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Chapter Twenty-Three: ÃŒrime

The silhouette of a ship sailing parallel to the coast was spotted on the watery horizon in the early afternoon heading toward Eglarest. The word was spread as the vessel speedily approached the city with almost an uncanny velocity considering the lack of wind that day. Once the craft came into stronger visual range, the movement of oars was noticeable thus explaining the fast pace. By the time the ship had reached the entrance of the harbor, Lord Cirdan was already waiting patiently to welcome the unexpected visitors.

The lord of the coastline city was hardly surprised when the familiar face of Glorfindel stepped down to greet him; however, the golden lord usually took the courtesy of sending a letter ahead so that Cirdan would be aware of his future arrival. The serious look on his friend's face gave away the importance of the trip and that the decision to embark had been quite sudden.

"Lord Glorfindel," Cirdan said, keeping to formal references while around some of the local townspeople and other lords. "This is quite an unpredicted visit, to what may I owe to your presence?"

"It is an urgent matter that we must discuss as soon as possible if your afternoon time permits," Glorfindel said with a short bow and then clasp of hands between them. "It is good to see you again, mellon, despite the circumstances."

"Of course," Cirdan said as he brusquely led Glorfindel back toward the city but turned to one of his guards by the dock. "Please see to it that Lord Glorfindel's men are given food and a place to rest from their voyage."

The guard nodded in acknowledgement and set off to his duties as his lord and the visiting Vinyamar lord went on their way. They did not say a word as they went up the stairways and walkways since they both knew it was best to begin behind closed doors. Glorfindel sighed to himself as he wondered about the recent changes but also that he was once again in Eglarest; though, he would not be able to stay as long as he would have liked.

A touch of apprehension twisted through Glorfindel as he considered what other events might transpire during his visit. It was not the first time he had felt the uneasiness in his mind since he had received his orders from Turgon to depart for Eglarest. He was aware that Elrilya was still in the city as stated in her latest letter to Idril the month previous. It had been nearly a quarter-century since they had last seen the dark-haired elleth when she left with Taurnil. The anger Glorfindel had felt toward Elrilya after their argument had driven him to leave for the patrols again where he remained for another three months.

Over time Glorfindel's fury dissipated and he began to think more logically and rationally again instead of dwelling on his emotional reaction. He felt badly for having been harsher than he had meant to be and realized that his departure so soon afterward may have created some difficult assumptions in Elrilya's mind as well as the rest of the family's. When he had returned, no one brought any questions they might have had to him and remained silent. Glorfindel knew that Idril had more than likely heard all the details from Elrilya about their meeting in his study but she treated him no differently than before.

The letters from Eglarest came for everyone in the family and even every few weeks one to Ecthelion but Glorfindel received none nor did he send any back. Glorfindel was not aware of any events or discoveries made by Elrilya that supported his position during their argument and thus knew not of her sobered temper toward him. Due to the lack of the information he felt it best not to contact Elrilya until she was ready to reestablish that level of friendship again.

It had been a long time since they had been separated for such a great period of time since his first adventures into the wilderness of the eastern lands when they first came from the Blessed Realm. Glorfindel began to feel the loss and loneliness that the void where Elrilya had once filled had then created in his consciousness. Many a night he spent lying awake in bed or sitting in a chair out on his balcony contemplating how things may have come out differently if he had only held back the words he spoke.

The thoughts that permeated his mind the most were those of her words the night she told him of her feelings for him. It was uncomfortable at first to find himself thinking about such things but Glorfindel began to wonder to himself why he was troubled in the first place over such a thing. When he had learned on occasions before of an elleth who had an attraction to him he hardly had given it a second thought and if any persisted in their quest for him, he usually would turn them down as nonchalantly as he could because any hint of pity or sensitivity, he thought, would still give his pursuer a shred of hope that they still had a chance.

With Elrilya it was different when he denied similar affections and a war of raw emotion had erupted in his mind. They knew each other better than any other and were as close as friends could be yet, Glorfindel realized, he had never noticed this change in her regard for him... nor his for her. This latest epiphany had come to him but recently in the past few years after two decades of contemplation without Elrilya around. Rarely had he been in meaningful relationships and each occurrence he had a difficult time accepting his stronger interest in pursuing a more intimate relationship.

Elrilya was still different from the others though since he already knew her well and the other ellyth had always been acquaintances he sought to learn more about as the relationship progressed. Glorfindel began to wonder if such a change between them would be in their best interests but he reminded himself that she had left his side for another who did not hold back his interest in her. If she was meant for Taurnil, Glorfindel was ready to accept that but he felt rather saddened that they had not the chance to discover that together on their own. He would not interfere in their relationship in order to satisfy his urges that may not lead them to more.

