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Chapter Thirteen: Ilfirin Lilta

Unsure of what to think about the events to come that night, Glorfindel returned to the city, completely abandoning any of his earlier intentions of a walk along the shore. He strode under the verandas of the inner courtyards as he passed the gardens where he had spent his previous night. He truly hoped that the event planned for that night would differ from his experiences in the garden. There was no chance that he could avoid it since it was in honor of the return of Glorfindel's companions and himself. He determined it would be best to speak with Cirdan before too extravagant of a gala was designed. Despite his somewhat calm and at times sober personality, Cirdan was one who enjoyed the environment of a party or ball no matter what the occasion was.

The golden lord found his way up to a terrace, which Cirdan was quite fond of, that overlooked the ocean and where the seafaring lord spent most morning meals. As expected, Cirdan was indeed there and alone. The pale-blonde elf was leaning back in his chair, his gaze upon the blue sea where a few fishing boats spotted the landscape. A small table with a plate offering meat cuts and bread was laid out beside him. Cirdan turned his attention to the stairway that Glorfindel had just ascended.

"Mae Govannen, Glorfindel," he greeted. "What brings you so early this morn?"

"I hear that I am to be an distinguished guest of your latest plot," Glorfindel said slyly as he settled himself in a chair opposite from Cirdan.

"Ah! It will not be as bad as you think, mellon nin," he said as well as motioning for him to join in his morning breakfast. "It is simply a welcoming to you and the others who have been traveling for so long."

"May I be reassured by you that this is not one of your jests you like to play on others?" Glorfindel asked as he prepared a plate.

"You have my word," Cirdan said with a laugh. "Why are you so fretful this morn?"

"Not fretful, but cautious," he explained after swallowing a bite. "I was told to ask you of what happened in Doriath while I was gone."

Cirdan narrowed his eyes a moment at the seriousness of the subject. He turned his gaze back out to the sea before speaking.

"King Thingol discovered much concerning the details of the Noldor's travels to these lands," Cirdan began. "He knows of the Silmarils the sons of Fëanor seek. Neither Fingolfin nor did anyone else disclose the true intentions of your coming here to King Thingol upon your arrival in Mithrim. He sees the Noldorian princes as untrustworthy and a threat."

Glorfindel remained silent after Cirdan's report. He knew the truth would come out someday and he had warned Turgon of such things when the Noldor had still been at the shores of Lake Mithrim but their lords and king had not heeded his advice or others with similar requests.

"There is not much we can do to change that," Glorfindel said finally. "We have lived in these lands nigh twenty years now. I think King Thingol should see us better than that."

"He is a stubborn king who likes to show his strength over all others," Cirdan said, turning away from the ocean with a small smile. "Though, I do think better of you than he might."

"I would hope that is true!" Glorfindel said, seeing the typical and familiar mood of his friend return.

"Tell me, how long are you arranging on staying here in Eglarest?" Cirdan asked suddenly.

"I am not certain yet," Glorfindel said. "I had considered returning to Nevrast with the Ladies Idril and Elrilya when they leave but I am not privy to the details of their departure."

"I understand they are my guests until a week after the Spring Festival," Cirdan grinned. "That leaves you with three weeks in my company. I am glad you will be here for our festival; it is quite the event. I think you will enjoy it."

The Spring Festival had been a tradition among the local elves since the Awakening and Glorfindel knew the traditions of the celebration but something told him Cirdan was getting at something else entirely. He knew of the outrageous parties the Sindar elves typically had in other towns and cities he had happened to visit on his travels at the same time of year.

"I would love to give you more details," Cirdan continued. "But I must be on my way to my study. I am expecting visiting Silvan traders to be arriving soon."

"I shall see you tonight then," Glorfindel said as his friend departed.

*

After his visit with Cirdan, Glorfindel had made himself busy traversing the streets of Eglarest and its shops. He rarely bought items when visiting the many storefronts but he felt the need to buy a couple trinkets for his cousin and friend. He knew he was not going to make up for what he had missed with simple gifts but it would be kind to bestow some of his esteem for them in that manner. It was only the proper thing to do.

By late afternoon he had found what he had sought and returned to the main halls. He stopped by his own room to change into more comfortable attire and sough out Idril and Elrilya. He had learned from one of the guards where the rooms were where the two were staying; which turned out to be a two-bedroom suite sharing a common sitting room. He determined the two ellyth might be together due to the arrangements. He had wanted to find them before going to the banquet that night since he feared the blur of the night might keep them from visiting more.

