Butterfly- Chrysalis

Morning was yet a long way off when the household began to stir. Dalgren was still several hours from prepared for the feast. Elrond was in his office, clearing away some details that would not wait until tomorrow. Seldala was up, seeing to things that had nothing to do with the feast.

Ela lazed in bed until dawn, then habit drove her from her warm nest. She quickly dressed in a day gown, slipping her feet into a pair of slippers. Running the comb through her hair, she quickly braided it and fled her room. Treading lightly down the back stairs, she burst through the kitchen. Seeing Dalgren, she rushed over to the head cook.

“Am I too late for the bread?” she asked, breathless.

“You should not be down here today. Get out front and visit with your guests and relax.” The words were only
token, as she knew Ela would not leave.

“This is my last day to do this. The next time I make bread, it will be for my own house. I need to do this today.”
Ela looked expectant. Dalgren relented, removing her own apron to wrap around the girl.

“Go, then. It is ready to turn out. Punch to you heart’s content.” Smiling, she watched Ela dump the large bowl of
dough and begin kneading it. Well, that would content her for the next couple of hours. Dalgren went on to other
preparations, confident in the one thing Ela did well in the kitchen.

Amid the flurry of activity in the rest of the house, Ela was not missed. She was able to hide and work out her
jitters in peace.

At midmorning, it dawned on Elrond that he had not seen her. After checking her room and sending a servant to
the stables, he surmised that she would be in the one place that had always given her comfort. On his way there, he
ran into Elrohir, back from early morning hunting. The younger man deduced from the determined look on his father’s
face the subject of his search.

“She is in the kitchen. Where else would she be?” He laughed. Some things about his younger sister were just
too predictable.

“Ah, well, I will leave her then. I was only concerned. She had a lot to sleep on.” He turned and went back into
his office.

Finishing up his small pile of correspondence, Elrond stood and adjusted his robes. So close to noon, it was time
to start preparing for the small ceremony and the feast to follow. He walked to the kitchen, getting a nod from Dalgren.
No sign of Ela, so she must have gone back upstairs. He followed the narrow path through the kitchen to the back
stairs, ascending to his own rooms. Faint chatter from Ela’s rooms assured him that she was getting ready.

Ela lay back in the great tub. The hot water was filled with frothy bubbles and the scent of lavender. Her eyes
closed, she let her thought wander back to her life before coming here. A morning when she was ten came to mind. It
was one of her last memories of her family together: her mother fixing dinner while she and her father went swimming
in the small stream.



*“Father, why do you not look like Mother?” she had asked.

“Because your nana comes from a far away place,” was the reply. He sat on the bank of the stream braiding his
hair.

“Well, why did she come? Was it very far away?” Her inquisitiveness had never let her leave a question
unanswered.

“There was a war. Her great-grandfather sent his people here, for safe keeping. One day, I saw your mother and I fell in love with her. I am very lucky that she also loved me.” He thought that would be enough to satisfy her.

Quiet for minutes, Ela contemplated his words. Even at ten, she was a serious child. “And will I wed someone
from far away?” was her next question.

“Well, let me think,” he said, teasing her. “Your husband will indeed be from far away. He will ride up on a horse
and sweep you into his arms. You will love him from your first sight of him and follow him to his home, where you will
live forever. And he will protect you from all the evils of the world. At least, that is how your mother tells the tale.” He
tweaked her nose and dove into the stream.

Coming up for air, he saw her still sitting on the bank.

“He will not, you know,” she called out, “come riding up to me. That is just a story Mother tells. Besides, would it
not be more fair to wed someone who will allow me to help protect him as he does me? I rather see a warrior who will
let me share his life. One who will laugh with me at my fears and not at me. One who is kind, as you are to Mother.”
She jumped into the water. “I want someone like you!” she shouted.

