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Chapter Fifteen: Mereth Aderthad

Anar was starting to rise to midmorning as the company of riders from Nevrast crested a hill on the second day of travel. Upon his steed, Glorfindel rode tall next to Turgon as the host of Noldor and Sindar elves from Nevrast passed east to the waters of Ivrin and the River Narog. It was there where the great feast would be held and the many elves of the Hinder Lands would gather together in peaceful union. To the north the Ered Wethrin stood tall and majestic while the hills and plains below were the greenest any had ever seen for the waters of Ivrin and Narog were refreshing and clean. Ahead Ivrin could be seen sparkling in the sunlight and around it a great many elves congregated among tents and tables.

"Sound the horn and trumpets for our approach," Turgon called out to his followers. "I would like for Atar to hear his son's arrival."

The echoing and deep call was sent, catching much attention indeed as Turgon had everyone pick up speed to arrive quicker. Glorfindel laughed openly at his friend's enthusiasm, he had not seen him nearly as glad; even at his own return just a couple months before. He looked back to see Aredhel ride up to be alongside her brother to meet with their father, Idril and Elrilya staying close behind. Both the young ellyths' eyes sparkled as they laughed along with him at the joy of reuniting with their friends and extended kin.

They slowed as they came upon the edges of the encampment and led their horses toward the makeshift stables where servants met them to gather the gifts and food they brought. Turgon had just dismounted when the dark-haired High King of the Noldor appeared and it was no one could mistake who he was. His long robes of dark blue and white, the colors of his House, were majestically and intricately woven and a golden circlet with inlaid gems shone brightly upon his head. With open arms he took in his daughter and son happily.

"Iond, it is good to see you after so long and what a grand congregation you have brought," he said proudly then turned to the others. "Ield, you are still the likeness of your mother shining brilliantly. Dear Idril, you have grown so since we last met! I hardly recognize the beautiful elleth before me."

"Thank you, Grandsire," Idril said with a great smile and embraced him.

"And Lady Elrilya, if you were not with Idril I would not have known it was you as well," Fingolfin said somewhat formally though with a touch of family familiarity. "I am glad you joined us here as well." He then turned to Turgon and Aredhel again. "Fingon has arrived already if you wish to meet with him, too."

"Of course, Atar," Aredhel said, linking her arm in his as he led them to the center of the camp.

*
Not long after their coming did Cirdan and Finrod arrive together with a great compliment also following them from their respective domains. From Doriath messengers had been sent in King Thingol's stead but Artanis, now known by the name Galadriel, was present with her brothers for the family of Finarfin. As soon as they settled in and made ready, the feast began that evening. The important lords and kings sat at the main table to discuss many things surrounding their lands and kingdoms but most were light-hearted and enjoyment was kept continuously at all tables.

The sheer amount of food prepared was greater than any had ever laid eyes upon. Pheasant, duck, boar, and chicken dashed with herbs and spices were of the main dishes laid out at the tables with a variety of greens and vegetables plucked from the very gardens of many present. Mead and a new wine that Doriath had concocted and sent as a token of good will were downed quickly and happily. Pastries and sweets were awarded to those who still had room to eat more though some still managed to eat more than their fill when the sugary-sweet smell of honey and cinnamon wafted past their noses.

As night drew upon them and the sky dimmed, lights and torches were lighted, letting the merry time continue past dark. Singing and dancing began as many finished their meals and desserts, the musicians' notes drifting upon the breeze. Blazing high overhead the stars twinkled brightly upon them like in the days before the rising of Isil and Anar.

It was well past the midnight hour when Glorfindel returned to his tent to settle for the night. He could stay up all night if he wanted to but it was best to let his full stomach and tired feet relax. A great many friends he had not seen recently though had visited on his journeys had been present and with the overwhelming amount of elves who attended made it so that one may never see another elf twice in the same night. Gladly Glorfindel was ready to retire until the next day when they would make preparations to return to Nevrast the following evening. He was about to remove his robes and shirt when he heard distinct steps outside his tent.

"Who approaches?"

"It is I," came a voice.

Glorfindel felt his muscles tense as he saw Celegiell enter his tent. Her cheeks were rosy with the excitement of the night and her silvery-blonde hair framed her thin face and features. He realized it would be likely her father, an important lord, would attend the great feast with Cirdan but Glorfindel had hoped he could avoid her if she was present.

"What can I do for you, Celegiell?" Glorfindel asked, aware now what position he was in with her.

"I have a favor to ask," she said, walking closer to him with her eyes trained on him.

Her gaze at him told him what she came to seek from him and he was already at the back of his tent while she was blocking his only exit. He had hoped not to make another confrontation with her concerning her obsessive feelings but it appeared she would give him no choice.

