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Chapter Thirty-Seven: Véru

The day had come for the binding ceremony of Glorfindel and Elrilya in the city of Vinyamar where no place else in the world was merrier that day. A snap of clasps and tightening of laces, Glorfindel found himself near ready to make his public steps to present himself as a taken elf. Staring into the mirror, Glorfindel viewed himself to make sure nothing was out of place or needed a quick mending. His long robes were pure white with golden trim along his long robes in various designs and intricate details. The clasps and ties of his robe were also of gold to match the trim but also mark his lineage of the House of the Golden Flower, as was his family's style of dress on such occasions for one in the family. A silver tunic glittered from beneath his robes like mithril and his leggings matched in hue and sparkle. Glorfindel's hair was undone and free down his back, further enhancing the golden glow of his attire. A simple silver circlet was set upon his brow showing his relation as kin to the royal family as well as his house's high stature.

Gazing at himself dressed in such a way got Glorfindel thinking. Back in his earlier years, Glorfindel realized he never thought to himself or imagined if such a day would meet him. Betrothal and binding never seemed to be on his mind when he sought or received attentions but he thought perhaps it was because none of the elleth he was with ever really met his criteria or made him feel as if they would be the one to love him for all eternity.

Glorfindel smiled as he thought of Elrilya and how unexpected her entrance and influence on his life had been. They were so different yet so alike in many ways in how they led their lives but somehow still managed to come to one another. Missing the presence of his love, Glorfindel searched over their link to see what she may be up to while he stood alone in his chambers. Her mind seemed a blur and mixture of confusing thoughts, as she appeared to be with Idril and her maids getting dressed as well. She also did not seem aware of his mental prodding.

With a grin, Glorfindel went out to his balcony and closed the doors behind him. Glancing down the wall of the palace, he could see Elrilya's balcony not far away and her doors were open slightly to welcome the sun and breeze. Carefully climbing onto the railing, Glorfindel leaped to the balcony next to his while making sure not to ruin or dirty his formal wear. Eventually he was outside Elrilya's doors and he peered inside carefully so no one would notice him. A few of the chambermaids were scurrying around getting various items while two more were lacing Elrilya into her dress. Idril stood in next to Elrilya keeping her busy with conversation while the maids saw to her preparations. They were done not much later and Idril ushered them out into the sitting room so Elrilya could have a moment to herself before heading to the feast.

Slipping quietly through the doors, Glorfindel entered Elrilya's room as soon as the others were gone. He found his heart warmed and love burgeoning more than ever for her as he laid eyes upon his beloved. Her dark hair was free like his and drifted down to the middle of her back. Similarly were they dressed, her gown of the finest white silk embroidered with a lighter gold than Glorfindel's that almost seemed to fade into the white while a matching golden sash was tied around her, the long ends draped from her hips with the tie just below her waist. Open bell sleeves flowed elegantly off her arms, reaching nearly to the ground if she let her arms down. Glorfindel felt a swelling of joy rise within him as he looked upon her and his features mirroring his emotions did not change even as Elrilya turned to discover him in her room. She too looked over his comely form, catching her breath at how striking he was.

"Glorfindel, what are you doing here?" she asked, finally finding her voice.

He came forward, taking her hands in his as he kissed her tenderly. He pulled back only a couple inches away from her face as he inhaled her enticing scent of a mixture of holly and heather.

"We will not have a moment alone this eve until after the ceremony," he said, his eyes trained on hers. "I wished to see you for but a few moments without the watching gazes of others."

"I do not have a care if they stare," she said, giving him a short kiss on his lips. "Let them see our love."

Glorfindel met her mouth again, tasting her delicate lips and tongue on his own. They would have continued if not for the interruption of voices from the nearby sitting room. The slightly muffled voices could still be heard well enough and very recognizable.

"He is not in his room so I can only assume he is here," Ecthelion was heard saying.

"I did not see him," Idril replied. "Glorfindel would have had to come through here to see her."

"You cannot expect he would be that straightforward," Ecthelion said as he turned the doorknob to Elrilya's bedroom.

A short argument ensued between Idril and Ecthelion as she told him it was not appropriate to enter Elrilya's room without announcing himself. Glorfindel chuckled to himself as he looked into Elrilya's eyes again.

"I must be going," he said, placing one more kiss as a farewell upon her lips. "I will see you soon."

Elrilya watched him leave but this time through the door as was proper. She could not help but giggle aloud when she heard the astonished gasps of the chambermaids and the following admonishment from Idril who seemed quite surprised indeed that a certain captain of the guard was right.