Glorfindel came to Idril's room first and was relieved to hear a call to enter from within. Stepping inside the room, Glorfindel found himself in the common room and an archway opening out onto a balcony where the two were sitting enjoying the sun. Both appeared pleased to see him when he approached.

"It is good to see you, Glorfindel!" Idril said. "We had hoped to see you again soonest. Please join us."

He took an offered seat next to Idril and across from Elrilya. Both of them were in light-colored sundresses, quite a contrast from what Glorfindel had found Elrilya in earlier in the day.

"What is it you have brought with you?" Idril asked after she noticed the small box Glorfindel carried.

"Ah, I have brought you both items I thought that would be ideal for you," he explained as he opened the package. "More so of an apology gift for missing your celebrations of coming of age."

"That is kind of you," Elrilya commented, a shy smile on her lips.

"I love gifts! What do you have?" Idril said with a wide grin.

Glorfindel handed to Idril a hand-woven shawl of exquisite design with intricate patterns of silver, gold, and white that shimmered in the sunlight.

"Oh! This will go wonderfully with my gown for tonight!" Idril cried. "You have outdone yourself."

"I am not done yet," Glorfindel said as he reached into the box once more.
In his hand he held a silver-wrought chain with a pendant that hung from it. A dark blue sapphire gem encircled by the same silver of the chain was placed in the center of the pendant. He stood and went behind Elrilya to clasp it around her neck. After he sat back down, he observed her staring at it bewildered. She was never one to wear gems or fancy jewelry but the gift was beautiful to look at. He noted the silver matched her eyes quite well.

"Thank you, Glorfindel," Elrilya said, still looking at the jewel in awe.

"It's beautiful," Idril nodded. "You should wear it with your blue dress tonight. It would look grand together."

"I shall do that," Elrilya said with a wide smile across her face as she looked to Glorfindel.

"Speaking of tonight," Glorfindel said. "Do you know what Cirdan is planning for me and my companions?" Both of them shook their heads in response. Glorfindel sighed to himself, perhaps there would be nothing to worry about after all from Cirdan. "Then I must be returning to my room to prepare for tonight. I bid you good afternoon until we meet tonight."

*

The sun was easing into the sea when the lords and ladies of Eglarest began to gather for Cirdan's banquet. The inner halls were decorated with floral bouquets and rich tapestries leading to the dining hall where long tables were set with china in preparation for the evening meal. Ladies were dressed in their best gowns while the lords were doffed in colorful robes of matching excellence.

The murmur of conversation flowed gently through the high-ceilinged room as many took their seats at the set tables. Glorfindel stood off to the side of the main mixture of guests, watching the many elves about him. His long robes were in hues of gray and silver, not his typical colors but one that did not bring too much attention to him. His golden hair was delicately left unbound and free flowing.

Cirdan stood next to him, deep in conversation with one of Glorfindel's traveling companions. He had promised not to make a long toast before the meal and get things underway quickly as not to embarrass them too much. Glorfindel felt a pang of anxiousness hit him as he noticed a group of guests arriving. Celegiell, the daughter of an important lord, had just walked into the dining hall with her family. She had sought out Glorfindel's affections a few times on a previous visit of his to Eglarest but he had been uninterested despite her constant attempts. Even after his straightforward, yet kind, refusal she had attempted to continue her pursuit of him and he had left sooner than anticipated from Eglarest because of her constant harassment.

A moment later, he caught sight of Elrilya and Idril's entrance. Like night and day the two contrasted each other and garnered the attention of several ellyn in their proximity. Idril's golden tresses were free and golden in the torchlight and almost appeared to merge with her golden-white gown that seemed to shine with its own inner light. Her new shawl from Glorfindel she had draped around her arms and behind her, bringing a thought of dripping sunshine from her hands. Elrilya was dressed in dark midnight blue and her dark hair pulled up but dropped many dark curls about her pale face. Her new pendant glimmered darkly upon her light skin.

Glorfindel could hardly believe it was the same two ellyth he had seen earlier that day. He pulled his eyes away so he would not be caught staring. It might seem unseemly to be staring at his kin. Luckily, Cirdan called for everyone to take a seat a moment later. Glorfindel and his travelers shared the main table with Cirdan and his household while the guests had chosen any place that was not taken elsewhere.

