Title: Finding Hope (7-9/30) Author: Aglarien Rating: NC-17 Type: FPS Pairings: Erestor/Glorfindel, Caladir/Gurvelon, Melpomaen/Turidon, Lindir/Taurfaeron Disclaimer: Alas, not mine. Except for the cats. Master Tolkien owns all the rest. I promise to return his elves when I’m done playing with them. Warning: AU. Summary: Settling in, continued. More elfling sweetness. Note: Conversations indicated with a single ‘…..’ are Erestor and Glorfindel silently mind speaking to each other. *~*~*~*~* Chapter 7 It was the middle of the night when Erestor felt a tug on his sleeve. He woke abruptly, and turned his head around to find a disheveled elfling kneeling on the bed next to his, holding her doll in her arms. He quickly unwrapped himself from Glorfindel and buttoned several buttons down the middle of his nightshirt, then rolled over. “What is it, little one?” he whispered, gently smoothing Amdiriel’s hair off her face. “Scared, Ada,” the elfling whimpered. Erestor wrapped his arms around the little elfling and gently pulled her close, holding her next to him. Her little body seemed cold to him, so he pulled the bedcovers over her as he whispered, “What are you afraid of, sweetheart? Nothing bad will happen to you here, I promise.” “Don’t want the Orcs to get you, Ada,” Glorfindel had woken and quickly buttoned his nightshirt, then got up and moved around the bed to lie on the other side of his little daughter. “No Orcs will come here, sweetheart. Your Ada Glorfindel makes sure nothing bad ever will. There are lots and lots of guards outside, all around Imladris, so nothing bad will ever get to us,” Erestor said softly as he rubbed her back. “At night, too?” Frightened green eyes stared into brown. “Especially at night, my little one,” Glorfindel said. He wrapped an arm securely over the elfling and Erestor. “All day and all night we make sure Imladris is guarded with lots of elves.” Amdiriel turned her head to Glorfindel. “No wargs?” “No wargs,” Glorfindel said. “Both your Ada Erestor and I are very strong warriors and we will always keep you safe, sweetheart.” “And your Ada Glorfindel is the strongest elf warrior that ever lived,” Erestor said. “Evil things like Orcs and Wargs run away from him.” “Sweetheart, I am so sorry I could not find your village in time to save your parents,” Glorfindel whispered as he gave Amdiriel a soft kiss on her brow. Amdiriel nodded. “Stay here?” she asked, looking at Erestor. “Of course you can, sweetheart.” Erestor stroked her hair, then kissed a soft little cheek. “Can you go back to sleep now?” Amdiriel nodded and curled up next to Erestor. “I love you, Ada. Ada Glor keeps us safe?” “Yes, sweetheart, he keeps us safe. I love you, my little one.” Glorfindel looked at Erestor, and mouthed, “Ada Glor?” Erestor grinned. “G’night Ada. G’night Ada Glor,” Amdiriel said, muffled in Erestor’s chest. “Goodnight, sweetheart,” Glorfindel whispered. “I love you, Ada Glor.” “I love you too, sweetheart.” Glorfindel beamed at Erestor. `I love you too, Ada Glor.’ Erestor’s words echoed in Glorfindel’s mind, and he leaned over and kissed his sweet little spouse. `I love you too, Ada Erestor.’ Erestor smiled. “Ada, can I come too?” Gailion said from across the room. Glorfindel grinned. “Of course you can, little one. Come.” He moved over so the elfling could squeeze in between him and his sister. “Were you scared too, sweetling?” “Maybe just a little. Are you really a great warrior, Ada?” Gailion whispered. “Aye, as is your Ada Erestor.” “The Orcs…the ones at the village. They will not come here?” “No, little one. We killed them all before we found you,” Glorfindel answered. “Good. Goodnight Ada.” The little elfling snuggled against Glorfindel. “I love you, Ada.” “I love you, little one. Goodnight.” Glorfindel kissed the elfling’s head. “Good night Ada Restor.” “Good night, my sweet son,” Erestor whispered. “I love you, Ada Restor.” “I love you too, sweetling.” `Ada Restor? I wonder where that came from.’ Erestor was amazed this was so easy to speak to Glorfindel this way. It was almost as if all he had to think of speaking the words to Glorfindel, and it was done. `Must be the same place that Ada Glor came from, my love.’ `Good night, my darling husband.’ Erestor silently said. `Good night, my sweet one.’ Glorfindel answered. Erestor snuggled down against Amdiriel and wrapped his arm around both elflings. He felt Glorfindel’s arm wrap around all of them, and smiled. This was nice, he thought. All they needed was Faelion, who thankfully was still sound asleep in his cradle. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ In the quarters next to Erestor and Glorfindel resided the head of the servants, Amarion, along with his healer wife, their son Saercaeron, and their two new little elflings. Saercaeron had his own room, small, but separated from his parent’s room by the bathroom. Happily, the three elflings had forsaken the new beds, which had been placed there for the smallest elflings. All three were piled together in Saercaeron’s bed. The little elflings slept well with the protection of their “big” brother. Next to Amarion’s quarters dwelt Caladir and Gurvelon, along with youngest elflings after Faelion, tiny Calariel and Glawen. The little girls had not been asleep in their beds for more than five minutes when they awoke screaming in terror. Caladir and Gurvelon rushed out of the sitting room, where they were just beginning to finally enjoy their happy reunion, into the bedroom. Their little ones would obviously not be able to sleep without their nearness, so forgoing their own pleasure, they comforted their new daughters and brought them into their own bed with them. *~*~*~*~* Chapter 8 In the morning, Erestor and Glorfindel woke to the sounds of a baby crying. Faelion was wet and he was hungry. Erestor was closer to the cradle and made it to the baby first. “Shh, sweetling, Ada has you. Oh, my, you are thoroughly soaked. Ada will fix that while Ada Glor goes and gets your milk for us, aye he will!” Erestor laid the baby back in his cradle to change the diaper, remembering to strategically cover him after he had removed the sopping diaper. Glorfindel threw on a robe and dashed to the kitchens with two empty bottles. Erestor cooed at the baby and tickled his feet to try and stop the infant’s wails, all to no avail. Finally dry and freshly diapered, he picked up the baby and offered him a finger to suckle on. It didn’t work. The baby still sobbed. Amdiriel ran to the cradle and retrieved the elfling’s little horse, and held it up to Erestor. “Give him the horsey, Ada.” Erestor took the horse and showed it to Faelion. The elfling grabbed it and immediately stuck a leg in his mouth and quieted. Erestor wiped the baby’s tears away, and looked down at Amdiriel. “Thank you, sweetheart. That was very smart of you to think of the horse.” Erestor sat down in the rocking chair with the baby, then made room on his lap for Amdiriel. Glorfindel returned to the room with Faelion’s bottles to find Erestor rocking their two youngest elflings on his lap, while Gailion sat at their feet, his arms on Erestor’s lap. “Oh, what a lovely picture. What a beautiful family I have,” he said quietly. He took the baby from Erestor to feed. Erestor lifted Gailion onto his lap. They sat watching Ada Glor feed Faelion while they rocked together for long minutes, until a servant arrived with breakfast for the rest of the family. “Are you hungry, my little ones?” Erestor asked. Two little heads nodded. “Shall we be very lazy and eat breakfast before we get dressed?” Nods again. “Come then.” He wrapped an arm around each elfling and carried them to the table, sitting them down in their chairs. Glorfindel sat in his chair with the baby. Erestor poured milk for the older children and tea for Glorfindel and himself, then arranged muffins, eggs and fruit on the children’s plates. “What else would you like, sweetlings? Maybe jam on your muffins?” The two elflings looked at each other, then back at Erestor, then smiled and nodded. “Ada Restor?” Gailion said. “We do not have porridge for breakfast?” “Not this morning. Would you like some?” “Oh, no Ada. We do not like porridge,” Amdiriel said. “We like this better.” “Oh, good,” Erestor said, handing each elfling their muffin and jam. “Do not forget to eat your eggs and fruit too, all right?” “We will, Ada,” Amdiriel said. Erestor winked at Glorfindel. ‘They must have only gotten porridge for breakfast before.’ ‘Aye, looks that way, my love,’ Glorfindel silently said. After breakfast, Erestor washed and dressed Amdiriel. He chose her light green gown with the cream flowers around the neckline. It fit her perfectly. He combed her hair, leaving it free with its soft curls around her face. “You look enchanting, sweetheart. A perfect little princess. Would you like to visit with the kittens now, while I take care of your little brother?” Amdiriel nodded. Erestor moved the cat’s basket into the bedroom so she wouldn’t be alone. Glorfindel had been taking care of Gailion, and he was soon clean and dressed in his new leggings and tunic. He had chosen a pair of dark blue leggings with a light blue tunic. Glorfindel braided the elflings hair to match his own, and fastened the braids with one his gold hairclips bearing the symbol of the House of the Golden Flower. Gailion moved his hand to the back of his head and touched the clip, smiling. Glorfindel then found a lovely pale blue gown for Faelion. “Will you sit with your sister and the kittens while I go and help your Ada Restor, little one?” “Yes, Ada,” Gailion answered. Erestor had finished bathing the baby, and was putting a fresh diaper on him. Faelion’s soft blond hair curled around his little head and his blue eyes were watching everything. The happy baby gurgled and cooed at Erestor, and little hands grabbed strands of dark hair, bringing it to his mouth. “I know your Ada Restor is good enough to eat, little one,” Glorfindel said, as he unwound the baby’s fingers from Erestor’s hair, “but we really should leave him some hair or he will look funny.” Erestor smirked and kissed Glorfindel soundly. “Want to dress him while I change, sweetheart?” Erestor looked down at his wet nightshirt. “I think I got a bath, too, but I forgot to undress first.” Glorfindel chuckled and took the baby. “Come on, sweet one. I have the perfect little gown for you and your blue eyes.” Erestor dressed in dark green robes, lined with a light green. “They need shoes, my love. We cannot have them running around in bare feet and getting hurt.” “I will go to the market today and see if there are any house shoes available, and order sturdier shoes for outside for them,” Glorfindel answered. House shoes were softer and did not require a perfect fit like outside shoes or boots did. “I believe we are ready to go visiting and check on your friends, little ones,” Erestor said to the children. “We are going visiting?” Gailion asked. “Aye, we thought you would like to see your friends this morning,” Glorfindel said. “Oh, yes, Ada. We would like that,” Gailion answered. Glorfindel carried Faelion in one arm and held Gailion’s hand. “My blue and golden elves,” Erestor said. “Aye, and my green and dark elves,” Glorfindel answered as Erestor picked up Amdiriel. “I think we all look perfectly……perfect to go calling.” Glorfindel grinned. The children carried their horse, oliphant and doll with them. The family left the room, closely followed by Tinnu and Glirien. “Look, Ada. The kitties are going visiting with us!” Amdiriel said. “Aye, they are. They must want to visit your friends, too,” Erestor said. Entering the hall, they walked all the way to the next door and knocked. Amarion greeted them and invited them in. “Down, Ada, please,” Amdiriel said. When Erestor set her down, she rushed over to Laerien and the two little elflings hugged, then sat and compared their dolls. Gailion rushed over to Lainon and Saercaeron, and an oliphant, a pony and a bear were soon engaged in a mock battle on the floor. The cats wandered around the children, sniffing, as little hands reached out and petted them. The adults sat and quietly compared notes on the elflings. Amarion had taken Faelion to hold until he fussed for his Ada and was returned to Glorfindel. It wasn’t long before Caladir, Gurvelon, and their little elflings joined the group. The little girls joined their friends on the floor, and squealed over the cats, petting them softly with little hands. “The girls woke screaming after only five minutes of sleep last night, and we had to keep them with us in our bed,” Gurvelon said softly. “How did the others fare?” “Ours slept with their new big brother, and we did not have any problems,” Diwen said. “Your poor little girls. It was their first night without being right next to Caladir since the awful day. Hopefully, their fear will begin to lessen.” “How did you do, Erestor?” Gurvelon asked. “They slept fine for some time, but then Amdiriel came to our bed. She was afraid the Orcs would get me. We explained to her that was not going to happen, and we ended up with both of her and Gailion with us for the rest of the night. Amdiriel seems to be getting better by the hour, but we will have to wait and see what happens tonight,” Erestor said. “Do not stop trying to put them to sleep in their own beds, Gurvelon. It really will be better for them.” Diwen said. “They will let you know if they need you. And do not expect a major improvement all at once. They may sleep soundly for two nights, and then be back