*
The grand feasting halls of Turgon's palace were decorated with the utmost grandiose styles as green garlands spanned across the archways between standing columns. Plumbago, amaranth, roses, and honeysuckle adorned the walls while lucerne, lilac, and laurel blossoms were decorating the many long, expansive tables accommodating guests for the feast as centerpieces. Everyone was in attendance awaiting the presentation of the betrothed couple who would be arriving any time soon.

The chatter and conversations died down as music from the orchestra began to resonate through the room. The harps and flutes played a short duet introduction until a crescendo began whereupon the other string and horn instruments joined in as an announcement. Glorfindel came from one side entrance of the hall with his two closest friends, Turgon and Ecthelion, followed in suit behind him. The Noldo king had adorned a golden circlet with jewels and gems of reddish hues, matching his royal robes of a deep crimson color. Ecthelion had adorned a midnight-blue shade, complimenting his matching eyes and dark locks. Both paled in comparison next to the golden lord as he appeared to glow and shine in the torchlight of the hall.

Glorfindel's gaze had settled on many familiar faces as he began his walk through the crowd to the front of the hall where he would sit at the head table with Elrilya and the royal family. His attention was capture as the crowd stepped aside further in front of him as Elrilya made her own entrance opposite him. She seemed even more beautiful than he remembered in her room naught but an hour before. Her own countenance gave a warm aura about her and, not lost on or unnoticed by Glorfindel, someone had placed a crown wreath of golden flowers, the signature of his household, upon her dark hair. Behind her also followed Idril and Aredhel, dressed similarly in colors to that of their opposites on Glorfindel's side, both wearing gold circlet upon their heads.

Neither Elrilya nor Glorfindel could take their eyes off the other as they came finally to meet in the center. Even with almost the whole city in attendance and watching their every move the two did not divert from their path or become distracted. Elrilya went into a short curtsy as Glorfindel bowed to her and they clasped hands as they rose, Glorfindel leading her to the table where they would be seated for the feast until it came time for the ceremony at twilight.

Hardly a word could be passed between them except loving glances and thoughts as the feast commenced and their attention drawn to the musical entertainment of the evening. Poultry, venison, and meats glazed with scrumptious sauces and gravies came out and looked nearly too good to eat. Fruits and greens surrounded them on the platters in nearly an artistic display. Sweet berries to soothe the palate of those eating were placed upon the tables as barrels of mead and wines were drunk from brim to bottom. Laughter and joy echoed through the high-ceilinged room as all enjoyed the occasion.

A silent question came across to Elrilya from her mate and she smiled with an accompanying nod as he took her hand to rise from their place at the table. It became strangely quiet as Glorfindel led Elrilya to the dance floor in front of their head table. Never did they practice the steps of the dance they began as the orchestra struck the first notes and chords. Though, they did not need to as two hearts beat together in unison as one and two minds melded in a single thought within the sole soul of two Eldar. No hesitations or mistakes were apparent as they flowed across the floor, a gown swishing over a pair of floating feet and robes following obediently and untroubled behind a graceful and smooth step. Glorfindel did not once take his eyes off Elrilya's face, red as it was from the warmth in the room and the excitement of the night. As they came to a rest at the end of the song, the bells of the city tolled the advent of twilight.

All followed the couple outside upon the cobblestones of the seaside city until they came to the courtyard outside the hall. They stood apart upon a large platform set in front of one of the grand fountains, watching each other in the dim light reminiscent of the Years of the Trees in Valinor. In the place of Glorfindel's absent father, Turgon stepped forward next to him and, in the place of Elrilya's departed mother, Aredhel came forth. The king and his sister joined the hands of the two lovers, placing their own palms on top of them.

"We bless this union of souls in love so that they will become complete," Turgon and Aredhel said together. "In Eru's name we call upon the Valar to join us in a sanctifying this joining."

"I send my voice to Varda Elentári Elbereth to bear witness this unification," Aredhel said next.

"As I invoke Manwë Súlimo in witness as well to this harmonious accord," Turgon continued.

Despite the Valar still at odds with the decisions of the Noldor to leave Valinor, they still always observed the joining of Eldari souls as it always had been. This night was no different as any that had a binding ceremony. Varda, very much present at the ritual in her own way, let it be known of the Valar's approval by the bright flashing and twinkling of her creation, the stars, above in the night sky. Glorfindel and Elrilya could feel their eternal flames grow stronger as the final formality of standing in front of the Valar was finished. They smiled at each other as the awe-inspiring lights in the heavens subsided. Removing their silver rings, they handed them back to each other then turned to their family members standing at their sides. Glorfindel and Elrilya took their turns as they each slipped the gold bands, the presents from Turgon, onto the index fingers of their right hands. They would be one for the rest of eternity from there on forward no matter what would come between them.


Glossary
Véru: married couple