“Ah, Laeriell, every girl wants to wed someone like her father. It is the greatest compliment. I promise you, when
the time comes, he will be there. Whether riding on a horse, or simply arriving in a wagon, he will come for you. And, I
will welcome him, because he loves you.” He kissed the top of her head as she snuggled up against him.

How he longed for another child. But, the danger to them was already too great. And Ceria had told him the life
cycle was broken, as Elrénia was only one child and not the two that had always been the norm for the royal family of
Indra. She believed that it was possible there could be no more children for them. He sighed. As much as he longed
for a son, he would not have traded Ceria and Cera for ten sons. How he wished that he was not leaving the next day.
But, there were plans made and promises to be kept. Well, it was only a week. Then the last year’s preparations
would insure their safety forever. He was sure his mother would be surprised, but not unhappy. He knew that Cera
would win her over quickly. Yes, the Lady Elestra would soon come under the child’s spell. He chuckled at the thought.

“Come, Laeriell, your mother will wonder if we have been swept away.” And they had chatted all the way home.*




A slight noise in the bedroom woke Ela from her reverie. She stirred and sat up, reaching for the stopper in the bottom of the tub. The strange dream stayed with her as she stepped from the large basin. Wrapped in a large bath sheet, she walked into her room. Meliel turned at the sound of wet footsteps.

“Did you enjoy your bath?” she asked, turning back to the dress she was laying out. Rosa glanced up from laying
out the jewellery.

“I did, but I had the strangest dream, about my father. We talked about my husband.” She laughed at the
sceptical look on Meliel’s face. “No, I did not dream he was here. It was a memory from when I was a child. He said I
would wed a man who would ride up on a horse and sweep me off my feet. I told him I did not think so. Could you
imagine Haldir in formal attire riding up to pay court?” The thought made them both break out in a fit of giggles. They
sobered up only when Seldala entered the room. She looked from one to the other, questioning.

“Just trying to imagine Haldir in a morning frock!” was Ela’s laboured reply.

Seldala smiled. Trying to imagine Haldir as anything other than himself was amusing. She had never seen the
man in anything other than his usual attire, a clean set reserved for special occasions. It would be interesting to see
him in his wedding outfit.

“Come, my lady. It is high time you were dressed.

Seldala smiled at the chatter between the three younger women. It was well Ela had such good friends. The fact
that she had not seen Rosa in years did nothing to diminish their relationship, as letters had flowed fast and furious.

Turning when Ela stepped from behind the screen, dressed in her chemise and under gown, Seldala motioned her
to sit on the bench before the dressing table. Combing out the long hair, the older woman worked the light lavender oil
into the tresses. The braiding and wrapping took a half hour. Ela sat still, but the moment Seldala finished, she jumped
up and went to the bed.

Ela stepped into the dress as Meliel helped Seldala hold it in place. Pulling it up, she slipped her arms into the
sleeves. As Ela had promised herself many years ago, the dress buttoned up the front. When the last button was
fastened, Rosa placed the slippers in front of her and Ela slid them on her feet. Walking to the mirror, Ela examined the
finished effort.

Sighing, she smoothed her hands over the silk covering her hips. Nodding approval, she sat back down on the
bench. Reaching for her jewel box, she picked up the earrings from Elrohir, placing them in her lobes. Rosa picked up
the sapphire necklace and fastened it behind her, Meliel wrapping the bracelet on her wrist. Seldala waited until all was
secured, then gently placed the black diamond circlet on her forehead. Then, Ela rose slowly and turned, awaiting their
comments.

“You are a most beautiful bride,” exclaimed Rosa.

“You were quite the envy, as I remember,” returned Ela. “There were many a heart broken on your wedding day.”

There were cries of protest as each of the girls insisted one of the others was a more beautiful bride. Seldala
herded them out the door, still chattering.

At the foot of the main staircase winding from the upper level, Elrond waited. It was early for dinner, but a small
feast had been planned for the ceremony, which would be held afterwards, on the terrace. Only family and Ela’s closest
friends had been invited. Dorga, Cabel and Rosa were to be the only outsiders.