to screaming in terror. They will not recover from the trauma after just a night a two. We were lucky last night, but that could change tonight.” “We will do as you recommend. After all, you are a healer and a mother.” Gurvelon nodded to Diwen. “We are really going to have to do something about living quarters soon, though. We do not even have a place for the children’s clothes,” Erestor said. “Diwen and I were talking about that last night,” Amarion said. “We were thinking of asking Elrond if we could have a cottage, as she would like to have our own home with the elflings. These quarters are larger than either of yours. You could divide them in half, and easily have room for a bathroom and two or three bedrooms on each side. You could even have room for a common playroom and a small kitchen in the middle. That way, neither of you would have to relocate, and your children would be close to each other. If you would not mind, I could bring mine over when I come to work each day, and both Diwen and I would help mind the children.” “That sounds like a very good solution, Amarion,” Glorfindel said. “What say the rest of you?” “Aye, thank you, Amarion. A good suggestion it is,” Caladir said, as Gurvelon nodded. “Well, if we are all in agreement, perhaps we can ask Elrond to stop by and see if he agrees?” Erestor said. The others nodded. “Erestor, you did not by chance remember to bring any diapers, did you?” Glorfindel asked. “Oh dear, I never even thought of it. Let me take him, and I will go change him. And do not talk about anything too interesting until I get back,” he snickered. The cats followed him out and back to their rooms. Erestor quickly changed the baby. Taking a bag, he tossed in some diapers and a bottle of milk, then picked up Faelion and headed back to the others. Unseen by Erestor, there were now four animals following him. Erestor returned to find Elrond sitting with the others, talking about the suggested move and improvements. “I think it is a wonderful idea. There is a cottage available, and we could start the changes to these rooms as soon as you want. I was actually a little concerned about how far my Chief Councilor, Seneschal, and their “seconds-in-command” would be from their offices and me, and this is a perfect solution!” Elrond exclaimed. “Ha! You were supposed to wait until I returned!” Erestor teased the others, placing his bag on the floor and taking his seat again. Just then, Tinnu walked over to Gurvelon and deposited the gray and white kitten he was carrying into the scribe’s lap. Glirien went to Diwen, and deposited the gray kitten in hers. “Erestor, what are they doing?” Gurvelon asked. “I think…..Tinnu, are you and Glirien giving them a kitten for their elflings?” Tinnu meowed, and nosed the kitten further into Gurvelon’s lap. “I believe that is a definite ‘aye’. Did you see how they were in here earlier checking the children? I think they wanted to make sure they would be good for their kittens,” Erestor said. “What a good idea! Thank you, Tinnu. Thank you, Glirien,” Diwen said. “The kittens will be perfect to help the children heal.” Gurvelon and Caladir thanked the cats as well, then called the girls to see their new little friend. “This is Cenedril, little ones. You must be very careful with her, because she is just a little cat, like you are little elves,” Gurvelon explained. The elflings petted the kitten on their Ada’s lap gently, and smiled. “May I hold her, Ada,” asked Calariel. Gurvelon nodded and handed the kitten to the elfling. Calariel took the kitten and held it against her chest, rubbing her cheek on the soft fur. “Oh, she is so soft. You try now, Glawen.” Her sister took the kitten and held it against her face, giggling. “And you can come visit your kitten anytime, Tinnu,” Caladir said. The cat meowed loudly, as if to say “Well, of course I will, what did you think?” Diwen called to Lainon and Laerien, “Come see your little kitten, little ones. Her name is Gwathren. Tinnu and Glirien brought her for you.” The elflings rushed over to their new Nana and claimed the kitten, setting her on the floor with their older brother for the three of them to play with. Tinnu was pleased he had been able to talk Glirien into parting with two of their kittens. The non-elf had told him that little elflings would be coming, and would need his kittens to help them heal. “Tinnu,” Elrond said to the cat, “I am very proud of you for doing this, my friend. You and Glirien will help our little elflings so much by