83: New News

Vorondur was the first to recover, moving to where the Maiar were sitting smirking at them. He reached out to take the glass out of Olórin’s hand and sniffed.

“Lemonade?” he asked, handing the glass back.

“We’re on duty,” Olórin said primly as he accepted the glass back while Fionwë gave them a very wide grin as he grabbed some popcorn and munched on it. “Want some? Help yourselves.”

“Thanks, but we’ll pass,” Glorfindel said. “Why are you here?”

“We like a good show as much as the next Maia,” Fionwë replied with a sniff. “Just thought we would sit in on this one. It’s been most entertaining.”

Olórin nodded. “I liked the part where Thranduilion swung himself around the lamppost. That was fun to watch.”

“So you saw that, did you?” Vorondur asked, giving the two Maiar appraising looks.

“Oh yes, and so did every Maia and all the Valar,” Olórin answered.

“We let them see what was happening through ósanwë,” Fionwë explained. “Sure you don’t want any popcorn? It’s got extra butter.”

The Elves ignored the question. Legolas groaned, closing his eyes. It was bad enough, he supposed, that the Mortals of Wiseman were seeing his exploits on TV without thinking that all of Aman was watching as well.

“Not all,” Olórin said, having apparently divined his thoughts, and when Legolas opened his eyes he saw the Maia give him a sympathetic look. “As far as I know, none of the Eldar are aware of anything going on here except in general terms whenever Lord Manwë sees fit to give them news. I doubt if this will be sallied about in the halls and inns of the Firstborn, so your adar won’t hear it from any of us, I promise.”

“All well and good,” Vorondur said, “but you were not invited to this party, so off you go.”

Both Maiar lifted eyebrows in amusement. “We could just disincarnate but that doesn’t mean we won’t still be here,” Fionwë said. “No, I think we’ll stick around, don’t you, Olórin?”

The erstwhile Wizard nodded. “Oh, yes, definitely. Now, just pretend we’re not here and carry on as usual.”

“Can I go get my sword so I can run them through?” Glorfindel asked Vorondur. “Please?”

“I will arm wrestle you for the pleasure, my brother,” Finrod said, casting a dark look at the Maiar.

“I’m crushed,” Olórin said with mock dismay.

“No doubt,” Vorondur said, then turned his back on the two Maiar, effectively dismissing them from his consideration as he spoke to the others. “Aidan, you want to explain why you, Gavin, Thad and Hal are so angry at Liam, angrier than the others, I should say?”

“You noticed that?” Glorfindel commented, giving Vorondur an appraising look.

“It’s my business to notice, Loren,” Vorondur said, not taking his eyes off Aldarion, who now looked suitably chagrined, as did the other three. “So?”

“Prince Legolas has put us all in danger,” Aldarion finally said.

“Possibly,” Vorondur allowed with a nod of his head, “and I can even understand everyone being angry about that, but you four were especially angry. Why? I can almost see you being angry, Aidan, but you three, you’ve lived here before. You know about Mortals even if you never interacted with them to any great extent.”

When none of them spoke, the four ellyn refusing to look at anyone, Finrod narrowed his eyes, realizing the truth of Vorondur’s words and coming to some conclusions of his own. “You resent Legolas attempting to find employment on his own instead of joining you in your pursuit of finding work among the Rangers.”

Even Vorondur looked surprised at this. “Is this true?” he asked the four. “I know some of you have been speaking with Paul Pettingill about joining the Rangers, but I was unaware that Prince Legolas was one of them.”

“I am not,” Legolas spoke up before anyone could reply. “Naturally, I was included in the discussions but I never committed myself to it, either by word or by deed. Indeed, while the idea is attractive and under other circumstances, I would gladly join in becoming a Ranger, I did not feel drawn to it. I watched the police investigate the crime scene where Glorfindel was found and it was all so fascinating and I wished to learn more.” He turned to Aldarion, Gilvagor, Thandir and Haldir, giving them a rueful look. “I am sorry if my actions disappointed you, but I decided I did not wish to do the… the expected thing. This is a whole new world with many opportunities and I wanted to try something different.”

