(no subject)

[gondolin_noble]

Glorfindel pauses at the edge of the porch, staring up at the fading stars joyously, reveling in their song. A week is entirely too long to be away, though he does not regret the reasons that held him away for so long. Off in the forest, the birds launch into full riotous song, filling the air as the Sun finally makes her appearance over the encircling ring of cliffs. Fresh morning light glints off the snow, the icy tree branches just beginning to bud, the roofs of the halls further down into the valley.

Comments

[gondolin-noble.livejournal.com]

Glorfindel looks pained at her choice of terms.
"Cousin mine, please remember I have known that one, and his brother, since they were concieved. I look at them, and more often than not, I see the elflings they were instead of the warriors and lords they are."

[nerdanel_the_wise]

She chuckles.

"Then let me assure you, my golden flower, he is very handsome."

[gondolin-noble.livejournal.com]

"Aiya, do not tell him so, or his overvaunting pride will be unstoppable. You call me a vain peacock, but next to that one, I am but a humble wood dove." But his good cheer is restored as he steps onto the far shore and waits for her.

[nerdanel_the_wise]

Carefully, she steps from the bridge, her cheeks flushed bright red from the cold, and presses a kiss to his cheek.

"Have I ever been one to say exactly what was on my mind?" she asks with a wry grin.

[gondolin-noble.livejournal.com]

"Yes!" He laughs, taking her arm again and leading her up towards the Hall. "Much to my great chagrin, yes! The day you do not is one I should worry."

[nerdanel_the_wise]

"You wound me," she says with a pout, and then a laugh. "But I am who I am. And I am particularly happy with that." Her eyes take in the sight of the Hall from the outside. "The architecture is so lovely, Glorfindel. Rough, but lovely."

[gondolin-noble.livejournal.com]

"And for that backhanded compliment I thank you on behalf of my absent lord, oh teller of truths!" Though she is not far off the mark. Imladris was built as a refuge, a hiding place during a seemingly endless war, and there was neither time nor inclination to create the gleaming towers and smooth wide streets of cities such as Lindon. Nor would many of the inhabitants appreciated it! For it was not only the Noldori with their love for architecture and stone that lived here, but all clans and divisions have made this valley their home over the ages.
"You see the influence of Lord Celeborn on the construction." He explains as they walk up the stone-flagged path. "He is nephew to the Sindarian king, Elu Thingol, and is much of a mind with him."

[nerdanel_the_wise]

She wrinkles her nose.

"The Sindar came into Aman and created their own little cities and settlements. They were not all that pleased at the domination of the Noldor. Thranduil, Valar -- he created his own woodland realm where he and his father can reside."

[gondolin-noble.livejournal.com]

"I am glad for them! They have been great allies, though the minstrels do not remember it. Their woodcraft can put any Noldori to shame, including me!" As an elf of mixed blood, he cannot help but enjoy it when his overdominant Noldori kin get a sharp reminder that they are not the only ones of worth. "Many of the skills taught to Imladris' defenders are of Sindarian origin, and no foe will ever see an elf of this valley - only their arrows." He notes with grim satisfaction.

[nerdanel_the_wise]

She stares at him.

"They are barbarous!"

[gondolin-noble.livejournal.com]

"So we first thought, when we met them - living in caves and trees, preferring their drab greys to our jeweled finery! But theirs is a different sort of wisdom, formed in long years of twilight. You should spend some time with their kin here, in the land they love - I do not know how Aman would change them." He shakes his head. "I doubt they would go willingly."

[nerdanel_the_wise]

She smiles at him. "Perhaps you will take me traveling sometime," Nerdanel replies, patting her belly. "After he is born. Riding a horse, now, would not be a wise choice."

[gondolin-noble.livejournal.com]

"If only because certain other people would be quite wroth with me, if I allowed it. We will go south, through the Gap of Rohan, and you may see Ents, as well as Thranduil's woodland realm, and Celeborn's Lothlorien. Or perhaps further south, to Belfast in Dol Amroth, and the forests of Ithilien, where Legolas Thranduilion builds a realm..."

"If he stops chattering to every tree and bush he stumbles across." A dark-haired elf in stately robes snorts as he crosses the courtyard in front of Glorfindel and Nerdanel, evidently intent on some mission or other. "The twins missed you this morning, poppinjay. And I have not been told of a newcomer." Glorfindel rolls his eyes.
"So I have been told, stormcrow, and she is my guest. Haven't you some poor scribe to harass?"
"Fine, keep your secrets, I will learn them all eventually." Erestor smiles, clearly enjoying the challenge. "My lady." He bows, then disappears into one of the smaller halls.

