Butterfly- Chrysalis

Sadron shook his head. Catching the smells of the valley he had known growing up, he was excited. Ela was torn between laughter and irritation at his antics. Calming him yet again, she grinned as he quieted, but still trembled. She knew exactly how he felt. The valley did the same to her.

The journey across the plains had been uneventful. Haldir had been hard pressed to get her to stop at night.
If not for the horses needing the rest, he would not have been able to do so. He could not remember the last time
she had been so eager to reach her childhood home. Smiling to himself, he nudged his horse down the trail through
the pass, leading the way, Ela following with the pack horse.

They had managed to fill the days with talk of the future: their plans for the new house, the fact that Ela did
not plan to remain in the city, what to do with her house in Imladris. The one subject they danced around was
children. Haldir had not thought much on the subject, and Ela did not seem in a hurry to start a family.

She had shown him the changes in the talan he and Rúmil had shared for more years than he cared to
remember. His approval had been met with an embrace and a quick kiss. He was amused that the closer the time
approached to leave Lórien, the more restless Ela became. She now, more than ever, resembled the butterfly Rúmil
had teasingly called her.

Now, on the last leg of their journey, Ela seemed unable to hold herself back. Unable to see the houses in the
valley yet, she pushed as fast as she could down the narrow trail.

“Ela, slow down,” Haldir laughed at her. “You will go over the side.”

“Not likely,” she said. “Sadron would not allow it.”

“Why are you in such a hurry? We have two weeks yet before wedding.”

“Can I tell you something?” She lowered her voice to almost a whisper.

“You can tell me anything,” was his reply.

“I am tired of waiting.”

Not understanding, at first, Haldir suddenly burst out laughing as he realized what she meant.

“What is so funny?” she demanded. “Tell me you are not.”

“I will tell you no such thing. I just find it humorous that you are so eager.”

“Why?” she asked, stopping her horse and cocking her head at him. “Because you are so careful of putting up
a front of soberness? I have kept my feelings to myself for the last year. I am tired of doing so. I happen to know
that things are not always so prim and sober behind closed doors.”

Glancing at the mountains to the north, he looked back at her. “What things?” The laughter was gone, but
not the twinkle in his eyes.

“Things,” she said. “Things for a wedded couple. Those things.”

“And where did you learn of…these things?” He drew his words out.

“The stables, where every elfling learns of such things. Where did you think? Lord Glordinel?”

“The stables.” He was silent. “And what did you learn in the stables?”

“Well, I will tell you this, you will have to wait to find out!” she exclaimed, pushing ahead of him, across the
lower ridge and out of sight.

She had disappeared by the time he finally got his horse turned around and moving. He came upon her
waiting on the last cliff before the drop into the valley. She was gazing out over the valley below. Following the
direction she was facing, he saw Imladris, laid out before him. Yet several hours away, it was still breathtaking. Ela
looked back at him as he approached.

“Is it not beautiful?” Her voice was breathless.

“It is, indeed. I can see why you love it here. It does have a beauty that Lórien does not.”

“Lórien has its own beauty. It is quiet and dark. It envelops you like a blanket. It is warm and secure.” She
stood as he came up behind her.

“I have never seen it that way. I can see where you might, though. Do you miss the woods, then?”

“I love everything about Lórien. It is my home.” She looked back into his eyes.

“I will be most happy to return. This place is too peaceful for my tastes. I miss the routine of the marches.” He
smiled at the thought.

She laughed at him. Turning back around, she leaned against him. He reached out and wrapped his arms
around her.

“You should smile more often,” she told him. “It makes you look less stern.”

“I do not think anyone would like a smiling captain on the marches. I find people tend to pay more attention if
you are not smiling.”

“Unfortunately, I must agree. It is too bad.”

They stood quietly for a long while. The wind had picked up and was getting cooler. He watched her stare out
into the distance.

“Can we stay here tonight? Just arrive in the morning?” Her sudden shift in desire to reach Imladris startled
him. But the pleading in her voice touched him.

“What of your father? Will he not worry?” He watched her for several moments as she stood, her eyes slightly
out of focus.

“He knows we are here,” she said. “He will wait.” Haldir did not question how she knew. He just accepted.
One of many things he was resigned to accept.



