114: Waiting for Results

Glorfindel found a parking space in the Safeway parking lot that fronted the street separating the store from the town square and fished out his phone, speed-dialing a number. “Hi, we’re here,” he said and then closed the phone. “They’ll be out in a minute,” he said to Turgon as he scanned the street and the square.

Shortly thereafter, they spied Arafinwë and Amarië heading toward them with Finrod escorting them. Glorfindel watched as Finrod apparently cautioned his companions to look both ways before they decided the street was clear enough to cross. He chuckled to himself, remembering the first time he had to teach Finrod that same rule, one that every Mortal child of six knew. Once across, Finrod, having seen the van, made his way to them and opened the side door to let his atar and wife inside.

“How did it go?” he asked Glorfindel, looking at Turgon.

“It went very well,” Glorfindel answered. “See, no blood was spilt this day, at least not between us.”

Turgon gave them a smirk. “I told Glorfindel all about Fingon,” he said.

“Ah, well, that’s all right then,” Finrod said, with a knowing grin. “Just so long as it was Fingon”. Then he took a moment to show Amarië how to put on the seatbelt with Arafinwë watching and copying what she did. When the two were settled, he and Amarië exchanged brief kisses. “I will see you later,” he said, including them all in that statement as he stepped away from the van, ready to close the door.

“Call me when you’re closing up shop,” Glorfindel said. “I’ll come pick you up.”

“Do not bother,” Finrod said dismissively. “Nicholas will bring me home.”

“Okay, then. See you later.”

Finrod nodded and closed the door, heading back to the bookshop even as Glorfindel was pulling out of the parking space. Amarië gave a small gasp and clutched the back of Turgon’s seat, looking a little wide-eyed. Turgon turned and gave her a brief smile. Arafinwë, noticing Turgon’s nonchalance, forebode to show any emotion as Glorfindel took the van into traffic and sped up.

“So, what did you think of the bookstore?” he asked Arafinwë and Amarië.

“I think my husband is enjoying himself,” Amarië said as she unclenched her hands and sat back in her seat, “but I wonder how long he will stay amused before he wishes to do something else to occupy his time.”

“A rather harsh assessment,” Glorfindel said. “Granted, I don’t see him working at the bookstore forever, but for now and for the foreseeable future, I think he’s content to be where he is. He’s able to interact with the Mortals and they are able to get to know him on a more intimate level. He’s even made some friends among them, regular customers who probably stop by at least once a week to while away an hour discussing books with him. He loves it and I’m happy for him.”

“As am I,” Arafinwë said, “although, I did find it rather disconcerting seeing these Mortals address him so familiarly.”

Glorfindel shrugged. “You get used to it.”

“Still, can he truly be content working for another in that way?” Amarië asked, looking dubious.

Arafinwë answered her before Glorfindel could reply. “He is indeed content, as I have not seen him for some time now. When the Valar sent for us and told us what they wished, I could see the look of relief and anticipation on my son’s face when Lord Manwë asked him to lead the group back.”

“Finrod’s felt some resentment over the fact that I was having adventures while he was apparently languishing in exile among people he did not like,” Glorfindel said, looking into the rearview mirror at Arafinwë. “At least that was the impression I got. I’m sure it wasn’t quite like that and he was doing important work.”

“He was, but I think he does not see it that way any longer when he compares his life with yours,” Arafinwë said.

“And there’s no comparison,” Glorfindel insisted. “Hell, I think I spent most of my time corralling the Twins in. They had a nasty habit of disappearing for years on end without a by-your-leave and getting themselves into all sorts of trouble. Daeron and I generally had to go and rescue them from one hare-brained escapade or another.”

Arafinwë chuckled. “Now you know how I felt with you, Sador and Finrod whenever you were together.”

“Yeah, well, what do you expect from Reborn?” Glorfindel shot back, giving Turgon a wink. “But the Twins aren’t, so they really had no excuse.”

“They seem responsible enough,” Amarië said.

“Oh, they’re responsible, trust me,” Glorfindel said as he turned onto Sycamore, “but they don’t always like to act it. I have noticed though that, after Lord Manwë told us about our purpose for being in Wiseman, they both became more sober in their demeanor, taking things more seriously than was their wont. I wasn’t sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing but in the end I think it’s for the best. I doubt Elrohir would have taken the plunge to enter into a relationship with Serindë otherwise and eventually marry.”

“Most of the people back in Aman expressed shock and dismay when they were told of the impending marriage,” Arafinwë said. “It truly saddened me that we have sunk so low that we cannot honestly rejoice in the happiness of others.”

