would you have me take care of that as well?”
“No, Silmo, that will be all, I will speak to our Lord Elrond personally.”
“As you will Master Cilinwë, but before I go, would you tell Lord Erestor that I hope things are better for him soon…we all do.” and with that the house sentry headed downstairs towards the kitchens.
Cilinwë quietly closed the door and turned back into the room to find Erestor exiting his bathing chamber fully dressed and ready to go.
“That did not take long” he commented.
“There is work to be done. If it is indeed Thranduil on his way here then there is much to do to make things ready. He is no ordinary guest and will expect Elrond’s best during his visit. The first thing I must do is go and speak to El; hopefully he will not slam the door in my face. I will tell him about the possible arrival of Thranduil and I will ask him to reconsider letting me see Estel…if only to assure myself that he is all right.”
“I will walk with you,”
Erestor understood only too well that his friend was still trying to protect him, to run interference as it were, between him and Elrond, and as much as he appreciated it he could not afford to let it continue.
“I know what you are trying to do and I love you for it, but I must handle this on my own.”
“A word of advice Restor, I do not believe that now is the time to speak to Elrond about Estel, his emotions right now are too raw and there is bound to be lingering anger. Perhaps a better time would be after the little one is up and about. Were I you I would express my concern over the babe and leave it at that.”
The wise little seneschal thought on it for a moment more before he commented, “Perhaps you are right, doing anything more will surely elicit more anger in him than he already has. I will take your advice in this Linwë; I will only inquire of the baby, nothing more, perhaps later when things have quieted down I can have a private moment with El, maybe then I can bring it up.”
“Very well then, I will leave you to it. I am heading down to the training field in a while…would you like me to check on Glorfindel before I go?”
Erestor was torn, he had been very angry with the balrog slayer but now, having sat here for hours knowing that this discord lay between them, his anger had abated. Now he was truly concerned over Glorfindel’s welfare and wondering whether the slayer was feeling the same way about him. Looking away, Erestor answered quietly “I suppose I would be interested to know how he is doing…,” he said with an offhanded shrug.
Linwë smiled knowingly, “I thought as much” he replied softly. “I will find out how things are going for him and report to you after supper.”
“There is no need to ‘report,’” Erestor said timidly.
“No there is not…but I will anyway. Come on let us get about it then, you have a lot of work waiting for you and I have trainees who have probably been lounging for the last hour learning nothing.” Opening the door he led Erestor out and clapped him on the back for encouragement. “Have faith old friend, things will sort themselves out shortly, as soon as Estel is up and about all will be forgiven.”
“From your mouth to Elbereth’s ear” Erestor said as he walked away to face his fate, and his Lord for the first time since Elrond’s edict.
~~~~~
Glorfindel was fuming. He’d suffered many indignities in his long life, but this was different, this was personal. To be struck by an elf who was no more than a child, no matter which of his begetting days you used to count the years, and to have to stand there and take it was more than embarrassing, it was humiliating and he could not remember the last time he had been brought to that. Making his way to the kitchen he ignored the stunned stares and the surreptitious glances. There was only one face here that he sought and only one opinion that he cared to hear, that of the Lady Nénilya. The lady was the oldest resident of Imladris and was thought to be older even than Galadriel or Celeborn, which said much. Definitely an elf born sometime during the year of the trees, she had seen both of Glorfindel’s arrivals to Middle Earth and never failed to remind him of it.
When he appeared at the door to the kitchen she immediately motioned him into the pantry where they could talk privately. Standing there behind closed doors he looked ever so much like a misbehaved child who had just been caught with his hands in the pie safe. Posture slumped, head hung low he stood there silently waiting for the lady to speak, to take him to task for what he’d done. Instead, what he got was an enveloping embrace from a set of motherly arms. There, in front of the only person other than Erestor who he would allow to see his weakness, he broke down. Sobbing uncontrollably he let it all out.
“I messed up, I messed everything up. I threw the bottle that cut Estel…Estel Nilya…I hurt the baby, he looks up to me and I behaved like a spoiled child…how will he ever forgive me, how am I supposed to forgive myself?”
Nilya silently led him over to a bench and motioned him to sit. Allowing him to unburden himself she bid him “Continue.”
“Elladan is furious, he has just taken a swing at me,” he said as he rubbed his bruised jaw, “Elrond has had it with me, he has banned me from his table, and forbidden me to come near Estel, how will I ever be able to make him understand that I did not hurt him on purpose if I cannot apologize to him and explain that it was unintentional?”