*

Cirdan had followed through on his word and kept his speech short and sweet yet purposeful. The dinner passed quickly for Glorfindel and soon his host was inviting everyone into another hall where wine and dessert were offered. It was also the music hall and a quartet had already begun playing when the guests entered. Several couples began to dance on the square floor in the center of the room.

Glorfindel hastily made his way out of the main commotion, attempting to remain unseen by the boorish lords and Celegiell. His primary objective was to remain out of sight from some of the other guests. It would be impolite for him to leave so soon since the event had been thrown partially in his honor so he knew he had to make some conversation to look like he was having a good time. He was about to slip to a corner where he noticed Cirdan discussing a topic with lords whose company Glorfindel did not mind when he saw Celegiell start his way. He was about to make a dash for the door when he felt a hand on his arm.

"Are you enjoying your celebration?" Elrilya asked as she gently pulled Glorfindel to the side, making herself visible to the advancing Celegiell.

"Yes but I'm afraid I have caught the eye of one I am not too flattered to see," he said keeping his voice low.

"I noticed," Elrilya said. "She would not stop staring at you throughout dinner." Glorfindel nodded but then was about to ask why it was that Elrilya notice such a thing when she spoke. "This would be a lovely song to dance to."

He understood her plan to separate themselves from the main crowd and inaccessible. It was not polite of a lady to cut in on a dance and Elrilya knew this but she could not ask it herself.

"Would you care to dance with me?" he asked her.

"Yes," she answered and he led her out to the dance floor.

As they stepped out onto the floor and took position Glorfindel noticed an annoyed Celegiell at the edge of the dance floor. For now they had managed to get away from her but they could not dance all night long. Glorfindel took Elrilya's hand in his while also placing his right hand on her back. They began slow taking small steps as he became accustomed to the beat.

"How well do you know how to dance?" he whispered to her, their faces inches apart.

"Well enough," she answered. "Surprise me."

Glorfindel took her into a quicker step as the tempo sped up. He felt her change her center of balance as she leaned in dangerously close to his body. The music changed into a climactic rise and he opened her up to the side then led her into three spins in succession. She kept up with him and was right in front of him every step of the way. She changed her posture as well as her form giving it an interesting feel with every move. Glorfindel gulped as he felt a strange rise inside but quickly pushed it away. He was not sure what it was but kept his mind on task.

As the music slowed once more he leaned into a deep dip, Elrilya maximizing the effect by letting her head lean back. He brought her back up, their eyes trained on the other unblinking. The quartet took another dramatic turn in their music and Glorfindel brought her to his side so that they were shoulder to shoulder with their bodies facing opposite ways. She kept her face turned toward his, her eyes intently watching his and not showing any hesitation in her next step. He passed her in front of him one last time as he heard the music start to fall to the end. A different dip and a different format, he leaned her toward the floor, his own body covetously over her own.

The lords and ladies applauded the quartet as they finished, many couples leaving the dance floor. Glorfindel straightened himself and Elrilya then led her to the side where Idril was waiting. She had attached herself to the same young ellon who had asked her to dance the night before in Cirdan's garden. The golden-haired princess had a devilish amused look to her face when they got closer to her.

"I see you have claimed him as yours for tonight," Idril teased Elrilya.

"That is not so," Elrilya said, starting to feel exasperated with Idril's teasing.

"I do not mind to be your companion for tonight," Glorfindel said with a laugh. "I appreciate the gesture since it has rescued me from a most unpleasant presence for the night."

Idril leaned to the side to glance around the two, she noticed Celegiell leaving the hall.

"You have accomplished that well," she said leaning back onto the arm of her date.

The rest of the night went much better than Glorfindel had hoped for and went much quicker than anticipated. With Elrilya at his side, Glorfindel was intrigued to hear her thoughts on some matters they discussed with other lords. Aredhel and Turgon have taught you well, he thought to himself as he watched her debate a point with Cirdan.

Soon it was getting late and he took Elrilya into the corridors of the hall to lead her to her room. They went quietly on their way, the torchlight flickering around them. It did not take long to arrive and Glorfindel took Elrilya's hands in his own.

"I wanted to thank you myself for making this night easier for me."

"You are my friend, I would do what you are in need of at any time," she replied. "Have a good night, Glorfindel."

"And to you, too," he said as she disappeared into her room.

Glossary
Ilfirin Lilta: immortal dance
Mellon (nin): (my) friend