It was because of this decision that he did not write to Elrilya at all across the years as to not put doubts into her mind or upset her if he were to write the wrong thing. Again, he decided to leave it up to Elrilya to take the step of restarting the friendship between them but of course the distance made that difficult. At times Idril would tell of details from Elrilya's letters while in Glorfindel's presence with the family and he would be kind, saying he wished the best for her and was glad that she was doing well. He did not want to seem rude or uncaring since he was sure Idril would write such things to her friend. Glorfindel was content to wait but now he found himself nearer to her in distance than any of them had been in a long time. What may come of his short visit to Eglarest he did not know but he would soon find out.

Glorfindel and Cirdan had finally reached the shipwright's study, which the lord quickly bolted behind them after shooing away the guards in the corridor as to avoid any chance or eavesdroppers. He offered a chair to Glorfindel and poured them each some mead he had on his desk.

"You rarely are all business, Glorfindel," Cirdan said as he settled into his own plush chair. "The messages you bear for Turgon must be important indeed especially with the swiftness you have arrived."

The golden lord took a draught of his mead and stared at his cup a moment before raising his eyes to his friend.

"We are preparing for battle," he finally said and noted Cirdan's somewhat surprised reaction. "The patrols of King Fingolfin's northern borders have noted distant movements of orcs and goblins moving to the east around the mountains. Word also came from the sons of Fëanor that a greater amount of the vile creatures have been encountered on Maedhros' borders as well and appear to be growing."

"There has not been open war against Morgoth in many years," Cirdan said hesitantly but not at all skeptical. "Is High King Fingolfin prepared to change that and does he believe that the Dark One is absolutely readying for a strike?"

"From all the accounts from the borders from all the realms of the Noldor, it appears the orcs are going to make for the Passes of Sirion and Aglon," Glorfindel laid out for him.

It was a simple sentence of few words but Glorfindel was well aware of the greater importance behind it. The point was not lost on Cirdan at all and Glorfindel saw the realization in his eyes at what he had meant.

"If Morgoth does mean to head through both Sirion and Aglon then manages to break the sons of Fëanor's barricade as well as Turgon and King Fingolfin's joined troops, Beleriand and Ossiriand will be their next attack. Doriath will be surrounded and nothing will be able to hinder the Dark Lord," Cirdan said gravely, all of his typical mirthful nature completely gone.

"That is why we are seeking to join arms with Maedhros and his brothers to see that Morgoth meets the full strength of the Noldor together in both places he plans to strike," Glorfindel explained. "We realize that King Thingol may not join in our leaguer since he has little love for the sons of Fëanor, but it is important that he knows of what is happening in the north near his realm. We do not plan on failing but if such a thing does occur, Doriath must fortify itself."

"And if they fall, Falas is all that is left," Cirdan said quietly, much running around in his mind where the final fight of freedom would take place for the Eldar if all their battles and plans were doomed. "When will the armies be sent out?"

Glorfindel took another sip of his mead, the drink flowing down his throat soothingly and calming his nerves a little.

"Within the next couple weeks," he answered. "It will depend on the news when I return to Vinyamar and whether Maedhros sent a messenger to us upon the tracking of a larger host King Fingolfin saw on his northern borders a few days ago. Many of our troops have already been moved into position in Sirion but King Fingolfin's main host has not been ordered there yet."

Cirdan remained silent as he leaned back in his chair and leaned against the armrest in deep thought. After a few moments he dug out a scroll of paper and a feather pen.

"I will do what I can to encourage King Thingol to come to this leaguer but I fear it will do much good," he said as he began writing a rough draft. "As part of Eglarest's close friendship with Vinyamar I will give aid in what ways I can. I will send two leagues to fortify behind King Fingolfin's position in the Pass of Sirion if any of Morgoth's forces are to break through. I will also send four of my best ships to anchor off the coast of Vinyamar if Morgoth seeks to come from Lammoth in the north."

"Turgon and King Fingolfin will be grateful for whatever help Eglarest may bring," Glorfindel said graciously.

"You do understand that I must pass this over with some of the lords before it is definite," Cirdan replied. "I can convene with them immediately tonight and tomorrow and I can give you an answer by the end of tomorrow. Is that too late to return word to Vinyamar?"

"That is all I can give for I will have to leave by the next morning," Glorfindel informed him. "I wish I could stay longer but you understand the urgency of this."

"I may need your assistance in convincing some of the stubborn lords of the court and for that I will forgive you for not visiting with me more," Cirdan joked light-heartedly, a little of his usual self visible once more.

"Agreed," Glorfindel said with a grin as they both rose from their seats.

"And one more thing," Cirdan said as he walked around his desk to Glorfindel and put his hands on his shoulders. "I would ask you a favor... I need a few of the detailed maps of the northlands from the library if you would be so kind to fetch them for me while I round up my counselors. I believe you know where to find them."

"Of course," Glorfindel said helpfully as they both headed out the door on the way to their duties. "I will be back immediately."

