79: A Change of Plans

Glorfindel was sitting in his office in Elf Academy a few hours after he and the others had seen Gareth off, looking over the revised course schedule for the next term that Daeron had devised for incorporating additional classes. They had decided to increase the enrollment by ten percent. Daeron was even now negotiating with the college administration to lease additional dorm space. Hopefully that would be resolved to their satisfaction before summer. In the meantime, he needed to assure himself that increasing the number of classes was doable and figured that only if he recruited some of the Valinórean Elves would it work. He had no doubt that Valandur would love to teach one of the Sindarin classes and others could as well.

He was interrupted from his ruminations by a knock on the door.

“Minno!” He called out automatically, already aware that the two people on the other side of the door were Elves and not Mortals. He looked up as the door opened to reveal Elrohir and Serindë.

“Are we disturbing you?” Elrohir asked uncertainly.

Glorfindel smiled at them. “Not at all. Come in and sit.” When they had complied to the request, Glorfindel said, “Now to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Well, we’ve come up with a slight snag in the wedding plans,” Elrohir told him.

“What sort of snag? Will the wedding dress not be ready in time?” He gave Serindë a mock glare and she ducked her head, grinning.

Elrohir rolled his eyes. “The wedding dress is coming along quite nicely, so I’ve been told. No, this is something a bit more serious.”

Glorfindel sat back in his chair, his demeanor becoming more solemn. “So, tell me.”

“Well, it seems that when Sarah and I set the date for the sixth of April, we failed to check the Mortal calendar. I was only reminded of it last week when I realized that it was Ash Wednesday. Turns out that the sixth of April this year is Good Friday. There’s no way we can hold the wedding on that day. Not only would it offend half the town of Wiseman, but most of our Mortal friends will be attending Good Friday services and would not be able to come to the wedding.”

“And we can’t have it on Saturday because of the Vigil Easter services that will be taking place,” Serindë added.

“Could you have the wedding that afternoon?” Glorfindel asked.

“We thought about it, but not only will people be getting ready for Easter, it also turns out to be Passover.”

“Um, a double-whammy then,” Glorfindel said. “I would say have it the Friday before, but you’ll still be in Lent and some people would be unable to attend the reception if they are fasting.”

“We really wanted the wedding to take place at our New Year,” Serindë said with a sigh. “We thought it very symbolic.”

“Symbols are important,” Glorfindel allowed, “but sometimes they get in the way of the truth and the truth is, you will be married whatever day you choose, even if it’s a Tuesday, which, as far as I know, has no symbolic meaning to anyone. So, have it after Easter. Then there’s no conflict.”

“Except the following Friday is the thirteenth. You know full well the Mortals consider it an unlucky day,” Elrohir pointed out. “Can you imagine the reactions? You want to get married on what day?” He grinned at them and Serindë chuckled.

Glorfindel rolled his eyes. “Oh for heaven’s sake, have it on Saturday then, or if you’re still going for symbolism, have it on the twelfth. Twelve has always been a propitious number for us Elves, and so what if it’s a week night and the next day is a work day? At the latest, we’d be done with the reception by nine or ten with the ceremony starting at seven and that won’t take nearly as long as Mortal wedding ceremonies.”

Both Elrohir and Serindë sighed. “I guess we could do that,” Elrohir admitted. “I’ll check to see which day the Grange is available after Easter.”

“I’m sure there will be no problem switching the date,” Glorfindel assured them. “The invitations won’t be going out for a few more days and since everything is done on computers these days, the date can be easily changed before printing them out. Just be sure to let Daeron know. Now that we’ve settled that, scoot. Some of us have more important things to worry about than a mere wedding.”

He gave them shooing motions with his hands and the couple grinned as they stood. “Thanks,” Elrohir said.

“My pleasure. Anytime. My door is always open even when it’s closed. See you later.” Elrohir and Serindë left and Glorfindel sat for a moment shaking his head in amusement before he gave a brief sigh and then returned to his work.

****

Elrohir decided to drive to the Grange Hall and speak to the manager personally rather than phoning. “We might have to do a bit of negotiating before it’s all settled,” he explained to Serindë as they drove down Aurora toward the town center, swinging around to Morningside and down Orion, turning onto Brooks where the Grange Hall was located. They climbed out of the car and headed inside, making their way to the office. They were in luck, for the manager was there checking accounts. He stood as they entered, a look of surprise on his face at the sight of them. He was middle-aged, his blond hair streaked with gray and balding on the top. His blue eyes were half hidden behind glasses. He was also short in comparison to the two Elves, perhaps only about five foot ten, looking shorter due to his slight paunch. He wore a rumpled gray suit, the blue-and-white striped tie half undone.

