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Chapter Twelve: Aderthad

Glorfindel found himself smiling as he rode over the hill and found the sight of Eglarest in front of him. The ancient city of the land of Falas in western Beleriand was a welcoming site to him after the long days he had been traveling. Several of his comrades gave shouts of joy and merriment as they too espied the city. It was late, nearing the late midnight hours, and the city still twinkled with lights in windows and music drifting up from the squares. The faint cascading sounds of water from the river Nenning splashed softly in the distance.

The latest of Glorfindel's travels had brought him to the edges of Doriath and the mouth of the river Sirion. He had made his rounds to visit those he was friends with of the families of Finwë. Five years had passed since he last found himself in Eglarest, twenty since he first departed from Nevrast. He had not meant to stay away for so long but adventure had called to him. He felt his heart's desire quenched for the time being and all he wished for now was to have a relaxing time in Eglarest.

Soon enough the convoy reached the gates of the city and were let in immediately by the sentinels on guard. Many were traversing the streets and lingering despite the cooler than usual weather on the coastal city. Glorfindel, however, made sure to head for the main halls. His companions dispersed and made their ways to their own places they needed to go as he headed up the main thoroughfare. He handed his steed over to the stable-hands and then headed up the stairs to the main hall with his belongings and so he could meet with Lord Cirdan. The lord of the coastal lands had welcomed him like kin when he first visited the city years ago and became quick friends with Glorfindel.

Just as he was wondering where his friend may be, a guard of the halls came up quickly and hailed Glorfindel as he headed down the hallways.

"Lord Glorfindel," he addressed him with a slight bow then straightened. "Lord Cirdan has been told of your arrival. You may meet him in the east gardens after you have left your belongings in your room."

"Indeed I shall," Glorfindel said as he changed his path and headed toward the room Cirdan let him use on each of his visits.

After a dropping his belongings and taking a quick cleansing in his room to wash away the dirt and grime of travel, Glorfindel changed into appropriate court attire and made his way to meet with Cirdan. As he came closer to the gardens, he could hear cheerful voices and music echoing along the corridors. He stepped outside finally and walked underneath a covered walkway that led to the center of the gardens where many appeared to be. Lush vines of star jasmine and wisteria hung from the surrounding walls of the garden and the air smelled sweet from their scents. The night had already uplifted his spirits even more upon his arriving at the gardens. Ahead, he found an open pavilion in the center of the open gardens with many guests dancing and singing underneath. A lone silhouette against the light came his way.

"Glorfindel! It is good to see you again, mellon!" Lord Cirdan exclaimed but turned a little serious. "It has been too long. We have much to discuss due to some things that have come to my attention recently. Though, I do wish you would join me and my guests for a spell before we get into such matters."

"In time we can discuss what you have on your mind," Glorfindel mused. "It is late and you have guests to entertain. I do not wish to take their host away."

"Nay," Cirdan said with a wave of his hand. "It is only a few of my closest friends and important guests who do not mind my needing to take care of their every need. Come! Join us for a while."
"I have no choice it seems!" Glorfindel said with a laugh. "I hope I do not intrude on your hospitality."

"It is no matter," Cirdan said as he led him toward the Pavilion. "I am confident you will enjoy the company."

It was then they stepped into the light of the pavilion and were visible to all who attended. Glorfindel then realized the meaning of Cirdan's words. His eyes had drifted quickly across the standing medium-sized crowd, finding the faces of a few lords and their wives whom he had met before when visiting Eglarest, but he caught sight of a pair of ellyths, one fair-headed and the other was dark-haired. Even though the years of maturity from passing their hundredth year of life had changed some of their appearance, they were recognized immediately by Glorfindel despite his not having seeing them in over two decades.

Idril and Elrilya spoke with their fellow guests, their voices caught in the mix of conversation swirling about in the covered gazebo. They were dressed richly, like those of a royal family but in a foreign Noldor fashion similar to the clothing he currently adorned. The Sindar style of light, hazy grays and greens contrasted with their darker tones and shades of blue and red, therefore separating them from the typical crowd of Sindar elves. A number of elves took notice of Glorfindel's entrance and eyed his distinctly unique appearance of his Vanyar heritage of golden hair and green eyes, a few with curiosity, and some with a more covetous glance that he was accustomed.

A little taken aback by the forwardness of many of the ellyths, Glorfindel turned his gaze back to his close friends. Both Idril and Elrilya had not noticed his presence right away but as some of the conversation died down, they finally perceived what the new interest was for the night.