“It is worrisome,” Glorfindel said. “I hope that when you go back you can show them that hope is not such a bad thing to have in one’s heart even now.” He pulled into Edhellond and once the van was parked, they climbed out and headed inside where they met Valandur coming down the stairs.

“There have been scattered reports of disturbances at some of the polling places,” he said without preamble.

“What sort of disturbances and where’s Daeron or anyone else?” Glorfindel demanded as they made their way down the hall toward the kitchen.

“Daeron is around somewhere. I think Olwë is still watching TV along with some others. Ingwë, Celeborn and Galadriel are in the sunroom. I just brought them some tea.”

“Maybe we should go up there then,” Glorfindel said, but Valandur shook his head.

“I have the feeling Ingwë would not appreciate the interruption. He and Celeborn appeared to be having a deep discussion about affairs in Aman.”

“Then, we’ll go out to the back garden,” Glorfindel suggested. “You were saying something about disturbances. What kind?”

“I am not entirely sure. Alex called about an hour or so ago to say that when he and Derek went to vote, there were people who were standing just outside the voting place trying to convince them and others to vote against, and I quote, ‘the Elf-lovers’. From what I understand, the police were not allowed to disperse them because they were standing outside a certain radius?”

Glorfindel nodded as they came into the kitchen where they found Alphwen and Cennanion preparing a roast that would be that night’s dinner. They gave everyone cheerful greetings which were returned. Glorfindel opened the refrigerator and brought out a pitcher of lemonade and began pouring some into glasses for everyone as he spoke. “Yes, solicitors for people’s votes have to be so many feet away. It sounds as if these people were obeying the letter of the law but not the spirit. They don’t seem to understand that by the time people are heading for the voting booth, they’ve made up their minds already and all the shouting in the world isn’t necessarily going to change their minds.”

“So I thought,” Valandur said as he accepted a glass. “This democracy is an interesting concept, but rather messy and unpredictable. At any rate, David Michaelson called Prince Legolas in to help with maintaining order. Legolas normally does not go in to the police station until the second shift on Tuesdays, but Michaelson has called all his people in as has Sheriff Graff. They seem to expect violence and hope to prevent it from happening or at least contain it if it does.”

“Well, that’s just dandy,” Glorfindel said with a shake of his head before taking a sip of his drink, leaning against a counter. “I saw no sign of protestors anywhere and I drove through the town past at least one voting station. Just to be on the safe side, especially if the vote goes against Peterson, I want Edhellond guarded. I’m going to trust the Maiar are keeping the encampment guarded so I won’t worry about them.”

“Daeron already instituted a watch,” Valandur said. “We’re doing it in shifts. The back gate has been locked and no one’s in the woods. He also called the hospital and the college clinic and told the healers to stay put even after their shift is done. We will go collect them after the polls close.”

“That’s probably safest,” Glorfindel said, then he paused to listen and they heard the front door open and close. Glorfindel stepped into the hallway to see Daeron about to climb the stairs. “Hi. We’re in the kitchen,” he called out.

“I’ll be down shortly,” Daeron said and when Glorfindel nodded he continued up the stairs. Glorfindel rejoined the others in the kitchen and then suggested they go out to the garden and get out of Alphwen’s and Cennanion’s way. “What about Edhellond-two?” he asked as they trooped outside. “Ron and Amroth and the ellith are more vulnerable than we are.”

“I spoke with Amroth and he said that once they voted they were going over to the encampment and visit with Elrond and Celebrían. They plan to stay there for the rest of the day.”

“Good. That’s one less worry. I don’t think things will deteriorate into violence per se, but it’s best to be cautious where Mortals are concerned.”

They found seats around the fire pit and for a while no one spoke, each lost in his or her own thoughts as they sipped their lemonade. A few minutes later, Daeron came out, carrying his own glass of lemonade. Glorfindel smiled at him. “So where did you disappear to and thanks for setting up the patrols. I should have anticipated that myself and arranged for it.”

“You had other things on your mind,” Daeron replied, stealing a glance at Turgon as he spoke. “As to where I’ve been, I went over to the college to check on the Three Amigos and Nell, make sure they were okay. As it was, they were all taking finals. I met Mánatamir there, still dressed as a police officer. He assured me that he was keeping watch over them and no harm would come to them or to their friends, so that’s one less worry. Stopped at Elf Academy as well to make sure it was still there. That Alaskan Heritage convention is this weekend and I wanted to make sure all the dorm rooms were ready for them.”

“Damn! In all the excitement of the wedding and all, I’d completely forgotten about it,” Glorfindel said.

“Which is why you have me to remember such trivialities,” Daeron said with a knowing smile.

