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Chapter Fourteen – A New Acquaintance  

Contrary to reason, the elegant parlor seemed to Aurthôn to halve in size.  The other side of the room where Lord Celeborn stood, with the Laiquende deferentially two steps back behind his left shoulder, suddenly felt within arm’s-reach instead of the relatively safer distance of five paces.

Only a moment ago, Aurthôn had been holding back his inappropriate laughter at Laerlínath’s indignation over the green-elf’s roguish wink.  The urge to laugh had been insistent enough, as it was.  Exchanging glances with the offender – who clearly meant it only as a flirty compliment – had redoubled his struggle.  But, upon seeing the hurt in her eyes at his noticeably twitching mouth, Aurthôn realized his poor wife was still shaky from Galadriel’s test.  So, his amusement instantly changed to apprehension when Celeborn’s furrowed gaze ended its short flight around the otherwise empty room to land squarely upon them.  Introducing Laerlínath in her teetering state to the Lord, in his cross state, was cause for worry.

As dignified ellyn, he and Celeborn bore an obligation to protect an elleth’s tender sensibilities, whether they be assaulted or merely disapproving.  Celeborn took that responsibility seriously.  Aurthôn had witnessed him personally put more than one worthless fellow in his place for offering offense to a lady.  Her kindred or race did not matter either; the elf-lord had defended mortal women – and once even a dwarf-maiden.  Although Celeborn did not appear to consider his guest’s wink anymore of an insult then Aurthôn, Laerlínath certainly did not consider it harmless flattery.  Aurthôn feared that the moment she was introduced she would complain to the lord and force the issue.  Thereby, further irritating Celeborn and thoroughly damaging her husband’s own chances of making friends with the green-elf; a friendship his lord employer had intended for him to accomplish.  Guren, I pray you be silent!  He pulled slightly on her hand to make her look at him so he might plainly express that wish.  She tugged back without turning to him; her frowning lips firmly compressed in refusal to entertain his unsympathetic opinion.

But, Celeborn did not immediately invite him to bring his wife over to be introduced.  Instead, his emerald eyes slid away from them to the sideboard where sat the half-drank bottle of wine and the old-fashioned cups that they had used in their celebratory toast of her unexpected invitation to become a lady-in-waiting.  Laerlínath pointedly leaned her shoulder against his and he sighed.  Yes, you warned me not to open it.

He was not surprised – but thankful – when she made a hasty withdrawal from righteous indignation into maidenly comportment; an attitude she wielded as expertly as she might a folding fan.  He knew it very well from their courtship and, just as with that other deceptively simple contraption, she was able to hide her thoughts very nicely behind a pretty screen of feminine reserve.  While I, as ever, have only my honesty to fall back upon.  He figured though, since it was Celeborn’s judgment they faced, that the truth would be sufficient to receive a pardon.  The Lord was stern, but always generous.  He would not begrudge the wine, if he knew it had been drunk for a good reason.

Walking over to the sideboard, Celeborn picked up the empty wine cup Aurthôn had used.  At his touch, it glimmered as if excited to be of use to him, and Aurthôn nervously doubted his previous assessment of their chances for reprieve.

“Cogndîr...” the Lord said, moving aside to give his guest an unobstructed view.  The green-elf’s eyebrows rose and his ears perked as he looked where directed.

“Are those... ?”  Celeborn carelessly tossed the beautifully crafted cup he held to the Laiquende, who deftly caught it in his free hand.  He examined it – turning it over by flipping it up in the air – as he joined Celeborn at the sideboard; the lord’s Galadhrim bodyguard traveling right along with him.

“The very same,” confirmed his host, taking the cup from his guest and placing it back on the sideboard next to its mate.  Together, they looked up with interest at Aurthôn and Laerlínath.  “I will give you this one,” the elda said to the green-elf.  “The odds were just too great.”  His guest nodded and they simultaneously broke into broad grins at some private joke between them.  Whereupon, Celeborn became more congenial towards Aurthôn then he had ever been, even in the best of moods.  Not exactly what the confused aide expected for having been caught red-handed taking unauthorized advantage of the Lord and Lady’s cellar, let alone what was now obviously personal property.

“So, Aurthôn,“ said Celeborn, his fluid grin flowing into a gleaming smile that swiftly brimmed up and into his sparkling eyes.  “Will you not introduce your lovely lady to me?”