~*~*~*~*~*~*~



The sun rising was yet an event waiting to occur when Ela stirred. The blankets did little to soften the hard
ground. The only comfort was the arms that pillowed her head and wrapped around her. Smiling, she tried to slip
out of the embrace that had held her through the night.

“You are too noisy,” came the whisper from behind her. Grinning, Haldir let her up. She turned, dropping dried
leaves from a sheltered hollow on him. Slipping just beyond his reach as he made a grab for her, she jumped up
and ran for the trees. By the time she had returned minutes later, a cold meal had been laid out on a rock.

“Enjoy this,” she said, between bites of her sandwich. “After this meal, it will be those lavish affairs we both
dread so.”

“I know. The one reason I gave in to you last night. I was frankly surprised that you would tarry so, this close
to Imladris.”

“Well,” she replied, “This was our last night to just enjoy the peace and quiet of bachelorhood. Rarely will we
know this solitude once we return to Caras Galadhon. I just wanted one last night without all the fuss that is sure
to be my lot the next two weeks. Did you not enjoy it?” Her grin was irrepressible.

“I did,” he admitted. “You know I am not one for the fuss,” he said, stressing the word she had used, “that
seems to accompany you. However,” he held up his hand at her protest, “I am willing to tolerate most of it. I hope
you do not intend dinner to be so formal in our own home.”

“That would depend on what you cook,” she retorted.

“Me? How did I become the cook?”

“You have tasted my efforts at cooking. If I am responsible for the meals, we will both starve.” Her face said
that she was no more inclined to eat her own cooking that was he. He laughed and conceded.

“Very well. When we are away from home, I will cook. When we are at home, we will have to see if we can
bribe Gariel to do it.”

“Home. That sounds so wonderful.” The wistfulness in her voice brought a slight smile to his lips.

“Come on.” He broke the mood. Reaching down, he picked up the saddle he had used for a pillow. Throwing
it up over his horse’s back, he watched Ela do the same to Sadron.

Mounting their horses, they began a leisurely ride down the side of the mountain. The trail eventually brought
them out in the meadow above Cabel’s home. Sadron, now knowing exactly where he was, picked up the pace until
they were in the lower forest. Galloping through the trees on the faint path, he moved into a full run when the
forest thinned out to grass. Approaching the river, there was no hesitation in his steps. He gathered himself for
the jump and sailed across the narrow waterway. At a word, he stopped and Ela turned to see Haldir’s horse clear
the near shore, but the landing was not smooth; the pack horse was more graceful. Catching himself to keep from
falling, Ela turned away to keep from laughing. Composing herself, she waited until he caught up with her. They
slowly moved away from the river, closer now to Cabel’s house.

A child’s cry hailed them as the rounded the path in front of the house.

“Nana, nana, come see!” He ran into the house calling his mother. Running back out he jumped from the
porch to the ground, running to meet them. Lutheliel came from the house, wiping her hands on a towel. Her smile
was radiant.

“Welcome back!” she called, coming out to meet them. “Are you just arriving?”

“Yes,” Haldir answered. He sorely wanted to dismount, but they had yet to cross the meadow to the stables.

“Then, you had best get going. Lord Elrond was expecting you last evening. I would not be surprised if he did
not watch you now, from across the valley. Go! I will see you later.” Her admonishments spurred them on. Racing
across the meadow, Ela held Sadron back. Haldir rode beside her. When they approached the gate, both horses
slowed down to a walk, Haldir’s breathing hard while Sadron did not appear winded in the least. Entering the
paddock area, Haldir dismounted, coming around to hand Ela down from her horse. Leading both animals into the
barn, He found three stalls and space for their gear ready and waiting. Removing the tack and stowing it away,
they brushed down the horses. When they were finished, Ela handed a young stable hand the lead to Haldir’s
horse, asking him to walk it down. The lad nodded and trotted out with the horse. Sadron was placed in a
paddock, where he immediately rolled in the long grass, leaving green streaks on his white coat.

Grabbing their personal baggage, Haldir led the way from the barn. They crossed the small area between the
barn and the road, Haldir taking Ela’s hand as she crossed the deep ditch along the road. Ela did not release his
hand when she was firmly on the road, and thus they made their way to the steps that led to the terrace.