“Good morning!” Elrohir said brightly, holding out his hand for the Mortal to shake. “I’m Roy Ronaldson and this is my fiancé, Sarah Brightman. We’ve rented the hall for our wedding next month?"

“Oh, yes, of course, of course,” the Man said, sounding and looking a bit flustered. “I’m Bill Sadowski. Please, sit. Er… here.” Realizing that there was only the one chair before his desk, he scurried over to another desk that was empty and pulled the chair over. Elrohir seated Serindë first before taking his own.

“Now, what can I do for you?” Mr. Sadowski asked. “Oh, can I get you some coffee or water or—”

“None for us, thank you,” Elrohir said graciously. “Please do not trouble yourself.” The Mortal nodded and settled back down in his chair as Elrohir continued to speak. “We originally rented the Hall for April the sixth but we just realized that’s Good Friday.”

“Yeah, I thought that was kinda strange,” Sadowski allowed, “but I figured, hey, Elves! What would they know?”

“And we should have,” Elrohir said with a nod. “It was pure carelessness on our part. You see, in the old calendar that date is our New Year, which is why we wished to be married on that particular day.”

“Ah, yeah, I can see that,” Sadowski allowed, picking up a pen and idly twirling it in his hands. “So, what’s the deal?”

“The deal is that we’ve decided to change the date of the wedding so that it does not conflict with anyone’s holiday or religious observances.”

Sadowski nodded and leaned close, touching the keyboard of his computer. “Let me call up the calendar and see what we have. Did you have a specific date in mind?”

“Ah, we were thinking the twelfth. That would be the next Thursday.”

“Hmm… sorry, but Thursday nights is Square Dance Night for our young’uns.” He gave them a bright smile. “They love to dance and they’ve been practicing all winter for the Square Dance festival in Anchorage in May. They’re hoping to come home with the trophy.”

“That’s great,” Elrohir said with false cheer. “What about Saturday the fourteenth, then?”

“Well, let’s see. Nope, Saturday’s out, too, I’m afraid. That’s when the Rotary Club meets. They usually meet on the first Saturday of the month, but because that’s the day before Easter, they rescheduled for the following Saturday. And before you ask, all the other Saturdays in April are booked.”

“What about Fridays then,” Elrohir asked with a sigh. “Not the thirteenth, obviously, but….”

Sadowski shook his head. “Sorry, sir, but you gotta realize that the Grange Hall is pretty much our social center. Weekends are always busy and even during the week we have activities, such as 4-H and the high school kids are gearing up for their spring musical and just about every other night there are rehearsals for that. Say, my Johnny’s in it. They’re doing Annie Get Your Gun. He’s Wild Bill Hickok. I’ve got some tickets here if you’re interested.” He started to open a desk drawer.

Elrohir lifted an eyebrow. “Thanks, but not at the moment.”

Sadowski nodded, closing the drawer. “Well, anyway, April’s a pretty darn busy month around here when the snow is finally gone. Spring’s too short a season to waste, don’t you know?”

“So, what days are free?” Serindë asked.

“Well… how about May First? That’s the earliest I can fit you in.”

“May First?” Elrohir asked with a sinking feeling. “What day of the week is that?”

“Er… Tuesday,” the Mortal said brightly.

“Naturally,” Elrohir muttered. He noticed Serindë covering her face with her hands and he wasn’t sure if she was trying not to cry or to laugh. “You’re sure there are no openings in April?”

“Sorry,” Sadowski said and apparently meaning it. “We’re booked solid with a couple of weddings, one bar mitzvah and two, no three, First Communion parties. May would be your best option, but I wouldn’t hesitate for long. The calendar gets pretty full the closer to summer we get.”

“Yes, I can appreciate that,” Elrohir said, standing. Serindë joined him and the Mortal also stood. “We’ll get back to you later today or tomorrow to confirm the date. Thank you for your time, Mr. Sadowski.” He held out his hand for the Man to shake.

“Sure I can’t interest you two in tickets to the spring musical?” Sadowski asked in parting.

“Thanks, but I think we’ll pass for now,” Elrohir said politely as he steered Serindë out of the office and out to the car. Once inside, Elrohir didn’t bother to turn on the engine. He just sat there staring out the window. Serindë sat in silence as well, not looking at her beloved.

“If it’s Tuesday, it must be a wedding,” she said finally, hoping to relieve some of the tension that had fallen between them.