"Take all the time you need," Cirdan said as he backed down the hallway. "It is incredibly difficult to find all of the lords at this time in the late afternoon and evening. There is no hurry for you."

Glorfindel watched his friend disappear around a corner in the corridor and he pondered why he insisted on taking his time. With a shrug he went on his way to the library for the maps. Glorfindel was well acquainted with Cirdan's massive library in his halls and had visited the section on maps various times when he had passed through Eglarest preparing for many of his travels many decades ago.

Passing a nearby window Glorfindel noted Anur was already dipping low in the ocean horizon. His talk with Cirdan had passed rather quickly and took more time than he had thought had passed. Taking several turns in the many hallways, Glorfindel finally found himself at the library and then made his way up the winding staircases to the upper levels that held maps and older histories. He had just reached the top of a flight of steps when he stopped.

In front of Glorfindel the landing led off to walkways leading to many shelves and annals but almost directly in front of him opened up a balcony that overlooked the sea, which afforded visitors to the library a quiet place to read and study. He knew Cirdan was suspiciously up to something the way he had acted and now he understood. On the balcony sat the elleth who had caused much turmoil in his mind the past twenty-four years.

He dark head was buried in a thick tome that he did not recognize, her thin fingers holding the pages in place from the slight breeze blowing across the balcony. Glorfindel noted she had changed much, appearing older than he remembered now that she was well into adulthood but still the Elrilya he knew so well. Her hair was swept back elegantly revealing her long neck as she glanced through the book. She wore a light blue dress like that of a refined lady of the court but still held her countenance of her usual self. The light of the sunset reflecting off the ocean left her as a darkening silhouette that still glowed with her immortal flame.

Elrilya had not noticed his arrival since the balcony was still several feet away. Glorfindel realized she must be used to other people passing by and blocked out any interruptions or distractions. He walked closer to the large balcony doorway but as he came closer, he noticed her furrow her brow in thought then look in his direction. Her features changed immediately to surprise then a relieved smile spread across her face that made Glorfindel feel absolved of any hurt he may have caused her.

Without a word she quickly stood from her chair and wrapped her arms around him in a joyous embrace. Surprised a little at first, Glorfindel did not react but after a moment he also encircled her with his arms. She held him tightly and he found himself surrounded by her familiar scent that always made him feel calmer. He felt her soft cheek and silky hair against his own face and he let himself relax into her hold of him. Glorfindel felt himself fall into the welcoming warmth she had awarded him, the anxiousness of the days before melting away as his feelings of missing her resurfaced but making him glad that he had found her with a kind reception. After a few moments they pulled apart, holding each other's hands.

"I knew it was your footsteps," Elrilya said happily. "It has been a long time since I have heard them but I still recognized them."

"Does that mean I cannot sneak up on you?" he joked, his heart ecstatic that their reunion was on a wonderful note.

"Well, you have today if you think about it," she said a little more seriously. "I did not know you were coming to Eglarest. Cirdan did not mention to me a word."

"That is because he did not know himself," Glorfindel said. "I came here with urgent messages from Turgon for Cirdan and left immediately the quickest way possible."

"I see," she said, concern marring her features. "What troubles are happening at home? Idril did not speak of it in her last letter."

Knowing they were more than likely alone but not wanting to alarm anyone who could be nearby, he lowered his voice and leaned in closer to her ear then whispered, "We may be going to battle soon against Morgoth and these developments have been very recent such that Idril did not know about it when she last wrote."

Elrilya's face turned somber as she took in the news. The Eldar had been at peace with nay a word or sound from Morgoth except for a few marauding orcs scattered across the lands. Such a move would be influential on the realms involved.

"Then you will not be staying in Eglarest long?" she asked. "You would be returning to Turgon soonest with whatever word Cirdan may give you upon receiving this news from the north."

Glorfindel nodded, "We sail the morning after tomorrow."

"I see," she said simply then turned away to look over the blue waters a moment as if to contemplate Anur's decent into the horizon. She turned back to face him after a minute. "Is there room on your ship for me to return with you?"

Taken aback, Glorfindel looked at her quizzically since he had not expected her to say such a thing. Many thoughts ran through his head as to why she asked that of him and why she was not remaining in Eglarest or what had become of her and Taurnil.

"If you wish to come back to Vinyamar I can make accommodations for you on the ship," he said. "Why is it you wish to return now and not on another vessel much larger..."

She cut him short as she silenced him by placing her fingers on his lips.

"We can talk more once we are on our way back," she said. "There is much to say and I think it best to do so later when we both do not have too much to do."

Glorfindel nodded in acknowledgement.

"I should be getting back to Cirdan then," he said quietly. "It is good to see you again, Elrilya."

"Yes, it is to see you, too," she said with a smile.

Glossary
ÃŒrime: desirable