Categories > Books > Lord of the Rings > Eternal
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Chapter Twenty-Nine: Muina
The morning came very much like the day before: a fresh, new beginning. Glorfindel awoke slowly, his senses coming to him slowly as he lazily stretched his arms above his head. He felt a weight upon his legs as he attempted to stretch them and through his focusing vision he found Elrilya gradually awakening as well, more than likely due to his own movements. However, instead of sitting up and moving, Elrilya made herself more comfortable by wrapping her arms around his waist.
"What can I do to stay you this morn?" she said, sleepiness still prevalent in her voice.
"I wish anything," he said as he touched her soft hair. "But I must depart soon since Turgon is waiting for me."
Elrilya gave a frustrated sigh while removing herself from him as he stood up carefully from the couch. He placed a kiss upon her lips as he headed to his bathing chamber to ready himself for the morning meal. She stayed upon the couch, a pillow now the item she held snuggly in his stead.
"Do you not have to go to the healers today as usual?" Glorfindel said as he came back out half an hour later to still find her on his sofa.
"Perhaps," Elrilya said, sitting up slightly. "It will depend on whether I am to meet a certain steward for the noonday meal."
"How so?" Glorfindel asked as he straightened his tunic.
"I am an apprentice," she explained, the pillow still in her arms as she sat up fully. "You as my teacher of weaponry know full well why I should not turn away from my studies."
"You continued the art of healing in Eglarest," he countered. "Though I doubt you kept well-learned in your training while away."
"Not as well as I should have," she agreed. "Though someone whom I hold dear will take precedence for a short time today if he wishes it."
"He wishes it," Glorfindel replied before taking her into his arms again. "I will come to you when all is finished this morn."
"Is it strange to want to be always around you?" Elrilya questioned. "I enjoyed the time we had together before this but it is different now. I am not certain as to how I feel about anything anymore."
"I think that is expected," Glorfindel said hesitantly. "I have never been with another who was a good friend first."
"Nor have I," she said with the same level of uncertainty. "Then it is good we take our time as you had suggested."
"We shall see what time has for us eventually," he said with a smile. "Now, I must go."
A lingering kiss was shared, their lips not quite parting immediately as they pulled away. Glorfindel gently squeezed her hand and departed finally.
Still in his daydreaming state from the day before, Glorfindel felt like he was walking on air as he made his way up to Turgon's study. He barely noticed the curious stares of other elves who wondered about the happier than normal demeanor of the king's steward as he passed along his way. The wide grin had not even subsided by the time he finally came to his destination.
"'Quel amrun, Glorfindel," Turgon said as he saw the golden lord enter the room. "Ecthelion should be here any moment now."
Turgon was right and the captain of the guard stepped in right behind Glorfindel. The king motioned for them to join him at his table where several platters of food were laid out.
"At least the food will not be cold this time!" Ecthelion whispered jokingly to Glorfindel only low enough for the two of them to hear. "I notice you saw to it to be on time this morn!"
Glorfindel simply shook his head as the three of them settled down and began their meeting. The food was definitely warm and the drink cool and refreshing as they discussed their decisions and thoughts. Turgon was very content with the choices his two lords presented and thus went into drafting his own private list of positions that made both Glorfindel and Ecthelion a bit curious.
"Oh, I believe I forgot another portion of my list in my study," Ecthelion said suddenly and got up. "I'll return soon."
Glorfindel wondered at the strange and surprise exit of his friend but the impish smile Ecthelion cast him made complete sense. He realized he had little time since Ecthelion would only be gone a few minutes since his study was just down the hallway. After a few moments, Glorfindel took a deep breath and prepared himself to pose his question.
"Turgon, I have a request to ask of you," he began.
"What is it?" the Noldo King asked.
"We have been great friends for a long time and I do not want you to think as if I'm taking advantage of our friendship for certain purposes..." Glorfindel began but was cut off by Turgon a moment later.
"Slow down! What possibly could you ask of me that I would become angered with you in such a way?" Turgon said. "I would never think you one to take advantage of those close to you. Now tell me what it is you need to ask for without a long speech."
Glorfindel took another deep breath, "This may seem strange of me to pose to you but I seek your approval to court Elrilya."
The reaction was not what Glorfindel expected. Instead of a serious demeanor, Turgon laughed heartily with a giant smile on his face. Glorfindel looked at him bewildered even after Turgon clapped a hand on his shoulder.
"It is about time!" the king chuckled. "Everyone was wondering when you and Elrilya would finally decide to court each other. If you wanted to catch me by surprise, you should have come to me last night."
"Why is that?" Glorfindel asked, his head still spinning from this odd turn.
"Nearly the entire city knew by the late night hour," Turgon said and laughed loudly again when he saw an astonished and confused face appear on Glorfindel. "I would suggest a more private place to show your affection than in the stable."
