Blending Songs - by Amber
The sound of nature’s song seeped into Glorfindel’s bones as he lay on the grass soaking up the sun’s rays. He had learned as a child that he could hear the song clearly if he but stilled himself and listened. It had taken lessons from the maiar upon being reborn to teach him how to use the song to regenerate himself. He concealed this gift from most for very few could hear the song as he could. He had come to the conclusion years ago that only a select few were gifted to hear the music so clearly.
His coming to Imladris upon his return to Arda had been a boon not looked for. It was here in his new home that he found many like himself who could hear and use the song. In Aman, he had been treated with respect but kept at a careful distance by those who knew of his abilities for there were very few who shared this gift. He had not considered that not all had been born with the ability to hear nature’s song. His Maian teachers had finally explained that most elves only heard a muted version. His ability to regenerate himself using nature’s music was gifted to very few.
Hearing the sound of a lute being tuned, he looked across the garden to see Lindir with his eyes closed. Glorfindel smiled as he observed the minstrel. Here was another who was deeply attached to the music. Upon learning that Glorfindel shared the gift and was an accomplished harpist, Lindir had taught him how to translate parts of the song he heard so he could play it on his instrument. They had played several duets together for their select friends who could hear and translate.
He listened as Lindir translated the song until time to prepare for the evening meal. He returned to his rooms and dressed carefully for he had special plans for tonight. He planned to approach his charge, Elrond, and proposition him. He had heard nature sing of how lonely the peredhil was and of its want for him to find companionship. Elrond was beautiful and possessed a kind heart that enabled him to endure the hardships placed before him. Glorfindel had decided to heed the song’s call and try to ease that loneliness.
Checking with the kitchen to ensure that their meal was delivered to Elrond’s private rooms, he made his way to the chief counselor’s office to advise him of the plans. Erestor was another with the gift. Glorfindel was amazed at how he used the gift to make detailed maps and histories. His ability to put colors to the song produced some of the most amazing abstract murals and mosaics he had ever seen. He hoped that Erestor would not be upset with his plans.
Erestor smiled as he listened to Glorfindel describe his plans for the night. He wished him well and promised that they would not be disturbed. He also had heard the plea in the music but being married himself could not answer the request. He hoped that Elrond did not decide that he had to ease into the relationship like he had with Celebrían. It has taken his Lord over a thousand years to finally earn her hand without frightening her. Of course, Glorfindel could stand the shock he was about to get better than Celebrían could. After all, the senchsal heard the music too.
The meal Glorfindel had planned went well with much light hearted laughter as they told of different attempts at courting among the elves of the valley. A walk along the falls in the moonlight was undertaken and nothing was said as he grabbed Elrond’s hand and led him up the path. They stopped at the top of the high falls to watch the moon’s reflection off of the water. Elrond did not protest as Glorfindel pulled him close and held him as they listened to the soothing roar of the water.
“Come, let us return to the house,” Glorfindel said as he sensed Elrond’s tiredness.
“Give me a minute and I will be fine,” Elrond told him as he pulled out of Glorfindel’s arms and walked a few feet away. He had to do this now and know whether the blonde would be afraid of him or not. He would not enter into a relationship with one who was afraid of him, and he knew he did not have the time for a long, protracted courtship like he went through with his wife.
Glorfindel watched Elrond as he took several steps away. It took him a minute to realize what Elrond was doing when he spread his arms and closed his eyes. Then he felt it as the power gathered. He watched as Elrond’s glow gradually increased. The power he felt nature give left him breathless for it was many times greater than what was given him upon regeneration. He looked in wonder at the being before him as he felt the power flow slow before stopping.
“You use the song to replenish,” he stated. “I was told there were others with this gift but have never met another.”
“My spirit has always drawn its strength from the song,” Elrond explained. “It is part of who I am, what I am.”
Elrond watched as Glorfindel thought about what he had said and its implications. Not even to Celebrían had he explained what he just had to Glorfindel, but he knew of the blonde’s ability to regenerate himself. He knew that Glorfindel would understand the truth of what he was. He waited to see if Glorfindel would accept him.
Glorfindel paced back and forth across the small clearing as he came to grips with what Elrond had revealed. It changed the parameters of any relationship they might enter into. Elrond had shown his trust and feelings for him by revealing his true self. If he decided to go ahead and enter into a relationship with Elrond knowing what he did now, he knew that it would be permanent. This would not be a temporary coming together to ease feelings of loneliness, but a true bonding of like souls. Was this what he wanted? Was he ready to take this step?
Coming to a decision, he approached Elrond and stood before him. Reaching up, he caressed Elrond’s face before pulling him close for a deep kiss. As he slid his arms around his new mate, he felt the music around them change as their individual songs were blended together in the music of Arda.