Chapter 17:
Ethuil, Imladris, 2818 T.A.
Glorfindel arose at dawn and stretched, every muscle more relaxed than before; it had helped immensely to sleep in the bed instead of attempting to rest while being upright in the chair. When the valley gradually came alive as Anor’s light flowed into it, the blond stood at the balcony and watched his home change from a world of flat grey and silent shadows to one of riotous color and a symphony of sound.
Glorfindel was a creature of the sun, and he would be hard pressed to remain in a dismal mood on such a glorious late spring day. The outdoors called to him, his need to be active and away from these four walls growing, but how could he leave Erestor? What if the advisor awoke and the blond was not there? How could he hope to regain the dark elf’s trust, if he couldn’t stay at his bedside while he was healing? The Elda was torn between dueling needs, and was yet unsure which should take precedence.
Pulled from his contemplation by a commotion in the room, Glorfindel turned and grinned. Sídhiel was barring a young healer from seeing to Erestor, and the ellon was growing increasingly frustrated with the advisor’s charge. Stepping into the room, the Elda intervened. “Sídhiel, please step away and let the healer do his work. He will not harm your ada.”
With a defiant glare and audible growl directed toward the young healer, the child stepped away, but only far enough to allow the healer close to Erestor. Glorfindel shook his head in amazement at the sheer audacity of Sídhiel, but he spoke firmly. “Leave him be and come here, pen dithen.”
Pouting, she relented and walked over toward the blond, but her eyes never left the healer, who was much relieved now that she had stepped away. How do I scold her for caring? This one is going to test everyone’s patience, that I can tell.
Before the Elda could take the child to task, Elladan strode into the room, smiling brightly and carrying a large wicker basket. When Sídhiel saw him come in, her pouting was forgotten, and he had an armful of squealing child to go with the basket. “Elladan! I’m so glad you’re here. This stranger is trying to touch my ada. I do not know him, but I know he can’t be as good a healer as you. Are you here to send him away?”
Elladan felt instant sympathy for the young healer as he met pleading grey eyes. “Nay, he is an excellent healer. I trust him to take good care of Erestor, but I will stay just the same, while you two avail yourselves of this radiant day with a ride and a picnic.”
The mention of a lovely afternoon outside instantly dismissed all concern from Sídhiel’s mind, and she whirled around to look at Glorfindel to see his reaction. “We are going, aren’t we? Oh, say we can!”
Glorfindel smiled, quite pleased that their idea had met with such a positive reaction. “Hmmm… well, I suppose… if you are certain that Elladan is competent enough to take care of your ada for the afternoon?”
Hugging Elladan swiftly, the child reached for the basket. “Elladan is the best healer in all of Arda, you know that! I’m ready, so let’s go!”
“Hannon le, Elladan.” As he stepped near the Peredhel, the blond whispered in his ear, “You might not want your Adar to hear Sídhiel’s opinion of your skills, meldir, he might never allow you to leave the healing wing.” Glorfindel took the basket, which the child had been struggling with, and offered his free hand to Sídhiel. She clasped it eagerly and practically dragged the Elda from the room.
The pair were crossing the courtyard heading toward the stables, with Sídhiel excitedly talking non-stop, when Aurvellas saw Glorfindel and waved at him, hoping to capture a few moments of the captain’s time. As the warrior drew near, Sídhiel quieted, and hung back, unsure of herself for a moment. The Elda clasped Aurvellas’ arm tightly and, without releasing the warrior, turned to Sídhiel to introduce them.
Aurvellas noticed the child’s wide eyes and hesitance, so he knelt down and smiled broadly in greeting. “I am so pleased to finally meet you, my Lady. I have heard much of you and this is indeed an honor for me.”
Sídhiel looked into twinkling grey eyes and instantly relaxed, her apprehension vanishing. Impulsively she wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a big hug before she stepped back. “You’re a really nice elf, aren’t you? I can tell, you know.”
Laughing as he stood, Aurvellas replied, “Why I would like to think so, and I am indeed glad that you think so as well.”
