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Author's Chapter Notes:
Partings and new beginnings...

internal thoughts be in italics
bold is used for emphasis

Chapter 9:

Ethuil, Northern Rohan, 2818 T.A.

As the last of their packs were loaded, Idhreneth called to Erestor, “Could I have a last word with you, Milord?” her tone had been formal with both elves these last few days as she didn’t want there to be the least hint of impropriety to be delivered to her jealous lover.

Sídhiel was unmercifully questioning the two Riders about everything and Gildor was chuckling at the discomfort some of her questions were causing.

“Pen vuin? Are you having doubts?” Erestor was still fearful that Idhreneth could not let her granddaughter go. He knew that he would not have been able to were he in her shoes.

“Oh, no, not at all. I just wanted to give you these and there has been nary a moment when Sídhiel was not underfoot.” She handed Erestor two leather bound journals. “They are for her when she reaches adulthood. This first one I started. It tells of my life and family and all that I am, up through Iestiel’s youth. This one continues from that point up to now, even Iestiel had a hand in some of it…” she swiped at tears beginning to form, “it has all of Sídhiel’s life in it. I want her to know a bit about her mother’s family, about me.” With that, her resolve crumbled and the tears came fast and furious. Erestor just held her and let her cry it out. She straightened and Erestor used his cloak to wipe the tears away.

“I will save these for her majority celebration. She will not forget you. I will see to that. And, if all goes well, maybe there can be visits. There will definitely be letters. Have no fear, Idhreneth. You are doing the right thing. You will have the wonderful life you deserve with your love and Sídhiel will grow up among her father’s kin.”

She smiled up at him, “Hannon le, for everything. We’d best go now before Sídhiel pesters my escort to distraction!”

Sídhiel ran up to Idhreneth and Erestor and threw her arms around her grandmother, “Gran, I’m going to miss you. I love you!”

“I love you, too, honey. You behave for Lords Erestor and Gildor.”

“I will, Gran. I want you to take Nim-mem with you so you won’t be alone. He’ll keep you company for me,” Sídhiel handed the little black bundle to Idhreneth.

“Oh, sweetie, are you certain you can do without this little guy?”

“Yes, Gran. I will have Gildor and Erestor to keep me company during the trip. You have to travel with those two and they aren’t very good company,” Sídhiel scowled at the Riders.

“Thank you, honey. I will take good care of him. Give us a hug and kiss,” they hugged each other tightly until one of the Riders cleared his throat.

“My Lady, travel time is wasting…”

~~~*~~~


From the back of her mount, Sídhiel waved at her Gran one last time as they turned and rode in opposite directions. At their good byes, Sídhiel had begun to realize that she was embarking on a new life without her Gran. Erestor watched his young ward as she valiantly struggled not to cry. “Pen dithen, perhaps you would enjoy riding with me on Naurion for awhile? He is much taller than Eyra and you can see farther from his back.”

She only nodded because words would not come. They stopped and she clambered into Erestor’s arms. As they began moving again, Erestor whispered to her, “It is normal to be sad. This is the only home you have known. I do not think it means you do not love me, my sweet.” He tightened his arms around her and looked into the large blue eyes which were overflowing with tears. “I am here for you and always will be. Would you like for us to race against Gildor and see how fast Naurion can run?” He smiled conspiratorially, and winked.

Sídhiel nodded, the tears instantly ceasing.

“Well, mellon nín, think your old bones can beat us to the Limlight? If you do, we prepare dinner. If not, you prepare the evening meal. What say you?” Erestor was laughing now, his thighs tensing, ready to give the command to sprint.

Gildor looked at the now laughing pair and answered the challenge, “Aye! But you must catch me first!” he said as he shot off.

Sídhiel was surprised, but Erestor was not and Naurion quickly passed Húron, “Oh, meldir, since you will be so far behind, make sure Eyra keeps up, will you?” Erestor teased as they flew past.

Gildor laughed. It was so good to see his dearest friend happy. He silently thanked the Valar for his injuries which had brought them here. And, now even though they were going home, Erestor’s enthusiasm had not been quelled. That was a very good sign.

~~~*~~~


Their first day of travel was pleasant with good weather and easy riding. Time passed quickly because of Sídhiel’s constant questions about everything they passed. When she finally dozed in Erestor’s arms, Gildor exhaled loudly and said, “Finally! Some quiet. I do believe my ears need the rest as well.”

Erestor chuckled quietly and looked down at the sleeping form in his arms, “She does have a hard time containing her excitement. We will work on that through the safe parts of our journey, meldir. She will be able to ride quietly if needed, I assure you.”

Shortly before dark they stopped to make camp in a nook sheltered between large standing stones. Even though Gildor had lost the race, all three pitched in to setup camp and prepare dinner. The easy camaraderie and efficiency of the two Elves comforted Sídhiel and she quickly grew sleepy after eating. Erestor tucked the child into her bedroll and returned to the fire.