“And don’t think I don’t appreciate it because I do, more than words can adequately express,” Glorfindel responded with absolute sincerity.

“So we will just hang out here until the polls close?” Daeron asked.

“Don’t see why not,” Glorfindel retorted. “I can think of worse things to be doing at the moment.” He drained his glass and set it on a table and stood. “I’m going to check the perimeter. Who’s patrolling?”

“Roy, Gil, Gavin and Hal,” Daeron replied. “Aidan, Brian, Lance and Ed will spell them in about two hours. Barry, Bela, Mick and Thad are with Eric and Linda at the store. I would prefer them to be back here, but that shipment was due today and they need to get that settled first. Barry’s got his car so they won’t be walking back.”

“And Finrod said that Nick will bring him home,” Glorfindel said.

“I cannot get used to hearing our people referred to by these uncouth names,” Amarië said.

Glorfindel gave her a grin. “If you plan on staying here you’ll have to come up with a mortal name as well… Mrs. O’Brien.”

Amarië gave him a disbelieving look, while Daeron and Valandur chuckled. Arafinwë had an amused look and Turgon wasn’t paying much attention to their conversation.

“Amy or Mary might work, maybe even Marie or Maria,” Daeron said musingly, giving them a shrug. “We’ll figure it out later.”

“Well, in the meantime, I’m doing a walkabout. Care to join me, aran nîn?”

Turgon looked up in surprise and then stood. “Yes, thank you.”

“We’ll be back later,” Glorfindel said to Daeron and then he headed toward the back of the garden with Turgon beside him. When they reached the back gate, Glorfindel automatically checked to see that it was indeed locked and then randomly turned right. “We’ll make a circuit around,” he said to Turgon. “See if you can spot whoever is patrolling this area.” He pointed up into nearby trees, giving Turgon a meaningful look. Turgon smiled.

“Do you remember when Artanis was caught swinging in Telperion?” he asked.

Glorfindel chuckled. “Remember? I was trying to figure out how to accomplish the same feat without being caught. Don’t forget, I wasn’t much older than she at the time. We were still pretty young elflings.”

“Uncle Arafinwë, as I recall, just rolled his eyes when he found out, but Aunt Eärwen became very upset.”

“So I heard. Afternoon, Gavin. How’s the view?” Glorfindel stopped and looked up into a pine tree where he saw Gilvagor sitting, looking down at them. Turgon looked up as well, frowning.

“How did you sense him?” he asked Glorfindel. “I never did.”

“Old trick I learned from the Maiar,” Glorfindel replied. “But I’m serious about the view. Anything happening?”

“No,” Gilvagor said. “There’s been no activity, unless you count birds and squirrels. I’m not sure why we’re even bothering. Could Mortals be that stupid?”

“Well, as someone once said: stupid is as stupid does,” Glorfindel answered. “Darren says he’ll have someone spell you in a couple of hours, so try not to feel too bored.”

“Oh, I’m not bored,” Gilvagor assured them, giving them a grin, holding up a tablet. “I’ve got my e-reader with me.”

“Oh for goodness sake!” Glorfindel exclaimed. “You’re not actually keeping watch if you’ve got your nose in a book.”

“Loren, I’m looking out onto the next house over with the field between us and so far the only thing that’s crossed my sight is one rabbit and Mrs. Karpinski’s cat. I’m only up here to keep Darren happy, nothing more.”

“You’ve been living in Valinor too long, my friend. What happened to Laurendil’s second-in-command who became head of the Warriors’ Guild?”

“Oh, never fear, he’s still here,” Gilvagor said with a wintry smile. “Now, if you don’t mind, I want to get back to reading about Jack Ryan hunting for that Russian sub. The suspense is just about killing me.”

Glorfindel chuckled and, giving Turgon an amused look, he waved at Gilvagor and continued walking the perimeter. They met Elrohir next. He was patrolling the front. “No one’s tried to enter,” he informed them. “I suggested closing the gates just to be safe, but Darren felt that would send the wrong message to the wrong people.”

“I agree,” Glorfindel said. “I’m surprised you’re here and not at the hospital.”

“I’m officially on vacation until next week, and then I’ll only be working a couple of weeks. We’ll be leaving for Anchorage to take the boards on the Friday of the holiday weekend.”

“I thought the boards weren’t until later?”

“We’re scheduled to take the first exam on the thirtieth, but Dan and I thought it would be wise to go down earlier so the other healers have a chance to adjust to the big city, or at least a bigger city. We want the culture shock they’re sure to experience to be done and over with so they concentrate on the boards. I spoke to Ron about it earlier and he agreed that it would be a good idea. We need them all certified and to have them distracted with new sights and sounds won’t help.”