Elrond straightened up when he saw her coming down the stairs. Gone was the little child who had run up and
down those very stairs. As was the girl, playing the age old game of keeping a suitor waiting. There was no fear or
doubt in her, and it showed.

He took in the gown, the grey not a good choice in itself, but it offset the sapphires brilliantly. The stones she
wore glittered in the afternoon sun spilling from the windows. The small seed pearls woven into the braids wrapped
around her head gleamed incandescently. Only once had he seen a more beautiful vision on her wedding day.

“Are you ready?” he asked, taking her hand.

“I am more than ready. Shall we go?” Her eagerness caused him to smile.

He lead her out to the terrace. Two large tables had been set up with white linens and cream coloured dishes.
The table service was gleaming silver and the crystal was spotless. All conversation stopped as they came through the
doors. Haldir hesitated only a moment, then slowly crossed the flagstones towards them. He halted before Elrond,
silently asking permission to relieve him of his charge. Elrond took Ela’s hand and placed it in Haldir’s, thus placing her
life and well being in the hands of another.

Haldir led her to one of the tables. They sat in the centre, allowing others to seat themselves around them.
Settling to the noise around them, Haldir poured them each some wine, making hers just a bit. As the platters were
brought around, everyone took a fair portion. It was not until half-way through the meal that Haldir noticed Ela’s
appetite, or rather lack of it.

“Why do you not eat?” he whispered in her ear.

“Are you mad? How can I eat? Not to mention the fact that we have yet to eat later. This is only a formality. How
can you eat so much?” Her words pointed out that she had noticed no lack of hunger in him.

“Getting nervous?” he teased.

“You know, I am thoroughly rethinking the whole idea of waiting until we return to Lórien. I am in such a state
now, it is ridiculous.” She dropped her fork onto the plate. “I cannot eat another bite. Just finish your meal. And have
a care with the wine. I do not intend to spend my wedding night with you passed out on the bed.”

“And when, pray tell, have you ever seen me so deep into my cups as to be rendered so helpless.” He arrogance
was hard pressed to seep out from his slightly blurry words.

“Never, yet I do know what nerves can do to one. You must take it easy. Well, at least you are eating. I am
sorry…what?” Elrond’s question startled her, so intent had she been on Haldir.

“I asked, is everything well?” The twinkle in her father’s eyes belied his concern. He had watched the two of them
for moments, trying to figure out just what Ela found so interesting in her future husband, that she should ignore the
guests around her.

“Oh, yes, all is well.” She caught her breath, slightly embarrassed now that all had fixed their attention on her.

“Well, then. If you are finished eating, perhaps we can move on to the next part of the feast.” Elrond stood;
coming to where she sat, he held out his. She took the hand proffered her and rose gracefully.

Haldir stood up, just as graceful, and sober, leaving Ela to wonder if he indeed had drank anything. He followed
them to the cleared space beyond the tables, waiting for the others to join them. Standing there, surrounded by the
people they both knew and loved, Ela felt again an overwhelming sense of blessedness.

Elrohir and Elladan, her rescuers and saviours. They had also been the ones to help her thwart authority when
her desires had overcome prudence. And yet, they had never allowed her to fall into trouble.

Erestor and Seldala, two of the steadying anchors in her early life. They joined Elrond, forming a stable foundation
for all she would become.

Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, it was through their graciousness and understanding that she had worked out
some very difficult times. And Glordinel, a great teacher who taught her that life should always come before anything
else. Without the joy of living, there was no joy.

Orophin and Gariel, who had opened their home and welcomed her there. Elldar, ever the comrade in arms when
there was adventure to be had.

Meliel, one of her truest friends, second only to Rosa.