[nerdanel_the_wise]

Nerdanel raises a brow.

"Poppinjay?" she asks with a chuckle. "So many people to meet! I will have my hands full, I think. And who would be displeased if you took me riding? I haven't been riding in so many years... but later. Feaho will come in the summer, which will be a perfect time for you to take me through these lands."

Her eyes had followed Erestor, finding these Elves different from the Elves of her home.

"I thought I was promised a meal?"

[gondolin-noble.livejournal.com]

"That one has been a thorn in my side and a welcome ally since he joined Elrond in our retreat here. He is Erestor, a peerless scout and sharp-tongued advisor." Glorfindel explains with a fond smile. "And I did! A thousand apologies for delaying it so long." With that he pushes open the doors to the great hall. The air is filled with the chatter of many voices, speaking in a wide variety of languages - Over there, a trio of green-clad wood elves are laughing over some jest or other, there a group of Dwarves hunker over their meal and debate, a troop of tall, dark-haired Rangers new-come from the Wilds show rare smiles as the serving staff bring them food and drink. Glorfindel escorts Nerdanel to the head table, where the other half of the Peredhil twins sits finishing his meal. He rises at Nerdanel's approach, bowing.
"Good morrow, my lady, Glorfindel."

[nerdanel_the_wise]

Her cheeks are still lightly flushed and she sheds her cloak, draping it over her chair. She bows slightly to Elrohir, smiling as she does so.

"My Lord," she says, the title spilling from her tongue with practiced ease. Nevermind that this Elf had once been the Queen of the Noldor, for the little time her husband had held the title of High King. "It is an honour to be a guest in this valley."

[gondolin-noble.livejournal.com]

"You are..." Glorfindel holds up a restraining hand to prevent further accusation.
"I know, I have heard the same from your brother, and from Erestor, and surely from the rest of Arda if I let them. Be thankful that I did not rouse you for one morning, and remember it the next time you complain I never let you rest." He retorts, pulling out a chair for Nerdanel and signaling to the waitstaff that they should begin bringing food for them both.

[nerdanel_the_wise]

The pregnant Elf, trying to not laugh or salivate, sits as lady-like as she can.

"You are most popular," she points out to her cousin. "You didn't tell me that, either."

[gondolin-noble.livejournal.com]

"I hold this land in trust until either my lords come to their senses and start behaving as the heirs they are..." He trails off, giving Elrohir a stern look that the younger elf blithly ignores, "Or until my lord Celeborn comes from Lothlorien." He is further interrupted by the arrival of food, and quite a bounty of it - evidently word has reached the chefs that there is a pregnant elf to be served, and they have responded accordingly.

[nerdanel_the_wise]

Her eyes are bright as she picks up her fork.

"Come now. We were just as terrible when we were young," she giggles. "We did not wish to be Lords and Ladies until we were quite ready for the titles." She eats a slice of fruit thoughtfully. "And I still think we are not ready for them."

[gondolin-noble.livejournal.com]

"When you were young?" Glorfindel can practically see Elrohir's ears perking at that. He shoots Nerdanel a sidelong look - You are supposed to be here in secret, cousin - before stepping into the fray. He waves a slice of toast with wildberry preserves at Elrohir.
"Did you think I was one of the eldest? Honestly, Elrohir, I despair of you ever learning your history."

[nerdanel_the_wise]

She bites her lip, giving him an equally sidelong look -- What harm could it do to tell them I know you as a child? I... could be a refugee from Gondolin?

Yay for Elf-thoughts.

"He was a terrible boy," she says with a smile, turning her attention to Elrohir. "Do not let him tell you stories about him being the prim and proper Captain of anything."

[gondolin-noble.livejournal.com]

"He told us nothing until the fight against the Witch-king." Elrohir grouses goodnaturedly. "We thought he was one from Valinor, come late, and named after a Gondolin lord. I think ada knew, but they are equally close-mouthed when they wish to be." Glorfindel takes the teasing as it is meant, and does not protest his innocence, finishing his toast in that fabled silence.

Then claim a house, but be sure it is not mine - they know I am the last. Yay for elf-thoughts indeed.

[nerdanel_the_wise]

"Glorfindel? Our peacock? He is too modest, to not speak of himself before then." She puts aside the sweetbun she had been eating and smiles at her cousin. "The tales I could tell of this one. Shall I entertain the table, dear one?"

[gondolin-noble.livejournal.com]

"I think you hold their attention already, but as you will." He allows, tolerantly. He feels much improved, here - real food, real land, for the first time since Namo's attack, he feels warm.