“How did he know?” Elrohir whispered ignoring her attempt at levity.

“How did who know?” Serindë asked, taking his hand in hers, giving it a squeeze.

He turned to look at her. “Loren. How did he know it would be Tuesday?”

She shook her head. “I don’t know, but I’ll tell you this Elrohir Elrondion: I will not be married on a Tuesday.”

Elrohir raised an eyebrow at her. She never called him by his true name unless she was totally pissed off at him and that, thank Eru, was a rare occurrence. “It’s not my fault!” he practically shouted.

“I didn’t say it was,” she returned. “I said, I refuse to be married on a Tuesday. Whoever heard of anyone getting married on a Tuesday? And now we have to either stick to the original date or… or f-find one in May and… and damn Mortals and their stupid holidays!” At that she burst into tears.

“Hey, hey, sweetie, it’s okay, it’s okay,” Elrohir said, leaning over to cuddle her. “Shhh… we’ll figure it out, I promise. Please don’t cry, Vanimelda.”

Serindë sniffed a bit more and then pulled herself out of Elrohir’s embrace, fishing in her purse for tissues to wipe her eyes. Elrohir started the car and pulled out of the parking lot, turning right instead of left.

“Where are we going?” she asked. “Edhellond is that way.” She pointed back the way they’d come.

“I’m going over to your dad’s,” Elrohir answered.

“Ada? But why? Do you think he can make it all right? He’s not Eru, Roy.”

“I didn’t say he was, but I trust his judgment and besides, he and Holly need to know what’s happened since they’re footing the bill for the wedding or a part of it.”

“What about Loren? He’s footing the other half.”

“Yeah, but we can see him later on. There are times when I wish Ron hadn’t moved out of Edhellond. Never realized what a calming influence he is. He doesn’t even have to say anything; he just has to walk into the room and give you a certain look and suddenly you’re wondering what you were fussing about.”

“He is good at that, isn’t he?” Serindë said with no little satisfaction. Elrohir gave her a knowing smile as he continued to drive. They reached the house and pulled into the drive and soon were being admitted into the house by Nimrodel, looking radiant.

“How are the babies?” Elrohir asked automatically, eyeing her clinically. “Not giving you a hard time, are they? I remember my nana telling Dan and me how we used to take turns kicking her. It drove her bonkers, so she claimed.”

Nimrodel laughed. “Now, don’t you go giving them any ideas, Roy,” she admonished him and he smirked even as he leaned down toward her swollen belly and mock-whispered, “Take turns kicking your nana.”

Both ellith giggled as Nimrodel swatted Elrohir playfully. “So what are you two up to?” she asked.

“Is Ron around?” Elrohir asked, becoming serious.

“He’s with someone at the moment,” Nimrodel replied. “Come into the kitchen and have some tea while you wait. He’ll be done in a few minutes.”

“Where’s Nana?” Serindë asked as they headed toward the kitchen.

“She’s out shopping. You just missed her, actually. She won’t be gone long and before you ask, Amroth is down in the basement tinkering with something, though the Valar only know with what since he refuses to say, but it keeps him busy and out of my hair, so I’m not complaining.”

“Hovering, is he?” Elrohir gave her a knowing look.

“Like a mother hen with a single chick,” Nimrodel retorted as she fiddled with the tea kettle. “Honestly, I’m not about to break or anything.”

“He’s just naturally concerned,” Elrohir said in defense, “and don’t forget he’s supporting all three of you with his fëa. I should check him over, make sure he’s not over-extending himself. Last thing we need is for him to collapse.”

“Well, good luck with that,” Nimrodel said with a faint grimace.

“I’ll talk with him before we leave,” Elrohir promised. “I’m glad Ron is here so he can keep an eye on him.”

“As am I,” Nimrodel allowed. “He and Holly both are gems and they certainly make our lives easier. Now, I think Ron’s done with his appointment. I just heard his door open.”

All three could hear Vorondur speaking softly to someone, though they could not hear the words, then the front door was opening and closing and a minute later Vorondur entered the kitchen, giving them a smile. “Thought it was your car, Roy. What brings you two here?” He shook Elrohir’s hand and gave his daughter a hug and a kiss. “Ah, thank you.” This last was directed at Nimrodel who handed him a mug of mint tea. “Do you want to talk privately? I have an hour before my next appointment.”

“No, that’s okay,” Elrohir assured him. “We ran into a slight snag with the wedding and need your advice.”

“Oh?” Vorondur settled into a chair next to Serindë, who spoke.