“My lady,” he solicitously murmured to Laerlínath, conveying in his address as much as he could his gratitude for her judicious change of attitude.  He gently supported her raised hand and escorted her the short distance across the room.  The Laiquende respectfully stepped back – without looking and almost onto Ithinduil’s toes.  But, the stolid guard did not flinch or retreat at the prospect of being tread upon, apparently happy to be breathing down the back of the green-elf’s neck.  The Laiquende hitched up the gear dragging on his shoulder and smiled, appearing not entirely oblivious of the guard.  When they stood before Celeborn, Aurthôn affectionately held Laerlínath’s hand between both of his.

“Lord Celeborn, please allow me to introduce Lady Laerlínath Sarnangiel, my wife for several years, who has only just joined me here in Ost-in-Edhil.”  Celeborn politely held out his hand, indicating his wish to take Laerlínath‘s hand, if her husband would permit.  Of course, her husband would allow such an honor and placed her hand upon the Lord’s open palm.

“A pleasure, Lady Laerlínath.”  Celeborn bowed over her relaxed hand, appearing delighted to make her acquaintance.  “I was warned of your beauty, but not well enough to be properly prepared.”  A rather customary first greeting in this court, but the lord somehow made it sound quite sincere.  Aurthôn supposed Celebrimbor had mentioned her to him. “Congratulations upon your recent wedding.  May the stars shine upon your union.”

“An honor, Lord Celeborn.”  She was the epitome of a well-born elleth, exhibiting true poise and graciousness in her return bow; her reply a zephyr of words.  “Thank you, my lord.  You are most kind.”  Celeborn’s approval was obvious.  He even feigned a reluctance to offer her hand back to her husband, who again took loving charge of his lady.  Aurthôn was very proud of her.  You could not have made a better first impression!  Despite her demure countenance, he knew she had to be feeling a bit smug for having met the Lord and Lady under difficult circumstances and given a good account of herself to each of them.

“Please allow me to introduce to you both another newcomer.”  The lord motioned for the Laiquende to come forward.  He was not required by etiquette to bring someone of a lower station, not even a guest, to their notice.  So, Aurthôn had to assume that Celeborn wanted them to be friends too!

He was thrilled!  He would be spared the quandary of wringing an apology for the wink from the green-elf just to please his wife and the awkwardness of trying to befriend a Nando who might outright snub him because he was Noldor.  Looking from one to the other, he could see that Laerlínath and the Laiquende did not appreciate the prospect of each other’s company for precisely those reasons.  Ignoring the tension in the air, Celeborn turned first to his guest, as was proper whatever that person’s rank.

“This is Master Scribe Aurthôn Tolofinion, who is an essential aide to our friend, Lord Celebrimbor; and beside him his exceptional wife, Lady Laerlínath Sarnangiel, who like you is but newly-arrived.”

Laerlínath and he bowed as one.  Referring to Celebrimbor as ‘our friend’ could easily have meant, not simply Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel’s friend, but a mutual friend.  Aurthôn wondered at the implications of this along with their exchange over the wine-cups.  The green-elf could be well-acquainted with the three most important people in Eregion.

“And this,“ Celeborn said to them, while making a languid, offhanded gesture towards his affably slouching guest, “is my old bowman, Hrassa, who goes by no other name because he believes himself to be supremely unique.”  Laerlínath hand twitched in his grasp at the derogatory description.  However, as he was familiar with Celeborn’s sarcastic sense of humor, Aurthôn knew it to be yet another sign of friendship.

With a scoffing grunt, Hrassa briskly bowed in return.  But as he unbended, he squared his shoulders and stood up straight.  Only then did Aurthôn see that, although slightly leaner than himself, the Laiquende was no shorter.  In this way he was more like one of the Galadhrim rather than a Greenwood Silvan.

“As much as it pains me to have to constantly correct my betters...”  Hrassa canted his head and looked with cynical askance at Celeborn, who merely held his bright smile in place and blinked.  “... I have garnered a few other names, which I have even donned upon occasion.  Although I admit, some are rather unsavory.”  He looked back to his new acquaintances now wearing a humble mien and adopting a more respectful tone of voice than he had just used with his host.  “I am most grateful that the lady has chosen not to add yet another, even though she has good cause to do so.”  Placing his right hand over his heart, he offered a second and most courtly bow to Laerlínath in an unexpected apology for his earlier transgression.