The golden-haired lord grumbled to himself realizing someone must have seen him and Elrilya upon their return to Vinyamar ere his visit to Ecthelion. He knew it was not the captain of the guard, his friend would never betray his trust in that way nor would Ecthelion do that to Elrilya either. The errant mouth whose prying eyes spied on them must have told another gossiper thus making the word spread like wildfire. When it came to members of the royal family or those close to them, the people of Vinyamar seemed more interested than usual in the current gossip.
"The answer is a yes, then?" Glorfindel said dryly trying to get back to the point at hand.
"Of course," Turgon said just as Ecthelion came back.
"I realized I must have been mistaken and did not forget anything after all," Ecthelion said as he entered the room.
Turgon seemed fully aware of the reason Ecthelion had left but said nothing to that effect. Instead he motioned for Ecthelion to close and bar the door.
"Lock it tight and Glorfindel, could you please close the windows?" the king asked. "I have something I wish to divulge to you but I do not wish for others to hear about it."
"Does this have to do with the list we made?" Ecthelion asked as he finished his task.
"Yes," Turgon said as he shifted around in a large bookshelf almost randomly then pulled out several rolled up parchments. "Here, this is what I want to show you."
Setting several large items form his desk on the corners of the parchment so that they would not roll, Turgon displayed the contents of what he had hidden away. Before them were architectural plans, but not some simplistic drawings but extensive diagrams and sketches of a grand city on a larger scale than that of Vinyamar and of a much different design.
"Turgon, this is... amazing," Glorfindel said at a lost for words. "It is much like Tirion! Where will this city be?"
"That is my secret for now but you will soon find out," the king said with great pride. "I discovered the hidden vale while away on my travels. Ulmo came to me and helped me on my way."
"A Valar came to you?" Ecthelion said in shock.
"Why is it that Ulmo chose to come to you when the other Valar have turned their backs on the Eldar?" Glorfindel asked.
"That is not all clear to me," Turgon said contemplatively. "The Valar do not always show the reasons behind their actions."
"True but it is good to take this sign of aid from Ulmo," Ecthelion said as he poured over the plans closely. "Have you a name for this grand place?"
"Ondolindë," Turgon said with a flashing joy in his eyes. "Though, you must not tell anyone... even Idril, Elrilya, Aredhel... no one. All will see it soon enough and I told you both because I trust you to keep this secret as it is built. Morgoth must not find out where this place is."
With a nod of heads, Ecthelion and Glorfindel agreed to speak not a word. Thus they continued that morning paging through the designs of their king.
Glossary
Muina: secret
Quel amrun: good morning
Ondolindë: the Rock of the Music of Water
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Muina
The morning came very much like the day before: a fresh, new beginning. Glorfindel awoke slowly, his senses coming to him slowly as he lazily stretched his arms above his head. He felt a weight upon his legs as he attempted to stretch them and through his focusing vision he found Elrilya gradually awakening as well, more than likely due to his own movements. However, instead of sitting up and moving, Elrilya made herself more comfortable by wrapping her arms around his waist.
"What can I do to stay you this morn?" she said, sleepiness still prevalent in her voice.
"I wish anything," he said as he touched her soft hair. "But I must depart soon since Turgon is waiting for me."
Elrilya gave a frustrated sigh while removing herself from him as he stood up carefully from the couch. He placed a kiss upon her lips as he headed to his bathing chamber to ready himself for the morning meal. She stayed upon the couch, a pillow now the item she held snuggly in his stead.
"Do you not have to go to the healers today as usual?" Glorfindel said as he came back out half an hour later to still find her on his sofa.
"Perhaps," Elrilya said, sitting up slightly. "It will depend on whether I am to meet a certain steward for the noonday meal."
"How so?" Glorfindel asked as he straightened his tunic.
"I am an apprentice," she explained, the pillow still in her arms as she sat up fully. "You as my teacher of weaponry know full well why I should not turn away from my studies."
"You continued the art of healing in Eglarest," he countered. "Though I doubt you kept well-learned in your training while away."
"Not as well as I should have," she agreed. "Though someone whom I hold dear will take precedence for a short time today if he wishes it."
"He wishes it," Glorfindel replied before taking her into his arms again. "I will come to you when all is finished this morn."
"Is it strange to want to be always around you?" Elrilya questioned. "I enjoyed the time we had together before this but it is different now. I am not certain as to how I feel about anything anymore."
"I think that is expected," Glorfindel said hesitantly. "I have never been with another who was a good friend first."
"Nor have I," she said with the same level of uncertainty. "Then it is good we take our time as you had suggested."
"We shall see what time has for us eventually," he said with a smile. "Now, I must go."
A lingering kiss was shared, their lips not quite parting immediately as they pulled away. Glorfindel gently squeezed her hand and departed finally.
Still in his daydreaming state from the day before, Glorfindel felt like he was walking on air as he made his way up to Turgon's study. He barely noticed the curious stares of other elves who wondered about the happier than normal demeanor of the king's steward as he passed along his way. The wide grin had not even subsided by the time he finally came to his destination.