“When we decided on the date of the wedding, we forgot to check the Mortal calendar. Turns out the sixth is Good Friday and it turns out that that Saturday is Passover.”

“Ah, yes, of course. So you wish to change the date of the wedding. I do not see where that’s a problem.”

“It isn’t, but the problem is that because of other things going on the earliest the manager could fit us in was May First, which happens to be on a Tuesday.”

“Whoever heard of anyone getting married on a Tuesday?” Nimrodel asked.

“That’s what I said,” Serindë replied. “And I told Roy that I refuse to get married on that day even if May First is Beltane and all.”

“So when do you want to have the wedding?” Vorondur asked, sipping his tea.

“I’m guessing the Saturday after, which would make it the fifth.”

“Again, I do not see the problem.”

“Well, we just thought you needed to know,” Elrohir said.

“And we certainly appreciate you coming all the way out here to tell us,” Vorondur said, “but what is important is that you two feel comfortable with the change. I know you were all set to be married in a month’s time, but postponing it for another month is not that big a deal or it shouldn’t be.”

“Yeah, I know,” Elrohir said with a sigh, running his hands through his hair, “but it’s still embarrassing.”

“In what way?” Vorondur asked.

“Oh you know, having to tell everyone that the date’s been changed because of some stupid Mortal holiday or another. I should have checked the calendar beyond ascertaining that the sixth was a Friday.”

“You’re concerned with how the Valinórean Elves will view it,” Vorondur said, making it more a statement than a question.

“Well, yes, sort of, I guess. Really hadn’t thought about it in those terms but I suppose.”

“You think that when you explain why the wedding date is being moved, they will wonder why you are accommodating the Mortals instead of simply having the wedding when you choose and to hell with anyone else?”

Elrohir nodded, now looking slightly embarrassed. “Stupid, I know.”

“You changing the date or them disparaging you for changing the date?”

Elrohir blinked a few times trying to determine how to answer, but before he could speak, Amroth entered the kitchen.

“Thought I heard voices,” he said. “Any tea left, my love? No, no, you sit. I’ll get it. So what’s up with you two?”

“We were discussing the fact that the sixth of April is Good Friday and Passover begins that evening,” Vorondur explained, “and the earliest they can reschedule is in May because apparently April’s calendar is chock full.”

“Well, that’s a pity but not the end of the world. If nothing else, it gives people more time to plan things.”

“Still, we’ll need to alert the caterers and the florists and everyone else and you know they’ll charge extra for having to move the date,” Nimrodel pointed out.

Both Amroth and Vorondur shrugged. “I’m sure that won’t be a problem,” Vorondur said. “Roy is concerned about how the Valinóreans will react to the news, Ryan. He thinks they will not understand why we are catering to the Mortals by not holding the wedding on their holy days.”

Amroth snorted. “Well, that’s their look-out, as far as I’m concerned. Roy, you do not have to explain or apologize for anything you and Sarah decide about your own wedding. If you want to call the ceremony off completely and just shack up, to use the Mortal expression, that’s your business, though I imagine the ellith would be all upset, seeing how they’ve been working hard on the wedding dress and all, but that’s neither here nor there. You decide what you want to do and then do it and the rest of us will just have to accept it or not.”

“Which is what I was going to say,” Vorondur added with a smile. “Though I sincerely hope you do not call the ceremony off and marry in the Sindarin tradition. I would hate to disappoint your nana.”

“Me, too,” Elrohir said, giving Serindë a loving smile, bending over to give her a kiss, which she returned.

“Then, that’s settled,” Vorondur said as he stood. “Now if you will excuse me, I need to prepare for my next appointment. As soon as you’ve confirmed the date, just let us know.”

“We will, and thanks,” Elrohir said.

Vorondur nodded and left. Elrohir turned to Amroth. “So how are you feeling, my friend?”

“I’m fine,” Amroth replied, giving him an imperious look. “Don’t go all Elrond on me, my boy. I didn’t take that healer nonsense from your father, I’m not about to take it from you.”

“Amroth, don’t be like that,” Nimrodel admonished him. “Honestly, you’d think you were the one carrying the babies the way you act sometimes. Roy’s just making sure you’re not over-extending yourself.”

“Della says you’ve been tinkering with something in the basement,” Elrohir interjected before Amroth could reply. “So what are you building? Superspy gadgets for Alex to play with like James Bond? Should we call you Q from now on?”

Amroth just sat there blinking at him while Serindë goggled at them both and Nimrodel sat back with a smile on her lips, watching the interplay.