~*~*~*~*~*

Standing in a window off the terrace, Elrond watched as they came across the road. He noted with satisfaction
the contentment on Ela’s face. She was very animated as they talk while climbing the steps. He was gratified that
she appeared happy. It had been his one worry.

Leaving the small window, he went down the hall to the terrace doors. Sweeping through them, he was waiting when they topped the stairs. Ela immediately rushed into his arms, bubbling with excitement. He could not believe this was the same child who had been so sober. Ah, well, Glordinel had written him that she would come into her own. It seemed she had; it had just not been what Elrond had expected.

“Well, Iell, how was your journey?” He brushed a stray hair from her forehead.

“It was wonderful. The ride across the plains was exceedingly boring, for which I am grateful. The ride across
the mountains was beautiful. I hope we did not upset any plans by tarrying an extra night.”

“No, you did not. I had anticipated that you would not want a big reception your first night here. You missed
nothing.” He turned to her escort. “Welcome, Haldir. Your rooms are waiting, and I am sure you would like to
freshen up. Lunch will be on the back terrace. Ela, you will have a guest this evening for dinner.”

“Dorga,” she guessed. “It will be good to see him. Letters are no substitute. Now, with your leave, I would
love a hot bath. That dip I had in a cold stream was less than comfortable. So,” she said, picking up her bag, “I am
off to find some comfort. Are you coming?” She turned to Haldir.

“I will be up shortly. Go, get your hot bath.” He laughed, wanting only the same.

Elrond watched her leave, then faced Haldir. “She looks happy.”

“She is happy. I have never seen her so alive. The only trouble has been from the incident at Spring Grove.
She has not been the same since then.”

There was a moment of silence. “Glordinel thinks it is temporary, until she realizes that there is nothing wrong.
What do you feel?”

Haldir was not comfortable discussing things about which he was not sure. Ela’s lack of confidence in her
abilities was being handled by Glordinel and the Lady. It was an area with which he was not familiar.

“I trust Lady Galadriel to know how best to help Ela. For the moment, she is accepting. As you said, Glordinel
and the Lady both believe that Ela will regain her abilities.” Haldir kept it as simple as possible, a fact that was not
lost on Elrond.

With a wave of his hand, the lord of Imladris invited Haldir into the house. Picking up his bag, the march
warden preceded Elrond through the doors. The cool of the house was a welcome change from the heat that was
beginning to build outside. The darker interior enveloped one with the promise of a pleasant afternoon. Haldir
dropped his bag at the foot of the stairs, following Elrond to his office.

Pouring two glasses of wine, Elrond indicated the chairs by the window. Haldir took a glass and settled into
one of the plush seats. He waited until Elrond was ready to speak.

“There is the matter of Ela’s dowry. Her father left her a small fortune and I am aware there is an estate
located in the White Mountains. Lady Elestra has indicated that she would put up an amount that would be in
keeping with Ela’s position.”

“Ela will have none of it,” was Haldir’s firm response.

“It is not hers to refuse. It belongs to you both. You have the right to accept it.” Elrond waited to see what
the answer would be.

“Would you start our marriage off with such a great potential for mischief, my lord?” Haldir’s voice was light
and sure of his reply. “I have no need of more than I already have. Lord Celeborn provides well enough for the
both of us. And, if nothing else, we could be happy on the profits from Ela’s gambling. So far, no horse put up
against Sadron has won.”

Elrond laughed and rose to get more wine. “I knew what the answer would be, but I had to ask. I will keep it
here, if ever either of you should need it. Now, to more pleasant things. Would you care to go hunting tomorrow?
I need the exercise, and Glorfindel is getting restless. Next week, he is going to the Shire to fetch Rosa.
Meanwhile, he chafes at the quiet around us.”

“He should learn to appreciate that quiet. Too quickly it can turn to more than anticipated.”

“Ah, yes. Well, Glorfindel has not learned to settle down, yet. It may be that I will need to send him out
beyond our borders soon. How is Lórien?”

“It fares. There is some unease, but nothing has appeared. Lord Celeborn is confident that his Lady will know
when things stir.”