He sat silently for a moment before Nilya spoke again, “Is the child your only concern?”
“Of course not…I have let everyone down; I do not know how I can ever look my warriors in the eyes again. I am Elrond’s Caun, the Commander of his Host, and I above all others have been the one to injure his child, disrupt his home and upheave the peace of this valley.”
“And…?” she questioned expectantly.
Covering his face with his hands and with his elbows on his knees Glorfindel sat forward with his golden locks obscuring his face and the tears began again.
“I have lost him Nilya…I have lost the only love I have ever had in all my many years here in Middle Earth.”
“Really?” she asked incredulously. “So you think him so fickle in his devotion that an argument..”
“A fight.”
“All right then,” she conceded, “a fight, you think that a fight can wash away all the years the two of you have spent together? That Erestor is so devoid of feeling, so bereft of loyalty that he would just cast you aside without trying to reconcile your differences? Is that what you think?”
Glorfindel could only shake his head no.
“Then do not speak foolishly child. Erestor loves you every bit as much as you love him. The two of you have just hit a bit of a rough patch, that is all. You must have faith in him, faith that he wishes to see this resolved as much as you do, faith that he will do what he can to make that happen.”
“Granted,” she continued, “it will not be easy at first, especially with the restriction Elrond has placed upon the two of you, but do not worry over that, I will speak to him…”
“It will do no good.”
“Heh, do not be so sure golden one, I am not without influence where Elrond is concerned, trust me in this,” she smiled, “I know where all the proverbial bodies are buried where that one is concerned” she said laughingly. “I think I can get him to see things my way in this.”
Glorfindel looked at her beseechingly, “Nilya if you could get him to relent, just a little…”
“Do not worry nín malthen glaur (my golden light) I have my own brand of ammunition…I think I can get him to …reevaluate things. In any event leave it to me, and while I work on Elrond what will you be doing?”
“I thought it would be best if I left the house for a while…just for a while,” he said trying to reassure her that he was not running away. “I thought that I might go out to the western sentry post, just until things calm down, they are always undermanned and I can make myself useful there. Tis certainly better than sitting here…...”
“Hummm…pining for the exotic one?”
Glorfindel couldn’t help but smile. “He is beautiful my Erestor, is he not?”
“Leave it to you to think of that first,” she said as she gently rapped him on the side of his head with her fist. “Come on, go, use my room and get yourself cleaned up and do not forget to say goodbye to me before you leave…I will make you a proper supper to take with you on the trail. Go, go on” she said as she pushed him towards the door. Giving her one last hug he thanked her for her help.
“Thank you for understanding,” he said kissing her cheek.
“Pish tosh…Go” she said with a blush on her cheeks. As he walked away she silently thanked the Valar for the mighty gift they had seen fit to bestow upon her, the children of Imladris, and the children of all the other realms that she had mentored and mothered for these many millennia. “Thank you Manwë, together we will see him right.”
~~~~~
Elrond sat at the side of the bed watching over his youngest son. Elladan and Elrohir had just returned from Glorfindel’s room along with Haldir and Rúmil who were now pacing impatiently on the balcony. The Imladrian Lord was trying his best not to lose his temper as he argued with his eldest over his recent behavior.
“You had no right to put your hands on him.”
“Adar he hurt Estel!”
“And as much as I know you love your brother, you are not his father. If any action was to be taken against Glorfindel, which it was, it was up to me to take it, not you.”
“But Adar…”
“Silence! Do not stand there and gainsay me! You had no right to do what you did. I had already punished Glorfindel and Erestor, quite severely I might add, and your interference has only served to make the situation worse.”
“Adar please,” Elrohir interjected, “how has it been made worse, as much as I hate to agree with Elladan, Glorfindel got what he deserved.” Elrond stood and moved to the center of the room drawing Elladan and Elrohir with him, and away from the sleeping boy.
“It has been made worse by the fact that your brother has now committed the same offense for which I had to discipline Glorfindel. By striking him he placed himself in a position where his actions are no better than Glorfindel’s in harming Estel. At least Glorfindel can claim that what he did was accidental – your brother however cannot. He deliberately laid hands upon him in an effort to inflict harm.”