"'Quel amrun, Glorfindel," Turgon said as he saw the golden lord enter the room. "Ecthelion should be here any moment now."
Turgon was right and the captain of the guard stepped in right behind Glorfindel. The king motioned for them to join him at his table where several platters of food were laid out.
"At least the food will not be cold this time!" Ecthelion whispered jokingly to Glorfindel only low enough for the two of them to hear. "I notice you saw to it to be on time this morn!"
Glorfindel simply shook his head as the three of them settled down and began their meeting. The food was definitely warm and the drink cool and refreshing as they discussed their decisions and thoughts. Turgon was very content with the choices his two lords presented and thus went into drafting his own private list of positions that made both Glorfindel and Ecthelion a bit curious.
"Oh, I believe I forgot another portion of my list in my study," Ecthelion said suddenly and got up. "I'll return soon."
Glorfindel wondered at the strange and surprise exit of his friend but the impish smile Ecthelion cast him made complete sense. He realized he had little time since Ecthelion would only be gone a few minutes since his study was just down the hallway. After a few moments, Glorfindel took a deep breath and prepared himself to pose his question.
"Turgon, I have a request to ask of you," he began.
"What is it?" the Noldo King asked.
"We have been great friends for a long time and I do not want you to think as if I'm taking advantage of our friendship for certain purposes..." Glorfindel began but was cut off by Turgon a moment later.
"Slow down! What possibly could you ask of me that I would become angered with you in such a way?" Turgon said. "I would never think you one to take advantage of those close to you. Now tell me what it is you need to ask for without a long speech."
Glorfindel took another deep breath, "This may seem strange of me to pose to you but I seek your approval to court Elrilya."
The reaction was not what Glorfindel expected. Instead of a serious demeanor, Turgon laughed heartily with a giant smile on his face. Glorfindel looked at him bewildered even after Turgon clapped a hand on his shoulder.
"It is about time!" the king chuckled. "Everyone was wondering when you and Elrilya would finally decide to court each other. If you wanted to catch me by surprise, you should have come to me last night."
"Why is that?" Glorfindel asked, his head still spinning from this odd turn.
"Nearly the entire city knew by the late night hour," Turgon said and laughed loudly again when he saw an astonished and confused face appear on Glorfindel. "I would suggest a more private place to show your affection than in the stable."
The golden-haired lord grumbled to himself realizing someone must have seen him and Elrilya upon their return to Vinyamar ere his visit to Ecthelion. He knew it was not the captain of the guard, his friend would never betray his trust in that way nor would Ecthelion do that to Elrilya either. The errant mouth whose prying eyes spied on them must have told another gossiper thus making the word spread like wildfire. When it came to members of the royal family or those close to them, the people of Vinyamar seemed more interested than usual in the current gossip.
"The answer is a yes, then?" Glorfindel said dryly trying to get back to the point at hand.
"Of course," Turgon said just as Ecthelion came back.
"I realized I must have been mistaken and did not forget anything after all," Ecthelion said as he entered the room.
Turgon seemed fully aware of the reason Ecthelion had left but said nothing to that effect. Instead he motioned for Ecthelion to close and bar the door.
"Lock it tight and Glorfindel, could you please close the windows?" the king asked. "I have something I wish to divulge to you but I do not wish for others to hear about it."
"Does this have to do with the list we made?" Ecthelion asked as he finished his task.
"Yes," Turgon said as he shifted around in a large bookshelf almost randomly then pulled out several rolled up parchments. "Here, this is what I want to show you."
Setting several large items form his desk on the corners of the parchment so that they would not roll, Turgon displayed the contents of what he had hidden away. Before them were architectural plans, but not some simplistic drawings but extensive diagrams and sketches of a grand city on a larger scale than that of Vinyamar and of a much different design.
"Turgon, this is... amazing," Glorfindel said at a lost for words. "It is much like Tirion! Where will this city be?"
"That is my secret for now but you will soon find out," the king said with great pride. "I discovered the hidden vale while away on my travels. Ulmo came to me and helped me on my way."
"A Valar came to you?" Ecthelion said in shock.
"Why is it that Ulmo chose to come to you when the other Valar have turned their backs on the Eldar?" Glorfindel asked.
"That is not all clear to me," Turgon said contemplatively. "The Valar do not always show the reasons behind their actions."
"True but it is good to take this sign of aid from Ulmo," Ecthelion said as he poured over the plans closely. "Have you a name for this grand place?"
"Ondolindë," Turgon said with a flashing joy in his eyes. "Though, you must not tell anyone... even Idril, Elrilya, Aredhel... no one. All will see it soon enough and I told you both because I trust you to keep this secret as it is built. Morgoth must not find out where this place is."
With a nod of heads, Ecthelion and Glorfindel agreed to speak not a word. Thus they continued that morning paging through the designs of their king.
Glossary
Muina: secret
Quel amrun: good morning
Ondolindë: the Rock of the Music of Water
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