“Which is a typical response of ENFP personality types,” Vorondur said with a nod. “I am not at all surprised that you wished to try something different, as you say, Liam. Indeed, I would expect no less from you, given your own history, befriending Dwarves and Hobbits and Men as you did and setting up your own realm in Ithilien rather than remaining with your adar as his heir and chief of security. I actually applaud your initiative, but I am also concerned for the eventual fallout of today’s… um… incident.”

“And you need not worry too much about that,” Olórin said, now standing up, as was Fionwë. The Elves noticed that the bowl of popcorn and the lemonade were gone. “We’ve been running interference, as I believe the expression is, encouraging those Mortals wishing to put Legolas’ rescue run on YouTube and Facebook or wherever to rethink those actions. Some of the more, shall we say, determined types, found that they could not seem to connect to their favorite social media sites and will not be able to until they give up on the attempt.”

“And we thank you for that,” Finrod said graciously, giving the two Maiar a bow of respect.

“And David Michaelson has gone to Judge Harrison to have a gag order issued to the local news station,” Fionwë added. “The story is being pulled even as we speak and all attempts to send it to national affiliates have failed.”

“So you see,” Olórin said with a sly grin, “you needed us here after all.”

And with that, both Maiar unclothed themselves, leaving the mingled scents of apple, mint, rosemary and athelas behind. For a moment, no one spoke and then Legolas said, “I am sorry for all this. It was not my intention to cause such a disturbance.”

“It’s all right, Liam, really,” Glorfindel said, patting the younger ellon on the shoulder. “It would’ve been nice if you’d told someone other than Dan of your plan.”

“Someone, meaning you?” Vorondur asked.

Glorfindel shook his head. “Someone, meaning all of us.”

“Yet, would knowing in advance what Liam wished to do have changed the events that occurred?” Elrohir pointed out. “Liam did not intentionally set out to create a scene, he simply was at the right place at the right time, or the wrong place at the wrong time, depending on how you want to look at it.”

“Well, it’s pretty moot now,” Glorfindel said. “Liam said Michaelson turned him down, so there’s no point—”

“Um… er…”

Everyone turned to Legolas who now had an embarrassed look on his face. Glorfindel narrowed his eyes. “You said Michaelson turned you down.”

Legolas nodded. “Yes, he did… at first. He told me I should apply to the police academy first, but then the carjacking occurred and he decided to allow me to join the force, but as a volunteer, at least for now. He is arranging for me to receive the proper training in weapons use and police procedure and I will ride with patrolmen two days a week for the next six months. Then and only then will Michaelson consider hiring me full time. I must start at the bottom and work my way up like everyone else. They will be sending me my uniform over the weekend. Someone will have to pay the shipping charges.” He shrugged, not sure what else he could say.

“And this is a done deal?” Glorfindel asked.

Legolas straightened, giving the former Captain of Imladris an imperious look. “Yes, Lord Glorfindel, it is.”

Glorfindel raised an eyebrow but then nodded. “Very well. I’ll arrange to have the charges paid when the uniform arrives.” He then turned to Vorondur. “Are we done here?”

“I don’t know, are we?” Vorondur gazed about him.

“As far as I’m concerned, I think having one of us on the police force can only prove beneficial to us all,” Elladan said, “which is why I didn’t discourage Liam in his plans, even though I didn’t think it would work. I would certainly have helped him to prepare for the police academy and I know Roy would have too.” Roy nodded but did not comment. “I think, though, this will work better. Six months is not an awful lot of time to teach someone how to pass as a Mortal. You know how difficult it was for us when we all came to Elf Academy and we’ve had millennia to learn.”