“Have you been taking lessons from Ron, Roy?” she asked.

Elrohir shrugged. “Maybe. So, tell me, Ryan, what’s the big secret? What are you hiding?”

“I’m not hiding anything,” Amroth protested. “I’m just… amusing myself. Della says I’m hovering, so I’m keeping out of her hair, that’s all.”

“When was the last time you slept for real?”

“Hmm… three weeks ago? Before we ran off to Fairbanks.”

“Well, I’m prescribing complete rest for you. I can tell just sitting here that your store of energy is lower than it should be even if we take into consideration you supporting Della and the twins. I want you to sleep tonight and for the next couple of nights as well. If you think you’re going to have trouble doing so, then speak with Ron. He can either prescribe something or walk you through a meditation technique that will help you to relax enough to fall asleep.”

“What about putting him in healing sleep?” Nimrodel asked.

Elrohir shook his head. “No, I don’t want to do that unless absolutely necessary. You don’t need healing, Ryan, you just need sleep and lots of it. Do I have your word that you will do this?”

Amroth did not reply immediately, glancing first at Nimrodel who nodded. He turned back to the younger ellon. “Yes. You have my word.”

Elrohir nodded and stood. “Good. Just remember, my friend, you have another seven months to get through and then several years of continual support of your children. We need you healthy. Now, we should get going. I need to let Loren and the others know and then I need to contact Mr. Sadowski and confirm the date for the fifth of May. We’ll see you later?”

“Yes, we’ll see you Saturday,” Nimrodel answered for them both. “Thanks for stopping by. Sorry you missed your nana, Sarah, but I’ll let her know you stopped by.”

Nimrodel and Amroth followed Elrohir and Serindë to the front door to see them off. Back in the car and on their way home Elrohir asked, “You okay, love?”

“Yes, I guess,” she replied. “As Loren said, the important thing is that we’ll be married, not what day of the week that happens to be.”

Elrohir nodded. “Well, I’ll tell Loren and then I’ll call Mr. Sadowski before the office closes today.”

They fell silent for the rest of the way and when they got to Edhellond it was to find that Glorfindel and Finrod were both there with Daeron, the three in the kitchen cutting up vegetables for the night’s stew. Elladan was also there eating a sandwich and reading a medical journal. They all looked up when Elrohir and Serindë entered. “So how did it go?” Glorfindel asked before Elrohir could speak.

“Well, the good news is that we have a new date for the wedding,” Elrohir replied. “The bad news is the wedding’s been postponed until May.”

“May!” Daeron exclaimed. “May what? I’ll need to make the changes before we send the invitations to the printers.”

“Well, Mr. Sadowski, he’s the manager for the Grange Hall, suggested May First, which happens to be on a Tuesday,” Elrohir replied, giving Glorfindel a significant look.

Glorfindel just raised an eyebrow, a slight, almost secretive smile on his lips as he sat there cutting up carrots.

“Whoever heard of anyone being married on a Tuesday, though?” Elladan asked.

Finrod raised his hand, giving them an impish grin.

“Really?” everyone but Glorfindel exclaimed in disbelief.

Finrod nodded, chuckling. “Ah, children. How little you know. What you call Tuesday and we of Valinor call Aldúya was originally called Arë Veruon, the Day of the Spouses, dedicated to Lord Aulë and Lady Yavanna. Glorfindel will remember that traditionally all weddings among the Eldar fell on that day.”

Glorfindel nodded.

“So that’s why you said Tuesday, isn’t it?” Elrohir demanded almost accusingly.

Glorfindel just shrugged, refusing to answer as he continued chopping.

“So, what day have you decided?” Daeron asked.

“We’re shooting for the fifth. That’s a Saturday,” Elrohir replied.

“Hey, why don’t you have it on the fourth instead?” Elladan suggested. “Then you can go around to all the wedding guests saying, ‘May the fourth be with you.”

The oldest son of Elrond ducked, laughing, as Glorfindel, Daeron and even Finrod all threw something at him while both Elrohir and Serindë groaned in mock dismay.

****

Vanimelda: (Quenya) ‘Beautiful and beloved’; according to Tolkien, “the highest word of praise for beauty” with two interpretations that were equally valid and simultaneously true: “movingly lovely” [vanima + melda with haplology] but also “elven-fair” (fair as an Elf) [vanima + elda].

Note on Arë Veruon: Arë Veruen is the original Qenya form. I have updated it to LOTR-style Quenya where the plural genitive suffix is _-on_.  The word can also be written as Ar Veruon or Arveruon.