"I cannot help you," he said, attempting to sound stern in his answer.

"Oh, Glorfindel," she said with a sigh as she finally caught up to him. She took his hand and held it between her own while intertwining her fingers in his. "Why do you have to play games with me? You know we are made to be together."

Glorfindel remained stoic and did not react to her seductive attempts. Seeing she was not getting anywhere with her words, Celegiell threw her arms around his neck and kissed him on his lips as passionately as she could. Glorfindel did not kiss her back but was still shocked at the lengths she went to in order to convince herself he wanted her.

"Please leave, Celegiell," he said, keeping his face emotionless. "I do not wish to be with you. I believe I made that clear the last time we spoke in Eglarest."

Her face turned to a glare that he dare say things like that to her.

"What is the matter with you, Glorfindel, that you do not want me?" she spat. "Ah, I know. It is that false-royal elleth who has your attention. That Noldori peasant who has poisoned your mind with false thoughts and love play. She is not worthy of your attentions as I am!"

She shrank back as Glorfindel stalked toward her angrily.

"It is you that speaks ill and falsely of one who has more worth and importance to me than you ever will," he shouted at her then lowered his voice. "Leave me. Now!"

Celegiell narrowed her eyes at him and opened her mouth as to speak but instead turned and fled from his tent. Clenching his fists angrily Glorfindel turned back to his tent and belongings. He sat upon his bedding and ran his fingers over his head as he calmed down. He could not believe how Celegiell had spoken of Elrilya to him and his hands still shook from the adrenaline rushing his body. He would not be able to sleep now and so he left his tent without another thought.

The night was cool against his hot skin and he felt refreshed as it washed over him. Striding quickly over the dewy grass he went in the direction of Ivrin. The sounds of the festivities were still continuing and were faintly heard on the breeze. Traveling to a far corner of the lake, Glorfindel went down the slope of a nearby hill as to separate himself from the others.

Ivrin's sounds of gentle lapping and the chirping of crickets were all that greeted him. Settling onto the soft grass he pulled off his boots and pulled up his pant legs. Dangling his feet into the water cooled his senses and he sighed contentedly as he felt renewed. The rustle of cloth drifted over the hill to him and he turned to see if Celegiell dared follow him after he yelled at her. Instead, the slender dark-haired figure of another elleth stopped a short distance away.

"Elrilya, what are you doing out here?" he asked.

"I saw you walking out here. I thought I would follow you even if you seemed angry," she said as she settled next to him. "Why are you here alone?"

"I wanted to take a walk," he said. "To be alone from others for a time."

"I can leave if you wish to be alone," she said starting to rise.

He stopped her by taking her hand, "No, please stay."

She sat next to him again and followed as he did by removing her boots to dangle her feet into the water. She pulled up her skirts up to her knees as to not get them wet.

"The water is peaceful tonight," she said gazing out upon the starlight-sparkling water.

"Yes, it is," Glorfindel nodded in agreement. "It reminds me of what my Atar described of Cuiviénen though of course much larger." He closed his eyes as he thought of his father's words. "He said the water was like glass since it was so smooth and it almost could convince you that one could walk across it like land. Like the glass of a mirror though it also reflected all that was around it in a perfect same image. It was like a window into another world just like ours."

"It sounds beautiful," Elrilya said. "My Atar, too, was one who was of the Awakening. He did not speak of it much but painted pictures of all that he remembered. Your Atar matched his words to mine's drawings."

Glorfindel smiled pleasantly and turned his gaze from the lake to her. He frowned a moment as he noticed her lowered eyes.

"What is the matter, Elrilya?" he questioned as he reached out to her.

"I should not have overheard your private conversations, I apologize," she said quietly. "I saw Celegiell in your tent when I came to see you. I heard her words about me."

Glorfindel's heart raged in heat again at the thought that Celegiell could be so thoughtless and that Elrilya had heard her.

"She was angry at me and she sought to hurt me by saying terrible things against those I care for," he explained. "I apologize that you had to come at that time and hear her. I should not have let it go that far."

"One can show little restraint to those with her temper and she is not the first I have heard say such things. Though I appreciate your kind words in my defense," she said. "I thank you for that."

Glorfindel pulled her closer and she leaned her head resting in the crook of his neck as he put his arm around her shoulder.

He kissed her tenderly on the top of her head and said, "Do not take what they say to heart. They are not of value to the importance of our lives."

"I will not," she said with a smile and continued to look out on the water with him.

Glossary
Mereth Aderthad: Feast of Reuniting
Anar: sun
Isil: moon
Atar: father
Iond: son
Ield: daughter
Elleth: female elf/elves
Ellon: male elf/elves