“I think that’s wise,” Glorfindel said. “On your way back through Fairbanks you should stop and visit with Gwyn and Gareth and have them introduce the other healers to the SCA.”

“I saw Gwyn earlier and suggested it to him and he thought it was a good idea. He’ll arrange for a little demonstration with Gwaith-en-Angbor.”

“Shouldn’t they have left today? I thought their parents were flying out of Fairbanks tomorrow.”

“Gwyn said they canceled their flight and will get a later one. Apparently, the parents wanted to stay a little longer and visit with us. They’ve been alone for so long…” He shrugged.

“Yes, they have. Well, they are welcome to stay for as long as they wish. Darren said someone would relieve you in about two hours, less than that now.”

“Thanks.”

“Where’s Sarah?”

“I sent her over to her parents. Dan went with her. He called a while ago to say he and they are now at the encampment. I think when my shift is over, I might join them.”

“It would be best if we were all safe in the encampment,” Glorfindel allowed, “but I don’t want to leave Edhellond unattended. Even if I have a Maia looking over the place, it would still be deserted and that might send the wrong message to the Mortals.”

“Yes, I think it would,” Elrohir said with a nod. Glorfindel and Turgon said their farewells and went on, eventually meeting up with Gilvegil and then Haldir who was keeping an eye on the back field and woods.

“I’d rather be in the woods than here, though,” he told them, “and I keep wishing my brothers were here with me.”

Glorfindel grinned. “The three of you did make an awesome team. Well someone will spell you in about an hour or so, so you shouldn’t be too bored sitting here.”

“I’m not bored,” Haldir retorted. “I’ve been having a lovely conversation with these trees here. They’re rather young and a bit giddy but they tell interesting tales about those of you who have taken up residence here.”

“Well, don’t believe everything you hear,” Glorfindel said with a sniff. “You know how trees can be. They love to exaggerate.”

Haldir laughed merrily as Glorfindel and Turgon took their leave and headed back to where the others were still sitting around the fire pit, which Daeron had lit while they were away, so now a lovely fire was blazing, though in truth, it was too warm for one.

“How did it go?” Daeron asked as Glorfindel and Turgon approached. “Do you anticipate any problems?”

“Not at the moment,” Glorfindel said, taking a seat. “All appears calm. Let’s hope it stays that way. Any more lemonade?”

“We just finished it up, but I can easily make more. Won’t take long.” Daeron stood and grabbed the empty pitcher and headed back inside while Glorfindel and Turgon told Arafinwë about the patrol.

The afternoon progressed. Ingwë, Celeborn and Galadriel eventually came down and joined them around the fire pit. Olwë also showed up, saying he felt a need to see something green. “I think I now know what you mean by junkie,” he told them. “TV watching can be dangerous.”

“It can be addictive,” Glorfindel said with a nod, “and much that is available for viewing is trivial, but it is a good source for obtaining news. Speaking of which, has there been any news on how the voting is going?”

“I confess I did not check,” Olwë admitted. “I was more interested in something called ‘Animal Planet’.”

“Ah, well, maybe later, then,” Glorfindel said. “It’s still early and the polls will remain open for several more hours. Sometimes there are early indications as to which way people are voting, though, until all the votes are counted, nothing is assured.”

They continued sitting around the fire. The first group of watchers was relieved and the second group took over. Elrohir offered to drive anyone interested in returning to the encampment and Celeborn and Galadriel decided to return with him, though the three kings remained. Glorfindel took another stroll around the perimeter with Turgon beside him, the two speaking briefly with those now on watch.

The Three Amigos and Nell showed up around five, along with Elladan, having been escorted from the college by Mánatamir, who promised to return for them later. Findalaurë and his gwedyr insisted on taking a turn at sentry-go, wishing to be useful, so they took the third watch along with Cennanion and Elladan. Erestor and Lindorillë returned from their shop just before dinner, along with their guards. Barahir, Beleg, Legolas of Gondolin and Thandir all agreed to take the next watch when Glorfindel explained. Glorfindel insisted they have dinner first, though, before heading for their posts and sending the others back for their own dinners.

They were just finishing dinner when Finrod returned, having been dropped off by Nick.

“The streets are calm,” he told them as he sat down in his usual place at the dining table, thanking Melyanna for the tea she poured for him. He had assured them that he had already eaten dinner and, no, he did not wish for a slice of apple pie, thank you.

“Were you expecting riots?” Glorfindel asked, his expression one of slight amusement.