And, there beside his brother, the second greatest love of her life, Rúmil. Only now, seeing his face, did she truly
know the great emptiness left in his heart. Yet, he would never say anything, as his brother was the recipient of the
love he desired. Ela hid a small smile. If only he know what lay ahead for him.

She embraced them all with her eyes. Dorga, teaching her the difference in being different; Cabel, who taught her
that not all her mother’s people were ignorant peasants. These were the people she loved most. And now, they joined
together to witness the new chapter opening before her.

Her attention drawn back to man responsible for all the things in her life, she returned the slight squeeze on her
hand.

“Ready?” he whispered in her ear.

“Very,” she replied, as he turned to make room for Elestra, who had accepted Ela’s request to stand for her
mother.

Ela’s grandmother smiled at her. She had never thought to see today. It still felt a bit odd to her to have a
granddaughter when she had not even known her son had wedded. But, any preconceptions about grandchildren had
been lost and fulfilled with this girl; not what she had imagined, but more than she had expected. And, more like
Dorlandad than not, with his caring of others, his gentle touch; but mostly, his humour and sense of right and wrong.

Now, taking her granddaughter’s hand, she looked into the girl’s eyes, looking for any sign of hesitation. There
was none. As unsuitable as this marriage would be deemed in her own day, it was suitable today. She turned to
Celeborn, holding Haldir’s hand. Nodding, Elestra placed Ela’s small hand in Haldir’s large one, watching the slender
fingers all but disappear.

The words spoken were ages old, heard at such joinings from before recorded history. The words were handed
down from generation to generation, calling on Varda and Manwë to bless the union, finally invoking Eru.

When Elestra and Celeborn had finished, Ela and Haldir removed the silver rings they had worn for the past year.
Placing them in Elrond’s outstretched hand, they picked up the gold rings he also held. Haldir placed the small gold
circle on her finger, receiving in turn the larger ring. He grasped her hand as the ring slid over the final joint. They
turned back towards Elestra and Celeborn.

“Accept this gift from Lord Elrond and myself,” began Elestra, “As proof of our faith in this union.” She held a gold
chain. Dangling from it was an eagle, clutching a ruby in its talons. Haldir bowed his head to allow her to slip the chain
over his head. “Always guard my precious jewel,” she whispered in his ear before stepping back.

Haldir stood back up, determined not to let down this lady, who not so long ago was not even sure she accepted
this “jewel”.

Celeborn stepped forward with a necklace of his own. “Know that we are well aware of your dislike for some
traditions.” His voice was soft and did not carry far beyond the small circle of the six standing there. “However, you
have become dear to us, almost as high in our regard as is this man. Allow us the indulgence of gifting you with this. It
is small enough token of our gratitude for what you do for him.” Ela leaned forward, accepting the chain to fall over her
head. As Celeborn stepped back to his smiling lady, Rúmil stepped forward, carrying the silver and gold cup on a small
tray.

Taking the chalice, Haldir held it up. “Let this cup signal the joining of our houses. Let all that comes to one
belong to both. By drinking of this cup, we declare that we are one and bind ourselves forever.” The memorized vow
finished, he drank from the cup, giving it to Ela.

Holding it up as Haldir had, Ela turned to the guests. “This cup signals the joining of our houses. All that is mine,
is yours. And, I accept all that is yours. By drinking this cup, I declare that I bind myself to you alone. Both now, and
forever.” She then took a small drink and set the cup back on the tray. Dalgren rushed forward to take the cup and
wash it, to be stored until the next generation should have need of it.

Ela and Haldir turned towards their guests and accepted the congratulations. They were soon separated by
well-wishers. It was almost a half-hour before they reunited.

“Are you ready to go down to the field?” asked Elrond. “They are waiting for you.”

Ela glanced over the terrace to the large tents set up below. There, guests who were not part of the family were
waiting to celebrate the nuptials. It meant a long night of dancing and drinking. But, perhaps they could leave early.

“I am ready. Let us not keep them waiting!”