The warrior and the captain conversed about many things, especially how Erestor fared and suggestions for presenting their proposal to the Council. While they talked, Sídhiel wandered the edge of the courtyard, quietly observing the numerous elves and their activities. She couldn’t recall ever seeing so many people in a single place. It was exciting, if a bit overwhelming for the child. By the time she had made a complete circuit of the courtyard, the warriors were done talking, and Glorfindel motioned Sídhiel into the large stables set away from the courtyard down a wide cobblestone path under the trees.
Sídhiel followed the Elda into the dimly lit stables until they were at a large stall in the back. When the child walked into the stall, she stood, rooted to the spot, as intelligent brown eyes surveyed her. Realizing that she was confronted with more than a mere horse, Sídhiel carefully walked up to Asfaloth and pressed her forehead to the stallion’s lowered muzzle. Glorfindel was taken aback at the scene in front of him, but he made no move to intervene for he trusted his steed implicitly. After more than a few moments of silence, the child stepped back and smiled brightly, while Asfaloth shook his head and mane and whinnied gleefully. As she rubbed his nose, she looked up at the Elda, and asked, “Well, what are we waiting for? Asfaloth is in the mood for a brisk run today.”
The Elda stood in stunned silence for a moment, but quickly recovered, hoping that Sídhiel had not noticed his reaction. I think I begin to see a glimpse of Elrond’s unease about the child. I did not think it possible for another besides me to speak to Asfaloth. “Are you now indeed, my friend? Hmm… you shall be forced to wear a saddle, though, or we shan’t have a place to tie the picnic basket.” Glorfindel was busily checking Asfaloth over to insure that all was well with his mount.
In short order, all three were joyously flying across the open plains of Imladris, once Glorfindel released the reins and gave Asfaloth his head. The Elda kept a tight grip on the child, but his concern proved unnecessary as Sídhiel was quite comfortable on the stallion’s back, even at this breakneck speed. Their joy was contagious and Glorfindel soon found himself more relaxed and comfortable than he could recall being in a very long time.
By the time Asfaloth slowed down, the trio was far from the Last Homely House, but near a lovely bubbling spring surrounded by willow trees. This was the perfect spot for a picnic on a warm Ethuil day.
After finishing their meal, Sídhiel and Glorfindel were lying on the blanket, peering up at the fluffy white clouds through the limbs of the willow. “I see a rabbit! What do you see, Glorfindel?”
Taking advantage of the opening, the Elda replied, “I believe I see a home, with a family.”
Confused, Sídhiel looked up, but could not determine what clouds could possibly have looked like a ‘home’. ”A home? Where? I can’t find it.”
“Not one in the sky, pen dithen, but one back in Imladris.” At Sídhiel’s blank expression, Glorfindel continued. “You cannot stay in the House of Healing any longer. It is not good for you or for the healers. So, Saelbeth and Silamothien have agreed that you can go live with them and their iôn, Melpomaen.”
“What? I don’t want to live with them! I want to stay with my ada and you and Elladan! I won’t go!”
Sídhiel’s reaction surprised Glorfindel. “But, they have a nice home, and Mel is very close to your own age. You will like it there.”
The child’s face fell. “You don’t want me, either. No one does. Probably not even my ada once he’s better…” As her words trailed off, she moved to get up, but Glorfindel grabbed her and held her tightly to his chest. He realized that he had handled this badly and seemed to open old wounds he was unaware the child carried.
“Sídhiel, please, let me explain. We all care about you and want you. We want you to be happy and get settled into life here in Imladris. You cannot do that if you spend the entire time in the healing wing. Would you not like a friend your own age?” Glorfindel was rubbing soothing circles on the child’s back, hoping to convince her that she was not being cast aside.
“I’ve never had a friend my own age… Are you sure you’re not just trying to get rid of me? Even my own mother didn’t want me.” The child’s words were spoken softly with an undercurrent of pain that Glorfindel had not heard in her voice before. At that moment, the Elda realized that Sídhiel mattered very much to him, and he wanted to be a part of her life forever.