“Trying to pass as Mortal does not work in the long run, at least not anymore,” Vorondur said, “and I think it’s even counterproductive at this point. For the first time in a very long time we have found a place where we don’t have to hide who and what we are. Yes, we have enemies who would like nothing better than to see us all to perdition, but that is a minor inconvenience when our primary focus is the coming war and preparing these Mortals for battle. For Prince Legolas to join the police force as himself is probably the best course to take and that applies to everyone else. I think we need to stress that to the others as they also seek employment among the Mortals.”

“I agree,” Finrod said, “and certainly it has worked to my advantage for me to be myself when working at the bookstore, though I introduce myself as Quinn O’Brien instead of as Finrod or Findaráto.”

“Then I think we’re done here,” Vorondur said, “unless anyone else has anything more they wish to say.”

Everyone else shook their heads. “Good. Now our next task is to reopen the gates. I do not want them to remain closed for too much longer; it will send the wrong message to the wrong people.”

“Yes, that it certainly will,” Valandur said, speaking for the first time. “Shall we?”

“Yes, let us go,” Glorfindel said. As they began to file out of the room, he gave Legolas a teasing look. “Officer Prince, huh? Has a nice ring to it. So, if I’m caught exceeding the speed limit will you issue me a ticket?”

“I will not play favorites,” Legolas said in all seriousness.

“And if I even thought you would, child, I would make you regret it,” Glorfindel responded soberly, all teasing aside.

They made their way down the hall to the foyer and Elladan, being the closest, opened the front door. “Hey! The crowd is gone and so are the police.”

“Hmm… I have a feeling we can thank a couple of Maiar for that,” Daeron commented.

“Dan, why don’t you go unlock the gates?” Glorfindel said, fishing out a set of keys from a pants pocket.

“No, let me,” Legolas begged. “It is, after all, because of me that you had to lock the gates at all.”

Glorfindel nodded and handed the keys to Legolas who stepped outside while everyone else watched.

“Well, one more crisis down. How many more to go?” Elladan quipped, speaking in a whisper, though they all heard. No one bothered to answer what was clearly a rhetorical question, though Elrohir punched his brother in the arm on principle.

****

Friday morning, Amroth called Edhellond, inviting himself, Nimrodel, Vorondur and Ercassë to dinner. “There’s something you need to know,” he said as he spoke with Daeron, who happened to answer the phone as he was passing through the kitchen on his way outside. He had decided to visit the woods for an hour before going over to Elf Academy to get some work done.

“Nothing serious, I hope,” Daeron said. “We don’t need another crisis so soon.”

“No, not serious, but… important.”

“Well, dinner’s at the usual hour. I’ll let the cooks know. See you then.”

“Try to have as many people there as can make it,” Amroth said. “I know some of the healers will be on duty, but anyone else…”

“I’ll spread the word,” Daeron promised. “Are you sure this is news we want to hear? You know how Loren’s been lately. I don’t really want anything upsetting him any more than he already is, what with Liam’s little escapade and we’re still waiting for the other shoe to drop with Alex.”

“I promise, this is something even Loren will want to know,” Amroth replied. “We’ll see you around six-thirty.” Then he hung up, leaving Daeron to wonder what surprises were in store for them now.

“I think I’m beginning to agree with Loren,” he muttered to himself as he opened the back door and headed for the woods to alert everyone there to plan to be present for dinner. “I hate surprises.”

Around six-thirty, Finrod and Valandur were descending the stairs when Amroth arrived with Nimrodel clutching a manila envelope in her hands. Vorondur and Ercassë were with them. All four Elves were grinning.

“Looks as if whatever news you have for us is good news,” Finrod said as he greeted the four.

“Depends on your definition, but yes, we think it’s good news,” Amroth said.

“So will you tell us before, during or after dinner?” Valandur asked, taking Ercassë’s coat and hanging it in the closet for her.

“Perhaps after dinner would be best,” Nimrodel suggested. “While we’re having coffee and dessert.”

“It is your news, you may decide when to reveal it,” Finrod said with a smile. “Just about everyone is here, except for Laurendil. He is on duty tonight. Also the Three Amigos will not be coming over, though we invited them. They have an exam tomorrow and they wish to study. It is their first exam and I think they are actually nervous, or Finda certainly sounded as if he were when I spoke with him earlier.”