sharing your kittens with them.” Tinnu purred. “Now, the rest of you, I have been thinking. I believe it would be wise for you all to take as much time off as you can right now. The children need your full attention right now.” “Elrond, you cannot possibly do everything by yourself! However would you manage without us?” Erestor asked. “My sons will be back in a week. They can take over Glorfindel and Caladir’s duties. In the meantime, we have Suithoron and Torladen that can step in. And it will be good experience for Elladan and Elrohir.” The two warriors nodded. “But who can replace me and Gurvelon?” Erestor asked. “Well, my very dear friend and exalted councilor, I just happened to far speak with Celeborn last night. I thought he should know about what happened to the village, and would enjoy hearing about the elflings. My esteemed father-in-law insisted on sending his own chief advisor to us for an extended period. Melpomaen will assist him. Will that be all right with you?” Erestor smiled and nodded. “Aye, that will do, Elrond. Erynoron is an excellent elf and adviser. I have known him for many centuries, and he will serve you well.” “Amarion, I thought to have Lindir take over your duties for the time being, if that is all right with you. And Diwen, as long as we do not have anything happen to cause a lot of injuries, the rest of the healers will be able to manage if you are not there. What say you?” “Thank you, my Lord, we accept,” Amarion answered for them, gratefully. It would give them time to spend with the elfings and set up their new home. (The non-elf Tinnu referred to is the Vala Lorien. Erynoron – Forest flame. Kitten’s names: Gwathren – shadowy. Solid gray. Cenedril – Mirror. Looks just like her mother, Glirien. Gray with white paws and chest and neck.) *~*~*~*~* Chapter 9 Elrond, Erestor, Gurvelon and Diwen began to plan the changes to the quarters. “Well, while they are doing that, what say the three of us go off to the markets? I need to find shoes for my little ones,” Glorfindel said to Caladir and Amarion. “I think that is a fine idea, Glorfindel,” Caladir said. Diwen looked up at the three. “Do not forget to measure the elfling’s feet if you are getting shoes, or you will all come home with the wrong sizes.” “Aye, Nana,” Amarion answered with a smile. He found a measuring tape, and the three adas took measurements. While they were at it, they decided to measure them for clothes as well. Gurvelon stopped planning for long enough to write everything down for them. “Here is the list of the sizes, my love. Do not lose it, and a you had better take that tape with you as well,” Gurvelon said. Caladir just smiled, and kissed him goodbye. “Anything else I should get, sweetheart?” Glorfindel asked Erestor. “See if you can find any simpler dresses that Amdiriel can play in. I cannot see her making mud pies in the garden in that gown. I am sure Arwen wore all hers out, which is why there are only fancier ones,” Erestor said. “And a cloak for her and Gailion would be good. And you had better get some more nightshirts and underclothes for all of them.” Glorfindel took the list from Caladir. “Would you mind writing all that down for me sweetheart? And anything else you would like.” “Erestor, add the same things for our girls, too, would you please?” Gurvelon said. “And for Laerien as well,” added Diwen. “And a cloak and nightshirts for Lainon. Thankfully, there are plenty of leggings and tunics. Oh, and more underclothes for him. And Amarion, make sure you get something for Saercaeron, too. We do not want him left out, even if he really does not need anything right now.” Glorfindel grabbed the list, kissed Erestor, and the three made a hasty exit before their spouses thought of anything else. They would take the fun out of shopping! Entering the marketplace, the three adas decided to take care of the list first, then have some fun. They headed to the section where clothing and shoes were sold, and easily found shoes for inside the house, and sandals for playing outside. It was summer, and sandals were just fine for play. They ordered leather boots for the boys, and soft little boots made with suede and lined in fur for the girls. Glorfindel got several pair of little booties in every color available for Faelion, and found a pair of sturdy shoes that would fit him when he started walking, which would not be too long away. Clothes were next. Nightshirts and underclothes were easy. But dresses, that was interesting. The adas spent what seemed