“And they are to arrive later this week. I have lodging arranged. Most will stay here; the rest may have the
use of the barracks. They are quite comfortable. Now,” Elrond paused, “You are wanting a bath and a chance to
refresh yourself, I am sure. Erentil will see you to your room.” He watched as Haldir left the room.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ela was soaking in the large tub just off her room. Her hair was washed and pinned up on her head. The
fumes from the hot water bore the scent of lavender. She dozed lightly in the comfort of being in Elrond’s home,
letting the water and the quiet ease the discomfort of living in a saddle for several days. Her subconscious went through the list of things she would be doing for the next week. She really did not want to think past then.

“Ela!” The call from her room woke her. She smiled. Trust that Erestor would send word to see her.

“I am in here, my lady. I am just finishing up.” Her eyes showed welcome and pleasure as Seldala came to
stand in the doorway.

“It is good to see you.” Seldala drew back as Ela pulled the plug in the bottom of the tub, waiting until the girl
had wrapped a sheet around herself and came into the bedroom.

“My husband would speak with you, at your earliest convenience.” Seldala’s firm voice was the one feminine
influence of her childhood.

“I will stop by the library after lunch,” replied Ela, looking forward to the meeting.

Her room had not changed since she had moved to Lórien, only her things were gone. Ela moved to the
screen in the corner where a dark green dress hung. Dropping the sheet, she drew on a white chemise. Buttoning
it up, she pulled the under-slip over her head, smoothing it down over her body. Moving from the screen, she let
Seldala help her with the dress. The emerald material draped from her hips to her ankles, and fit to perfection. A
year’s time had not seen any changes in Ela, unless it was the added glow to her cheeks and the light in her eyes.

Finally ready, she glanced into the mirror one last time. All was perfect. Ela took Seldala’s arm as they went
downstairs, chatting about the last few months. When the reached the dining room, all but two of the chairs were
occupied.

The ladies waited until their respective men held their chairs for them. Haldir recalled a comment once made to
his youngest brother concerning the courtly manners that Ela had grown up with and how quickly they would be lost
in Lórien. However, Ela had never swayed in her quiet expectations, and Haldir found himself yet again bowing to
her silent demands. He chuckled at his unwillingness to now do so, gaining a questioning look from her.

Once all were seated, Dalgren began directing the kitchen staff to the placing of the various dishes. The girls
were kept busy with removing the dishes as they emptied, and refilling cups. The meal was heavier than usual for
mid-day, but still light, by Imladris’ standards. Both Haldir and Ela found it overmuch for so early in the day, but did
not complain. Ela passed on the wine, knowing that there would be more of the spirits at dinner. Haldir drank only
one cup before finishing with water.

Conversation drifted back and forth with updates from both realms. The chatter was lively as Erestor and
Elrond questioned Haldir on the conditions east of Lórien, while Seldala and Ela discussed the upcoming wedding.
Even Dalgren was pulled into the conversation, as she was planning the feast. Glorfindel mentioned hunting later in
the week.

Finally, Erestor excused himself to finish lessons with Arnor. Cabel’s son had grown into a serious lad of six
years. His reddish brown hair gave away his Indrelan blood, but his development was quite ahead of that
experienced by those of his father’s blood. Erestor found him as intellectually lively as any of his charges over the
last years.

After lunch, Ela wandered to the library. Expecting to find Erestor there, she was surprised it was empty.
Crossing the threshold, she glanced around the large room. Elrond had collected many books and scrolls through
the millennia. It hardly seemed possible that some of the writings here were thousands of years old.

Walking over to the shelves behind the ornate desk, Ela’s eyes fell on the solitary box on a lower shelf. She
knew what was in the box, but had not seen its contents in over twenty years. Afraid to touch it, she marvelled
that therein resided her entire history before coming here. Just the thought of what lay in there brought up
thoughts of her parents.

“Adar, I only wish it were you to do this for me.” Her habit of talking to her father as if he were present had
increased over the years. The dream she had experienced in which she and Del had been to the Halls of Namo had
only made it clear to her that her father was still present, if only in her mind.