"My dear friends and guests," Cirdan said, bringing a hush to the group suddenly. "I'd like to introduce my friend, Lord Glorfindel, a representative from Nevrast in King Turgon's court in the city of Vinyamar. He'll be joining us for a time tonight so please make him feel at home."

A few chuckles came from a few other lords who knew what poor Glorfindel was in for while Cirdan led him to the side of the pavilion.

"You're welcome to do as you please" Cirdan said, teasingly readying him for the rabid convergence of his guests on Glorfindel. "If you are overwhelmed, shout for me and I shall rescue you."

"You have not warned me before of your guests on previous visits, why now?" Glorfindel said in a hushed tone.

"There are a select few who are known to talk about strange topics for many hours," Cirdan said. "I hope to warn you of that possibility."

"How kind of you," Glorfindel mumbled coolly.

Cirdan simply smiled in amusement as he disappeared into the crowd of elves. Glorfindel was about to hesitantly merge into the crowd when two familiar faces approached him.

"What an unexpected surprise to see you here," Glorfindel said as Idril and Elrilya approached in a regal, lady-like manner.

"As it is to come across you," Idril said with a short bow of her head in respect and a small smile on her thin lips. "It is good to see you again, Glorfindel."

"Especially after all this time," Elrilya added on, also acknowledging him with a courteous bow though she appeared indifferent to his sudden visit.

Glorfindel determined it had to have been Aredhel's teaching of proper court etiquette over the years due to their subdued reactions, unlike their typical warm receptions he was familiar with. Their coming of age into true Eldar adulthood required it of them so that they did not act improperly by embarrassing the family.

"I will be returning to Vinyamar after my brief stay here," Glorfindel explained. "I realize it has been much longer than I had expected but I hoped my correspondences helped ease my absence."

"Hardly," Idril conceded. "I believe Atar almost regretted his giving you leave. He misses your companionship, much similar to that of his friendship he has with Finrod."

"I thought that would arise but it shall not be a problem any longer," Glorfindel assured her.

"That is good to hear," Idril said, her usual warm temperance coming through.

"How has it been for you both?" Glorfindel asked. "I hardly recognized you tonight."

"You've been away too long if that is the case!" Idril exclaimed.

"I agree. You have missed much, Glorfindel," Elrilya said, finally chiming in. "Though, we have not change as much as it seems. We are still the same Idril and Elrilya as before."

"True, but I do wish to spend some time discussing what events I have missed," Glorfindel said.

He was about to continue but was interrupted by a young Sindar ellon who approached Idril.

"Would you care to dance with me, Lady Celebrindal," he asked her, which she accepted with a nod.

She gave a short glance to Glorfindel and Elrilya before removing herself from their talk. Glorfindel turned to Elrilya in confusion.

"Celebrindal?" he queried.

"It is her name that the Sindar have given her," Elrilya explained.

"It is an appropriate name for her," Glorfindel said.

"Yes, it is," Elrilya said.

"Have they given you one as well?" Glorfindel asked her with a touch of amusement.

"Nay, I did not wish to be called anything but my given name in Quenya," she answered. "Though, with the turn of events in Doriath and some of the surrounding realms, it is not seen as a good decision on my part."

"It seems I have missed something of import," he said suddenly in minor confusion. "What is this you speak of?"

"I do not know all the circumstances surrounding it," Elrilya said. "Perhaps Cirdan will be the best to discuss it with you since he writes and sees King Thingol quite often."

Glorfindel left it at that despite his wonderings at what had occurred in the couple years he had been away from the larger cities of elves.

"Was Turgon truly bothered by my departure?" Glorfindel asked, looking for an honest answer from his friend.

"I believe so," Elrilya said as truthfully as she could. "He speaks little concerning his feelings to many, save Idril and Aredhel. You understand him better than I and you know he would show a strong strength, even if he does not feel it, rather than display harm to his pride or a dependency on too many people."

"You are right," Glorfindel said after a sigh. "We are all truly on our own here in these lands and it is new for everyone since we do not have the sense of protection we had in Valinor."

"Yes, we are," she agreed. "We all missed you, even if it might not be evident in everyone."

"I apologize again for not returning sooner," he said taking her hand respectfully. "But it heartens me to see that there are those who wish to have my presence around them. It makes me feel wanted and useful."

"Perhaps it reminds you of the more important things in life?" she queried.