She, and Aurthôn too, were astonished by his gesture.  Not just because it was surprisingly elegant, but that it appeared so natural to him.  And more beyond that, Aurthôn realized.  With his daringly equal jibe at Celeborn, Hrassa had deliberately revealed the depth of their friendship.  He could have easily ducked his head at the lord’s taunting and left them to assume he was just another scout in Celeborn’s service being honored for a notable deed with a visit to the palace and presentation to the Lady.  Instead, he had intentionally saved them from foolishly showing no more respect towards him than his common appearance and low rank warranted.  It was clear to Aurthôn that not everyone Hrassa encountered was given the same consideration.  Inevitably, someone would ill-treat his friend and end up on the wrong side of Celeborn.  Possibly the wrong side of Galadriel.  He could now understand why Celebrimbor wanted the Laiquende watched.

After all his earlier claims of greater wisdom made to Laerlínath, Aurthôn had to admit that he was dangerously ignorant about what it meant to be an Úmanyar prince’s bowman.  Ithinduil and the other household guards were not allowed this degree of familiarity.  He could not recall ever hearing the appellation carry the context that was present in Celeborn’s voice when he introduced them.  But then, Aurthôn happily realized, he could use this special relationship to encourage Laerlínath’s support.

“Sir,” he addressed Hrassa with all the regard he would show any brannon.  “Please let me add our welcome to that of Lord Celeborn’s.”  He paused for a moment, waiting for Laerlínath to join in.  She kept silent, which was discouraging.  However, he could not let himself be daunted by her continued dissent.  “And it would be my pleasure to show you the city, I am proud to say, I helped to build.”

“That is very good of you – “ Hrassa started to reply, then hesitated after glancing at Laerlínath.  “But, I would not want to cause you any trouble with... Lord Celebrimbor.” 

Aurthôn was about to reassure him that he could get leave from his duties, when Celeborn intervened.

“Nonsense,” he dismissively declared.  He shot a quick glance at Laerlínath as well before perching a hand on Hrassa’s shoulder.  “Celebrimbor will not begrudge Aurthôn expending his work-hours guiding you around.  Moreover, this good scholar knows the city like the back of his hand.  Whatever vice you might wish to get up to, he knows just where to find it.” 

Laerlínath stirred at this merrily delivered remark, fixing her husband in an accusative stare.  He knew himself to be innocent, but he pinked, nonetheless.  In addition, he was unsure why Celeborn would even know that he had just completed a survey of every commercial activity in the colony, urban and rural.  He did indeed know where any dens of iniquity, from gambling to gluttony, were likely to be located.  But, I would never patronize such demeaning trades!  His disavowing expression successfully defended him, but Laerlínath’s slow inhale and narrowed eyes told him that he best not start patronizing them either.

“And keep you well clear of it,” Celeborn added, a mischievous glint in his eye.

He then turned his cheery gaze upon Laerlínath, tugging her attention away from her husband merely by looking at her.  The moment her eyes rose to his face, he smiled.  Aurthôn’s mouth fell open.  In the decade he had worked in close vicinity to Celeborn, he had on occasion observed the rare smile that many remarked upon as engaging.  But, he had never before seen this particular smile.

It was utterly charming!  A smile that would thaw the most disdainful elleth’s frosty heart and effortlessly defeat any other suitor that sought her favor.  An unwary lady would have no chance of resisting it.   Why, even a wary one!  If Celeborn had ever dared use this smile on Galadriel... well, no wonder!  He startled at the thought.  Could the old nonsense that the Sindar princes’ mates were all beguiled into marriage actually be true?  And the elda seemed so at ease with it!  Was he even aware of its power?  At Laerlínath melting response, Aurthôn suffered a sudden pang of fear.  His wife would soon be everyday among the ellith in this lord’s household!  Only by clinging to Mirathel’s pledge that she would be looking out for Laerlínath’s welfare could he restrain himself from jealously stepping in between them.

“Ha!” Hrassa loosed in a cynical bark.  The green-elf’s laugh jolted Laerlínath free from the glamour that had overcome her.  Celeborn’s beryl eyes looked sidelong at the smirking bowman.