“Oh, sweet one, look at me.” He lifted her chin up so their eyes could meet. “I love you. Never think I would want to be rid of you. Your home is in Imladris with us, so you have to start joining in life here, doing all the things required of our children, which includes going to school.” Kissing her forehead, he drew her close again.
“I’ve never been to school before. Gran always taught me what I needed to know.” Brightening from the continued reassurance and comfort, Sídhiel finally began to grasp what Glorfindel was saying. “This isn’t a forever change? It’s just until Ada is better. Is that it?”
“Yes, sweetling. Erestor would never stand for you to be away from him once he is recovered, just as I do not want you far from me, either.” Glorfindel smiled as the clouds of doubt left the dark blue eyes and a tentative grin graced her face.
“You have to promise me that I will get to spend time with you and Ada everyday, no matter what.”
“No matter what.” The blond repeated and hugged her tightly. “Now, we should probably head back. Elladan promised Silamothien that you would be there in time for dinner. She wanted you to have time to get settled in before bed. Will that suit you?”
“I suppose so. If I get to see my ada first. Will Elladan stay with me for dinner?” Sídhiel was nervous at meeting these new people, but at least now she knew it was only for a short time.
“You shall have to ask him that, but I suspect he has planned to do so. Now, we should hurry so you can spend some time with Erestor. Maybe he will even be wholly awake.”
Sídhiel was still chattering excitedly as they entered Erestor’s dimly lit room. Elladan shushed the child as they walked in. “Oh, Elladan! I had so much fun! Asfaloth is the most magnificent steed I’ve ever seen! He practically flies!” She whispered loudly.
“I am pleased you had a lovely day.” Elladan met Glorfindel’s eyes with a question. At the Elda’s nod and slight smile, Elladan sighed with relief. “Now, pen neth, I believe we have a dinner date, but you should clean up a bit first.”
“How was Ada today? Did he awaken for very long?” Sídhiel was not eager to go, nor did she wish to clean up, so she was quite happy to delay both for as long as possible.
“Actually Erestor had a very good day. He awoke twice and drank some tea.” Sídhiel’s face fell at the news she had missed any of Erestor’s coherent times. “Do not be sad, Sídhiel. He is growing stronger every day and will soon be awake for more than a few moments at a time. I will make sure you will not miss that when it occurs.”
Sídhiel leant over Erestor and kissed his forehead. She looked at the darkling elf and silently wished for him to get better quickly. “I love you, Ada. I’m sorry I won’t be here as much, but Glorfindel and Elladan will take good care of you.”
Glorfindel hugged Sídhiel. “Goodnight, sweet one. I will guard your ada’s dreams.”
“Hannon le, for everything.” She pulled away and turned to Elladan, reluctantly. “Well, I guess we should go…”
“Ah, yes, I had them run a bath for you and laid out fresh clothes next door. You will have to bathe quickly, as we do not want to be late.”
As night settled on the Last Homely House, Glorfindel tried unsuccessfully to get comfortable in the large chair next to Erestor’s bed. Realizing that it was a losing battle, he gave in and climbed into bed next to the darkling elf. Whispering quietly to Erestor, the blond recounted the events of the day, and revealed how much he cared for Sídhiel.
Glorfindel looked down at the pale face and clouded brown eyes, marveling at the darkling’s beauty in the dim candlelight. The Elda could not resist running his fingers through the ebony hair, and he sighed as the silken tresses caressed his palms. Erestor’s lips were slightly parted in slumber, and Glorfindel ran a finger over the ruby flesh. His finger continued along the jaw line and up to a leaf shaped ear. Ah, Erestor, you are still so beautiful. Soon, very soon, you will be completely healed and then we can be together. Fin was so taken with the ruby lips before him, he leaned down and gently pressed their lips together. I love you, meleth nín.
TBC
Translations:
Ethuil – late spring
pen dithen – little one
Ada – daddy
hannon le – I thank you
meldir – my friend (male)
iôn – son
pen neth – young one
meleth nín – my love