“I know that Lord Elrond has been very good to me. He gave me so much more than needed. But, it is you I
miss. I wanted so fervently to come to you, but others, wisely, would not allow it. Now, I stand on the brink of a
new life, and I have no family of my own with which to share it. I wish you could know Haldir. Deep within his
heart, he is so kind. Not many see it, but I did. I can see our children, and him spoiling them as you did me. I can
imagine the secrets kept from their mother, the way we kept them from mine. In two weeks, I will know the
happiness that you shared with my mother. How I wish I could ask you how to keep that happiness.” The tears
that had formed in her eyes spilled down her cheeks. “There are times I thought that if I had not been, you would
still be alive. But, then no, it was not me that caused your death, it was the love you shared with my mother. Still, had you never met her, you would be here, but then, I would not.” Her thoughts travelled no rational road, just swirled around her sorrow. “Still, fate is not to be cheated. If not my mother, then something else would have been your downfall, so at least you had that happiness.” Hearing a slight noise in the hall, she wiped her eyes and turned, for once unaware she had been watched.

“Do you want to see it?” Elrond’s question startled Ela. “The box. Do you want to see it?” She had forgotten
all about the box.

“No. There is no need. It has nothing of interest for me, right now. Maybe when I am old and grey and the
Indrel are history, then I will want it back.” Sighing, she walked to he window, looking up at the tall mountains.

“Do you miss Celebrian?” Her question, in turn, startled Elrond. She had never asked about his wife.

“Very much. Why do you ask?” Despite the stab of pain through his heart, he was very much interested in
where she was going with the question.

“It must be of great comfort to know that your lady is just over the sea, and you can join her any time you so
choose. I cannot join my father. He is beyond my reach. I have no idea where my mother is, only that she lives.”
Ela paused, continuing to gaze at the mountains. “They are taller than the White Mountains, but really not so
different. There is a glade beside a small river there. A house, built of stones carefully chosen and laid with love and laughter, sits in the glade. In that house much was accomplished. Two worlds became one. And from that I came. Such a mixture of what is. Am I Indrelan, or am I elven? Or does something far darker rest in the blood?“ Turning, she faced him. “Have you never wondered that my grandfathers are not mentioned in my genealogy? You have found one of them. Who is the other? And, who would know?” She waited, expectantly.

“I know of only one person who would know.” Elrond’s voice was low and hesitant. “I know that you do not
want contact with your mother’s people, but I have heard from one who may interest you.”

“You found my mother?” Ela’s curiosity was peaked. Her early years were filled with a longing to know, but
once she had met her uncle and his ilk, her desire was quenched. No longer did she dream of what might have
been. She knew her place was here, among her father’s kin.

“No, Iell. I have heard nothing concerning your mother. However, I have heard from a woman claiming to be
your grandmother.” He waited to see her reaction.

“Gorden.” The reaction was level, with no emotion whatsoever.

“Yes,” he said, surprised that she would remember after so long. It had been a name on the genealogy chart,
and a half-remembered memory from her mother. “I waited to see what you want to do.”

“About what? I have had nothing but trouble from those people. I am not sure that I wish to have anything
else to do with them. Whatever she wants cannot lead to any good for me.” She turned back to the window.

“Oh, Elrénia.” She felt him move behind her. Gently turning her around, he placed a finger under her chin,
raising her head until she was gazing into his eyes. “You cannot run from your past,” he said softly. “You faced it
once before. Do you not think it time to face and settle it once and for all? You cannot want your fear to track you
your whole life.” He waited, seeing she would not answer. “Think on it. You have enough to dwell on this week,
the woman can wait. She has waited this long.”

“Thank you, Ada, for everything.” Ela moved so that she was in his arms. The comfort she had always felt
when he embraced her enveloped her yet again. If only she could feel her own father’s love this way.

“You are most welcome, for everything. Now,” he said, moving back to arms’ length. “Cabal requested that I
give you a message after lunch. He would like to see you to discuss your house and property. He wants to make
some changes that he feels you should approve.”

“Very well,” she replied, smiling up at him. “I want to visit with him, anyway. I have some questions of my
own. I think I will give Sadron a run down the valley first. I do not want him getting stiff after that long ride. He
does not get as much exercise in Lórien. And, no one will race us anymore. I may find a few takers in the village.”