Gildor watched him as they quietly talked, “You are more at ease than I have seen you in a long time, mellon nín. It does my heart good to see you thus. I hope this mood does not flee at the borders of Imladris.”

“I am content as I have not felt in so long. It is funny how quickly that little one filled a hole that I did not even realize I had. This is not just a passing mood that can dissipate so easily. All will be well, even in Imladris.”

“Good. That makes me content as well. Now, I claim the first watch.” Gildor stood and stretched brushing a light kiss to Erestor’s head as he walked by.

Erestor cuddled up next to Sídhiel and reverie quickly overtook him.

~~~*~~~


They reached the edge of Lothlórien by early afternoon and made it to Caras Galadhon by that evening. None could help but smile at Sídhiel’s reaction to the ancient woods. She easily enchanted their Galadhrim escort with her awestruck smile and quiet questions. Remembering the upcoming Council, Erestor hoped that they had arrived in time to travel with Galadriel and Celeborn’s retinue to Imladris, but he learned that the Lord and Lady had left a full two days earlier.

They were led to a large, comfortable guest talan with a sitting area and spacious bedroom. Just walking into the Golden Wood had given both elves a respite from their constant vigilance. To have the luxury of a hot bath, good food, and a bed nestled high in the mellyrn as well instantly highlighted how long it had been since they had completely let down their guard. No matter how comfortable Idhreneth’s cottage was, it was not sheltered and secure like being in the heart of one of the greatest of the Elven realms.

Sídhiel was standing at the railing gazing in rapt silence at the beauty of the Golden Wood whilst it was wrapped in night’s sweet embrace. She could not take her eyes from the silvery lights that wrapped all the telain and paths in misty halos. And, if she was very still, she could hear beautiful music seeming to come from all around her and delving deep into her very being. Erestor walked up to the child cautiously for he had never known her to be so still for so long, not even in sleep. “Pen neth, are you well?”

She shook her head as if to wake from a dream and looked up into Erestor’s face. His hair hung loose in soft waves to the middle of his back. A slight breeze was playing with tendrils around his face. His face glowed like Ithil in the silvery lantern light and his eyes were deep, dark pools with warmth and love radiating from them. His red lips were curved in a questioning smile.

She replied in a hushed, almost reverent voice, “I am perfect. This place is so magical! I hear beautiful songs all around me and I wish I could join in.”

“One day, pen neth, I have no doubt that your voice will be joined in our songs, as well. Now, off to bed with you. It is getting late and we must depart early.” He gently steered her to a sleeping couch behind a screen in the sitting area. “You will be quite cozy here. Gildor and I will be in the next room if you need anything during the night. We are close; we will hear you even if you whisper your need. Sweet dreams.” He tucked the blanket around her chin and placed a tender kiss on her brow. The magic of Lothlórien had soothed her so that she was almost instantly deep in slumber.

~~~*~~~


“Would you care for another glass, meldir?” Gildor’s question brought Erestor out of his musings. Erestor shook his head. “So what are you thinking of, old friend? You have not been the best company this night,” Gildor lightly teased.

“Maybe I am just tired. It has been a long journey. Truthfully? I was contemplating if this place would not be a good home for Sídhiel. After all, this is where her father lived and served.” Erestor sipped his wine and rubbed the back of his neck as if trying to ease the knots there.

“Tired? Or thinking of running again, mellon nín? You said you would deal with Glorfindel when that time came. Are you now having doubts?” Gildor walked behind Erestor and began to knead his neck and shoulders. The muscles there were tightly bunched and filled with tension. He knew his hands would ease the sting of his words.

“I am not running! I just… oh… that is lovely…” Erestor almost purred as the tension eased under Gildor’s careful ministration.

“Come to bed, mellon nín, if you stretch out I can reach all your aching muscles.” The words brushed quietly past Erestor’s ear, making him shiver at their intent. Gods! How long has it been? Far too long, but it shall be longer still.

“Gildor,” Erestor said as he stood, realizing just how near Gildor was, “I... I appreciate the offer, meldir, but I must decline. I am not yet ready.”

Gildor had always found Erestor beautiful and enjoyed their intimacy. He had hoped that Erestor was making progress in this area, “How long will you deny yourself? Why do you punish yourself so?” He brushed his lips softly against Erestor’s own. “It is only I. We have done this many times in the past. It does not change our friendship.”

“I cannot.” Erestor choked out the words and buried his face in Gildor’s neck. “That damn Elda still holds sway over me, and I would not do that to you, mellon nín.”

Gildor embraced his friend tightly, “Then we wait until you are ready. Come, I will still give you a massage so that you can relax and find peace, at least for tonight.”

TBC

Translations:
Ethuil – late spring
hannon le – I thank you
mellon nín – my friend
meldir – my friend (male)
mallorn/mellyrn (pl) – giant trees of Lothlórien
pen neth – young one
talan/telain (pl) – the wooden platforms in the trees of Lothlórien where the Galadhrim dwelt.
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