"Family and friends have always been important to me," Glorfindel explained though understood her true meaning. "Though, one must see to his own happiness once and a while."

"I understand," she said then gave a short bow to Glorfindel. "If you will excuse me, I feel it is time for me to retire to my room for the night."

"Sleep well," Glorfindel replied. "It was good speaking with you."
"As it was with you," she said. "Good night."
*

The chill air of the new morning was a refreshing welcome to Glorfindel as he strode along one of Eglarest's walls that overlooked the seas and the delta of Nenning. It was a clear day already in the early dawn and the salty air spoke of calm waters prime for sailing. Glorfindel smiled as he made his way to the nearby stairwell. On his visits to Eglarest or Brithombar he had taken to long walks on the sandy beaches when the weather permitted and since one such day was that day, he was not going to miss it.

Glorfindel passed by the main courtyards to one of the side gates. A sentry nodded to him and opened the exit, leading Glorfindel to the fastest route to the beach. He knew a shortcut through the nearby practice and training grounds for the soldiers, that which would be empty because it was still too early for drills and training. However, his ears picked up sounds coming from the archery field. He thought perhaps he was wrong or someone simply took advantage of the early morning hours to get in some practice. He carefully rounded a corner of the outside wall of the city so that a wayward arrow would not accidentally impale him. He was met with a surprise though as he came into view of who was practicing shooting.

Elrilya, her long dark tresses pulled hastily halfway back stood straight and tall as she pulled back the bowstring, her arm steadily holding the longbow in place as she aimed. She was dressed in a tunic, slightly longer than the typical male clothing, and leggings, which was normally not seen as befitting an elleth. Glorfindel determined she must have secretly convinced one of the seamstresses to sew her outfit since none would publicly admit to accepting the job of making it. Elrilya was concentrating completely on her shot so she did not hear him approach and still showed no sign of acknowledging his presence. He stood silently watching for a moment so he would not disturb her. She seemed to hold her breath for a few moments, then let go of the string. The shot swerved slightly in the breeze and ended up just a little too high of the center markings on the target.
"Nice shot," Glorfindel said, noticing her surprise in having found her there.

She turned to face him, holding her bow next to her body as he walked closer to her.

"I missed, it was not a good shot," she said.

"You need to feel the wind, let it guide the arrow rather than have it carry it away," Glorfindel advised. "And your elbow needed to be held higher."

"Thank you for the advice," Elrilya replied. "I need to work on my technique; I've been focusing more on my other weaponry workouts."

"So Turgon approved of your weapon training?" he mused.

"Hesitantly he did," she said with a half-smile as she propped her bow against the nearby wall. "We've kept it secret from mostly everyone, especially Aredhel because she would not want to see either myself or Idril in this fashion at the same time she is teaching us to be proper ladies of the court."

"That is understandable," Glorfindel said with a chuckle.

"Though, since you were gone, I had to find myself another willing teacher," Elrilya added flatly.

Glorfindel noted her tone in her voice but decided to ignore it.

"Turgon would not?" Glorfindel said and received a shake of her head for an answer. "Who?"

"Ecthelion," she answered.

He had to stop himself from gawking in surprise before answering.

"You were able to convince him? I would not have expected him to agree to such a proposal," he said honestly.

"It was not too hard but he made me promise not to let his guards and troops know or else he'd have me out scavenging for materials to make new weapons," she replied. "You do not know how hard it is to find good wood in Nevrast with the wet marshes all about."

"How long have you been learning to shoot with a bow and arrow?" Glorfindel asked curiously.

"Not long," she said as she collected her quiver and arrows together against the wall. "At least two years now but I still enjoy my favorite."

"What may that be?" he questioned.

"Swordplay," she said as she pulled out a sheath from her belongings she had brought on the field. "I did not like the weight distribution of many of the blades and I did not want to be laughed at for using an elfling's toy sword so I had my own made by the blacksmiths."

She grasped the hilt and slowly took the sword from its sheath to show Glorfindel. The metal of the blade curved like the usual elven blade but it was a few inches shorter in length and had a smaller diameter around the grip of the hilt for her smaller hands. The grip itself had the colors of Elrilya's former house and crafted images of creatures long ago adorned the decorative hilt. Quenya lettering marks were visible near the base and a few inches up the length.

"It is well-made," Glorfindel said as he took it from her offered hand.

He held it carefully and rotated it around in his grip as he felt it slice through the air easily. He gave it back to her after a moment.