“Enjoy your afternoon. Do not forget Dorga will be here this evening. Nothing formal, just a small dinner with
your friends.” Elrond was well aware of Ela’s dislike for the formal dinners; the dress was bad enough, but the rich
food did not sit in her stomach as well as when she was younger. Lórien had made subtle changes in her, as she
had made some of her own.

Kissing Elrond lightly on the cheek, Ela left the library, running up the stairs to her room to change. Coming
back out, she met Haldir in the hallway. He noted the different attire, her leather trousers she wore for riding and
the blue over-tunic.

“Are you going riding?” he asked. “One would think a week in the saddle would have worn out that desire.”
The slight smile on his lips spilled into a grin.

“Sadron needs a good run. I would not have him stiff from lack of activity. Then I want to visit with Cabal and
Lutheliel. Would you like to join me?” Her teasing look could not be resisted.

“I suppose that if you are up to it, I can be no less. I will meet you in the lower hall.” She nodded and walked
down the hall.

Their afternoon was spent leisurely riding through the village, then an all out run back up the valley along the
river. The two hours spent with Ela’s cousin was enjoyable. Haldir went with Cabal, allowing the Indrelan to get an
ellon’s perspective; and Haldir found out a few things about the Indrelen that confirmed Ela’s opinions about her
mother’s people. Ela meanwhile spent her time with Lutheliel, conversing in her native dialect, as the northern
elvish was not quite the same as the Silvan. Arnor ran back and forth between the two couples, enjoying attention
given him by everyone. Little Debyn cooed from her cradle.

Ela glanced around her former home. It was fuller than she had kept it, but then, there had been only her and
her grandmother there for any length of time. The bookshelves were full of books from the third shelf up; the
bottom given over to various playthings that belonged to Arnor. The liqueur cabinet contained drink ware and a few
small knick-knacks. The dining room had not changed. Likewise, the kitchen was still well stocked and looked to be
the main room used.

Finally, it was time to leave. Ela kissed her cousin goodbye, promising to meet with him later to discuss his
ideas for the house. Haldir said his farewells, turning to help Ela to mount her horse. The ride back to the stables
was spent in silent contemplation of an afternoon pleasantly spent.

The next day, Haldir disappeared early in the morning. He and Dorga had closeted themselves the night
before, which surprised Ela, as she knew how Haldir felt about dwarves.

Entering the village, the Marchwarden of Lord Celeborn strode purposely down the main street, stopping at a
large and expensive home. Knocking on the door, he waited until a young dwarf opened the door. Squeaking in
astonishment, the boy ran back to workshop behind the house, leaving the tall elf standing in the street.
Disgusted, Haldir took it upon himself to enter the house. He remained by the entry until a familiar voice boomed a
welcome.

“Right on time, I see. Well, come in, come in.” Dorga waved Haldir into a comfortable sitting room. Taking a
chair near the door, the elf sat down. He watched as Dorga placed a small table in front of him. Reaching into his
pocket, the dwarf then drew out a small black bag. Laying it gently on the table, he took the chair opposite Haldir.

“I hope these are to your liking. Ela was very specific in what she wanted.” He shook the bag gently and laid
the contents on the empty container.

Finally finished, forged from the lifeblood flowing through the heart of Arda, they had been crafted with care
and patience. Haldir reached out and picked up the smaller ring, held it in his hand; it was as beautiful as the hand
it would one day grace. Picking up the larger circle, he marvelled at the delicate etching of vines along the edges of
both rings. Inside was an inscription: ‘I will love you until death, and even then will I wait here for you‘.

Placing the rings on the tabletop, he glanced at the creator. Dorga’s friendship had been but part of the
weaving that had cradled his betrothed since her troubled childhood. Now, the caring would fall on him.

“Would you add an inscription to her ring?” His soft request struck Dorga. Gone was the arrogance that
usually tinged the elf’s dealings with him. “I would like it to say: ‘Nothing more will I ever ask of you‘.”

“Certainly,” replied Dorga, just as softly.

With un-begrudged admiration, he quietly thanked the dwarf.

The dwarf mumbled his welcome to the elf’s thank you. Despite their races’ mutual dislike, he respected this
one, if only for her sake.