“A pity there is no one to guide your manners as well.”

Instead of blushing with mortification, Laerlínath turned to her husband elated, acting as she had last night, out walking together beneath the stars with a gorgeous moon overhead.  She slipped her arm through his, folding her hands over the top of his wrist when he automatically bent his arm to support hers, and fondly drew closer to him – smiling dreamily into his eyes.  This time, Aurthôn could not stop himself from laughing aloud; her reaction to Celeborn’s smile differing so very much from her reaction to Hrassa’s wink.

Celeborn dropped his hand from the bowman’s shoulder and loosely crossed his arms, still handsomely beaming.  Aurthôn reckoned the lord was pleased with himself for having spoken no direct commands, but having issued orders all the same.  And probably for showing the other two inept ellyn present how to completely disarm, rather than provoke, a lady’s ire.

With Celeborn having set some limits and because of that smile, Aurthôn could see that his wife was now more disposed to undertake her normal role.  I watch and learn.  He pouted a little, playfully entreating her.  I really do need your help.  She gave him a petulant look and almost rolled her eyes.  She had no more say in this arrangement than the last, so why was he asking her to be agreeable?  He swept his other hand over hers and grazed her wedding ring with his.  She breathed a delicate sigh, slipped her hand out from under his, and turned to the green-elf.

“Master Hrassa,” she said in the melodious cadence taught to every accomplished lady.  “Please, consider us...” with a gracefully wave, she indicated herself and her husband “... your friends during your sojourn in Ost-in-Edhil.  At any hour, you have a place at our table and a bed under our roof.”

“You are too generous,” he hesitantly replied, holding his eyes downcast with some humility.  “For you do not know my true circumstances.”  Once again, he stole a look of askance at Celeborn, not heeding the response if there was one.  “I am a former minion of this Household and, indeed for very good reasons, am much out of favor.”

“Nevertheless, a welcomed guest of this court and so to our company,” she affirmed, offering him a helpless but sympathetic smile at their shared duress.  The matter has been decided for them without regard to their wishes; they should just make the best of it.

“I am in your debt,” said Hrassa in a resigned, but also relieved, voice.  “And shall rely upon your guidance and instruction.”

“Excellent,” declared Celeborn, becoming even more pleased for having gotten his way entirely.

But even if neither his wife nor new acquaintance was glad, Aurthôn was content with the outcome.  He had done as Lord Celebrimbor wanted, yet he could blame Lord Celeborn when Laerlínath later protested – she most certainly would not stop now – against the ridiculous level of loyalty demanded from her husband, who had not as yet been made a retainer after being in service long enough to deserve it.  However, he became as pleased as the lord when he sensed their amusement at Celeborn’s nearly child-like delight blithely sweep away any remaining resentment between Laerlínath and Hrassa.  The moment was feeling oddly like the conclusion of important trade negotiations.  The pact finally made, everyone was happy to relax and be themselves again.

Aurthôn, however, knew the diplomatic work ahead of him could prevent such pleasure on his part.  But, in this case, having to hedge around his true feelings might not become necessary.  For he found himself liking this good-natured Nando.  Hrassa was unlike any wood-elf he had ever met and he was looking forward to becoming better acquainted with the bowman, who meant so much to Celeborn that the lord would bother to make some friends for him.

“Perhaps we should share a toast to – ” Celeborn convivially began to suggest, when a voice suddenly called hello from the still open private passage.

Ithinduil swooped like a hawk, quickly and efficiently, to the entrance.  Aurthôn heard Laerlínath’s soft intake of breath at seeing the large bodyguard perform this almost ethereal glide so silently.  From the narrow doorway, a soft cloud of sound – the rustle of an elaborate dress mixed with the chiming of delicate jewelry – floated in.  Elrovail then cautiously stepped out of the passage, knowing to expect a guard to be in wait.  Her glistening darkness might have overflowed the room, if not for Celeborn’s radiant presence.

TBC

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Author’s Notes:  

All elvish is in Sindarin unless otherwise indicated and underlined means I put it together myself – corrections and comments are welcome!

cogndîr – bowman Nandorin

guren – my heart

ellon/ellyn – male elf/elves

elleth/ellith – female elf/elves

brannon/brennil – nobleman/noblewoman