like hours looking and deciding. In the end, Caladir had more than a dozen matching gowns for each – he couldn’t decide, so he simply got them all. There was a blue one and a red one, blue trimmed with white, blue trimmed with dark blue, pink, soft coral, another blue, white trimmed with blue, a green one, another light blue, a lovely mauve, and a deep burgundy. And a few more blue ones. When the merchant asked if he was sure he wanted so many blue ones, Caladir’s only answer was, “But they have blue eyes.” Glorfindel fared no better. Except his were mostly in greens, to match his little angel’s eyes. And of course the lovely mauve and deep burgundy one. And a deep red one, because Erestor looked so good in red. And blue, because it was the color of his house, and he liked the boys in blue. And a couple more blue ones, so the family could all match on some days. And a few more green ones. Amarion knew he had a wife at home to answer to, and so wisely only bought eight. One for every day of the week and one to spare. Of course Glorfindel and Caladir couldn’t see how Amarion could possibly pass up on some of the lovely colors, and wanted to purchase gifts for the other children as well, so they silently purchased a few more each for Laerien and secretly added them to his package. After they left, the merchant closed his stall, not that there was much left in it, and hung a sign which read, “Gone for the Summer and Fall on Holiday. Back before Yule.” Then came the cloaks. Oh, how to choose? The boys were easy. All dark blue to match their eyes, and a richly made black one with gold trim for dress. But how could the girls wear a blue cloak with a red dress, or a red cloak with a green dress? And so there were blue cloaks, and green cloaks, and deep red ones and rust colored ones. And a stunning black one embroidered with gold to match the boys’. All made of lovely fabrics and lavishly lined. Amarion wisely purchased just two. One dark blue and one deep burgundy. But of course Glorfindel and Caladir secretly added a couple more to his package. They couldn’t have Laerien and Lainon think they had gotten less than the other children. The packages were all sent to the Last Homely House, and the adas went shopping for toys. “Oh, look,” said Glorfindel, “what adorable stuffed bunnies! The children will adore them!” Seven bunnies were purchased. “No, we forgot Saercaeron. Better make that eight, please,” Glorfindel told the merchant. Caladir found already made doll clothing. They purchased every item of doll clothing the merchant had and split it four ways for the four girls. “Oh, and look. Are those kits to make dollhouses? Oh, the girls will just love them, and we can have the boys help us put them together.” Four dollhouse kits were added. And the girls just had to have more dolls, so they purchased four more for each. Wooden horses, sets of carved wooden warriors, and tiny tents and weapons to set up a full battle scene were purchased. There were stuffed ravens and hawks, turtles and frogs, squirrels and horses, always in quantities of eight. When they finished their toy purchases and moved on to another area, the toy merchant looked at his wife and said, “Oh, my dear, we will be able to finish the addition to the cottage now!” Next came hair ribbons and lovely clasps to hold back braids. And broaches for their cloaks. And sweet little jeweled bracelets for the girls. An emerald pendant for Amdiriel, and sapphire ones for the others. And of course Glorfindel ordered gold circlets for his children. They were children of the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower now, after all. They finally headed back home, merry after a hard day’s work, and hungry for their dinners. They collected their families from Amarion’s quarters. The plans were finalized and Amarion’s family would be moved into their cottage the next day and the renovations could begin. It was a good thing because with all the new purchases, the quarters of all were now well and truly full. Amarion calmly explained to Diwen that no, he had only purchased eight dresses, and that Caladir and Glorfindel had obviously added the others. And no, he had not purchased all the toys; the other two had simply insisted they were gifts for their children. And said the same thing about all the jewelry. Honestly they had. Gurvelon and Erestor simply laughed at their silly husbands, and joined in the fun of opening packages and telling them what a good job they had done at the market. Tbc…..