“But Adar…”
“Be quiet Elrohir, your brother does not have a leg to stand on in this. He has attacked my Caun, (Commander of the Host) and in doing so has exacerbated the upheaval in my home. Attacking Glorfindel serves no purpose, it does not help Estel, it does not make for peace in our home, and it does not set a good example for others in the house to follow. What if everyone did what he did? Is this the way we settle disputes in this house? Has this ever been the way we handle things here?” But Elrond’s question would remain unanswered, for at that moment they finally noticed Estel sitting up in the bed, tears streaming down his face, struggling to catch his breath.
“Estel!” Elrond called out as he rushed to his son’s side. “You are awake ion nín.” Elrohir called out to Haldir and Rúmil as Elladan approached the bed. Dan reached out to caress his brother, but Estel was having none of it. Flinching back, away from his elder brother’s touch, the child buried his face in his father’s shoulder and began to cry in earnest.
“What happened?” Haldir questioned as he reached the bed.
“I am not sure,” Elrond whispered as he rubbed the child’s back trying to calm him. “He probably heard me chastising Elrohir. Elbereth knows he has heard enough arguing and fighting this day to last him a lifetime.” Gently the Elven lord tried to pull the child away from his shoulder, but Estel held on even tighter and cried even harder.
“It must seem to him that everyone around him is fighting” Haldir said as he knelt at the boy’s side. Elrond continued to try to calm the boy and ease his breathing to no avail, Estel just cried on, shaking in the elf lord’s arms, his breathing becoming more labored. The warden felt as if his heart would break, he’d seen this kind of emotional unrest before with Orophin, when their parents were killed. His brother cried for days as the three of them made their way alone through the wilderness to the golden wood.
“My Lord, may I give it a try?”
“Of course Haldir,” Elrond said resignedly, “you certainly cannot do any worse than we have.”
“Estel... it is me Halli…will you come...” Before he could finish his sentence Estel turned and launched himself into the safety of Haldir’s arms. “Halli!” he called out, “Dey fightin’, dey all fightin’.”
“Ssshhh, little one they are not going to fight any more, is that not right Elrohir?”
“We are just having a difference of opinion Estel…we are not really fighting are we Adar?”
Elrond tried to verify Elrohir’s statement “Of course not, it is only a disagreement ion nín.” But Estel wasn’t buying it, not one bit.
“I heard dem Halli, Roh is dis ‘puttin’ Ada, and Dan hit Glorfyyyy!” Haldir was at a loss as to what to do. He was not Estel’s father and he knew his next move could get him sent packing. The only thing he was sure of was that he had to do what was best for Estel, and d**n the consequences. So he did. Standing with the boy in his arms he made his pronouncement.
“Until things calm down Estel will come with us. He will stay in the room with Rúmil and me until everyone involved has examined their demeanor and can comport themselves like the adults he loves. Rúmil bring his things.”
Elladan was the first one to speak. “You cannot do that! Adar say something…by what right do you take Estel anywhere?” Haldir answered calmly, “I am his tirn…and I will care for him until those around him can.”
“Adar…” Elrohir interjected, but his objection was met with Elrond’s iron will. “Haldir is right,” moving to place a kiss on the boy’s forehead he gave Haldir his blessing. “Take him where he feels safe Hal, until I get this chaos straightened out he will stay with you and Rúmil..”
“But Adar...”
“And I will hear no more of this. Go, Haldir take him out of this confusion…when we have calmed down we will come and visit. Will that be all right with you melyanna? When we have stopped fighting we will come and visit with you?” The child nodded his agreement and then made his own pronouncement. “You been very bad Roh…you too Dan…Ada is mad and you did dat. I not speakin’ to you til you get good again.”
With that the child turned back to Haldir and issued his own orders. “Les go Halli, come on Wú we gon’ leave.” As Haldir walked towards the door Estel looked over his shoulder and pointed his finger at his brothers saying…”Bad elves…you not getting’ no walk either, you gonna get it! Right Ada?” There was only one acceptable answer, and Elrond gave it forcefully.
“Right ion nín…their walking days are over.”
Slowly the Master of the Last Homely House turned to face his sons. Many lessons would be taught this day, and he would start with those who seemed to need it most. For too long he had allowed the twins to run wild, had given them their freedom in the name of patience, and had turned a blind eye to their shortcomings in the name of love. Now those chickens were coming back to roost with devastating consequences, and he intended to put a stop to it here and now. As he raised his head and made eye contact with his sons the look on his face was unmistakable. Gone were the eyes of their father, and in their place were the eyes of a warrior, the no nonsense Herald of Gil-galad…the Lord of Imladris, and by the end of this conversation, come hell or Mordor’s hounds, they would both know exactly who was running things in the hidden valley.