Finrod shrugged as he took a sip of his tea. “I was not sure what to expect. Nicholas said that it should not worry me, to just be grateful for small favors that he had not had to take detours around barricades and such. I suppose he has a point.”

“More than a point, actually,” Glorfindel retorted. “I’m not saying that a riot cannot happen, because it can and has in the past, but I am glad that for now, at least, everything is quiet.”

“Of course, all the police and sheriff’s deputies patrolling the town might be a factor,” Daeron commented.

“More than a factor,” Glorfindel allowed. “Well, I think I’m going to double the guard until the election is over with and we know who’s the new mayor. If Peterson loses, some of his followers may want to take it out on us.”

“Our new security system should go a long way toward discouraging people from trying to attack us,” Daeron commented.

“I agree, but I still want the watch doubled just in case. I plan to take the next shift myself.”

“And I will join you,” Finrod added.

“And what about us?” Ingwë asked, pointing to himself and the other two kings, looking a little miffed for some reason.

Glorfindel gave them a searching look. “And have any of you ever stood watch?”

Ingwë shook his head. “But there is no reason why we cannot.”

“Perhaps, but, if you’re not trained for it, it can be rather hard on you,” Glorfindel countered.

“And yet you allowed Findalaurë and his otornor to take a go at it,” Arafinwë pointed out.

“Yes, but I know that Finrod has been training them, teaching them some of the duties expected of guards. They wanted to learn and it’s a useful thing for them to have experience in.”

“If you wish to join us as we help patrol, I think that would be all right,” Finrod suggested.

“I have no objections,” Glorfindel said, then turned to Turgon. “You want to do the honors of checking the perimeter on your own, while I help watch?”

“Do you trust me to do so?” Turgon asked, obviously surprised.

“Well, I hope you don’t get bored and decide to do something more fun, like swinging from a tree branch, but whatever.”

“And do you still swing from trees?” Arafinwë asked with a knowing smile. “I recall Eärendil didn’t approve.”

Glorfindel sniffed. “Eärendil isn’t a Reborn, and no, I don’t swing from trees anymore, but I won’t disparage anyone who still enjoys doing so.”

“I would be honored to check the perimeter. Thank you for trusting me that much.”

“It has nothing to do with trust, Turgon,” Glorfindel rejoined. “It has everything to do with the fact that you’ve done the route at least three times with me. I think you’re old enough to do it on your own, don’t you?” He smiled benignly at the former king of Gondolin who stared at him in disbelief for several seconds, then, seeing the challenge in Glorfindel’s eyes, threw back his head and started laughing while everyone looked on with various degrees of bemusement and amusement.

Once people were done with dinner, Glorfindel, Finrod and the three kings along with most of the other ellyn present, went outside to relieve those on watch. Daeron told Glorfindel that he would keep an eye on the news. Thus, everyone settled into position, with those who were not on guard in the media room watching the news. Turgon waited for about a quarter of an hour before going out to walk the perimeter, stopping to speak with whomever he encountered. He found Finrod watching the back gate, while Glorfindel was keeping an eye on the front. When he reached the front, Glorfindel asked him how he was doing.

“This is the most useful I have felt in a long time,” Turgon confided.

“Well, when you get back to Valinor, you should insist on training with the other warriors.”

“Actually, I think I would prefer learning to be a scout.”

“That is certainly another option,” Glorfindel allowed. “I’m sure there are any number of people who can teach you what you need to know.”

Turgon nodded and continued on, eventually returning inside and joining everyone in the media room. “The polls are closed,” Daeron explained to him, the station having gone to commercial in the meantime. “Now it’s just a matter of time before we learn who’s the new mayor.”

“How soon will we know?” Turgon asked.

“Soon,” Daeron assured him, “at least with the preliminary count. Some of the exit polls seem to indicate that Peterson may have a slight lead over Robert Locke, but such indications can be misleading or even false. We’ll learn soon enough. Ah, here we go.” The loremaster turned his attention back to the TV, unmuting it. Dean Chambers was there along with Priscilla Parker, both smiling into the camera as the voice-over finished its spiel.

“And now the moment of truth,” Daeron muttered and everyone else nodded, their attention fully on the screen.

****

Aran nîn: (Sindarin): ‘My king’.

Note on the mortal names of the Elves mentioned by Daeron (in case you’ve forgotten who they are):

Aidan: Aldarion
Barry: Barahir
Bela: Beleg Cúthalion
Ed: Edrahil
Eric: Erestor
Gavin: Gilvagor
Gil: Gilvegil
Hal: Haldir of Lothlórien
Lance: Legolas of Gondolin
Linda: Lindorillë
Mick: Mithlas