"It feels well-suited for you," he said.

"Test me," she said suddenly.

Glorfindel stared at her without answering right away.

"Why do you want me to test you?" he asked.

"I want to show you what I have learned," she said. "And if you approve of my teacher's lessons. Perhaps you can tell me what you would have shown me had you first taught. Advise me on any corrections I must make."

"I have no sword to spar with," he said, showing his open palms and lack of weaponry on his person.

"I have an extra for an occasion as this," she said and tossed him a regular blade.

Glorfindel preferred using his own blade since he was accustomed to its feel but Elrilya appeared intent on having him testing her at that very moment. He took the sword and placed it against the wall as he removed his cloak and other restrictive robes he had adorned before leaving that morning. Clad in his shirt and leggings, Glorfindel followed her to the nearby sparing circle. He dropped into a ready fighting stance awaiting her to follow in suit then make the first move since she wanted too be the provoker.

She stood for a moment, contemplating him and her first move before taking a step. Glorfindel had thought she had lost her nerve after half a minute had elapsed when she suddenly made a strike, catching him off guard. He blocked her blow and he moved backward to regain his balance and posture. He was surprised at her unexpected, rough assertiveness but noticed the intense focus her eyes had while watching him. Is she trying to prove something? Glorfindel thought to himself.

She waited for him to gain composure before she swung her blade again. He blocked as she spun on her heel, both hands gripping the handle as she brought a forceful strike on him from above. He countered her with a strong outside slash but not at the level of strength he typically would use when sparing with an ellon. He did not wish to hurt Elrilya in this match but he did not want to pretend either since she would know the difference. He realized she must have known he would act like he was because she came about with a hard thrust at him that nearly nicked him in the side. She brought another round of hits immediately following his block of her explosive move. She is taking this very seriously, Glorfindel thought. He decided to throw in his own surprising move.

As Elrilya went to strike a similar thrust again, she sudden found Glorfindel closer in proximity to her so that she could not quite use her sword at a safe distance without actually hurting him. He took her arm and fit his foot behind her ankle. He brought his leg up, successfully tripping her flat onto her back. He pinned her and leaned over her head as he held down her arms.

"Never overextend your thrusts," he said. "You'll end up on the floor or dead if you are not careful."

He noticed she was red faced but mostly from embarrassment. He felt a little guilty for taking her to the ground so hard and removed himself from her arms. She sat up next to him adjusting her tunic and leggings as he went to put the sword he borrowed back in the sheath against the wall.

"Perhaps Ecthelion should have you work on hand-to-hand combat next," Glorfindel suggested. "At times it can be your only weapon and you should know how to use it."

"Would you teach me?" she asked. "You are returning to Nevrast, are you not? I shall have time to learn once we return."

Glorfindel sighed deeply, "I will consider it."

"Thank you," she said after standing and brushing dirt off her once clean tunic. "I think I will return to my room and find clean clothes. I do not think Lord Cirdan would like to see my dirt-smudged face walking around his city."

"A dirt-smudged face of a lady for that matter," Glorfindel added in. "Things like that start rumors."

"I am well aware of that," Elrilya said in a huff but then added with a smile. "Though, I think since your arrival last night you will be the latest topic of discussion for the next few days. I have no worries for myself."

Glorfindel stared after her dumbfounded, confused as to why he would be the center of gossip.

"Others are saying things about me?" he said strangely.

"You could say that," she said vaguely. "I would be careful if I were you tonight."

"What is planned tonight?" he asked carefully. "Is it something I shall regret later?"

"There is a chance," she said with a shrug. "Lord Cirdan is having another party tonight. This time it is a feast including dancing and talks afterward in the ballroom."

Glorfindel grumbled and leaned against the wall as he put his face in his hands.

"What is it?" she asked.

"I am sure it will be another night full of song, dance, and boorish lords of Cirdan's court who wish to discuss ridiculous subjects with me," Glorfindel nearly wailed. "After you left, I was up most of the night dealing with them in the Pavilion. All I wish for is some rest. I would have slept more this morning but as you know, I love mornings."

"Take time now before you ready yourself for the feast," she said. "It appears you will have another long night but I think you are predicting a much different night than you think. But I shall see if I can help you with your predicament."

Before he could ask her how she could change his situation, she was already inside the gate door.

Glossary
Aderthad: reunited
Nilmo: friend (male)
Mellon: friend (male)
Ellon: male elf
Elleth: female elf