“It’s a whole new experience for them,” Vorondur said with a smile. “What about Nell? Will she be here?”

“Yes, she has promised to be here, but later. She and her suite mates are going out to dinner together. It is something they do every Friday, it seems. She says it’s… um… girls’ night out.”

The two ellith chuckled. Ercasssë gave Finrod a hug. “That’s great! I’m glad she’s fitting in so well.”

“As am I, though sometimes, I wonder if she is becoming too… mortal.”

“Not going to happen, my friend,” Vorondur assured him. “Nell is too much her mother’s and her father’s daughter to ever do that, and now that she and Gareth are sort of bonded, her ties to our kind are even stronger, but it is good that she is learning to fit in. That can only be to the good.”

“Well, let us not stand about here in the foyer,” Valandur said. “Anyone who’s not involved with cooking is in the library. Why don’t we join them?”

They all agreed and soon they were being greeted by the others. Everyone wanted to know what their news was but Nimrodel insisted on waiting until after dinner. Amroth found Prince Legolas and congratulated him on joining the police force.

“Few are happy about it,” Legolas admitted. “I had hoped…”

“Give it time, son,” Amroth said, hugging him. “Once the shock has passed and they see you in your uniform doing your job, they’ll come around. I imagine some will even wish to join you. Not sure how Michaelson will react to that, but that’s for the future to decide. You just concentrate on yourself. Learn all that you can. Be the best police officer this town has ever seen. Someday you may well be assuming Michaelson’s position as chief of police.”

“I do not want his position,” Legolas said. “I wish to be a detective and investigate crimes.”

Amroth smiled. “Well, I’m sure you’ll make an excellent detective as well. Ah, here’s Loren.”

“Dinner is ready,” Glorfindel said, entering the room. “Amroth, you and Ron and your lovely wives may go first, and, of course, you’ll sit at the table.” He stepped aside to let the four pass him while everyone followed.

It took several minutes for everyone to fill their plates. Glorfindel and Finrod, as usual, were the last in line and only when they were seated did the others begin to eat. By mutual consent, when Nimrodel again stated that the news they had would be given once dinner was over with, the conversation centered on the elections slated for May.

“The campaigns will be going into high gear soon,” Barahir said at one point. “I’ve already seen at least one political ad touting Tom Peterson and slamming Robert as, and I quote, ‘an Elf-lover’. Made it sound almost obscene.”

“I thought there was a ban on those kinds of ads,” Cennanion said. “Really, why don’t they just concentrate on the issues? In spite of the President’s economic policies, we’re still in an economic slump. Wiseman’s unemployment is now at four-point-two percent, twice as high as it was three years ago, though it’s well below the national average, but we’re pretty remote and more or less self-sufficient. Even so…”

“Even so, things could be better,” Daeron said in agreement. “I understand that Jacob’s may be closing.”

“The clothing store?” Glorfindel asked. “That would be a shame. People would have to travel all the way to Fairbanks to buy decent clothes or shop online and you can’t always trust that their sizes will fit.”

“Well, Jacob VonHoltz is planning to retire, from what I understand, and he can’t find any buyers. You know his oldest son lives in Portland where he teaches mathematics at the university. And the other son dropped out of sight some years ago. No one knows where he is or even if he’s still alive.”

“That is a shame,” Finrod commented. “What is involved in running the clothing store?”

“Why? Do you want to expand your repertoire? Working in a bookstore isn’t exciting enough for you anymore?” Glorfindel asked, grinning to let everyone know that he was merely jesting.

“No. I am merely curious. Perhaps one of us can take over. We have the means to purchase the store, do we not?”

“Sure, I guess,” Glorfindel said with a nod. “It’s like any other business: you give the customer what he or she wants. Jacob’s is an affordable store for families and is in fact very family oriented. Parents take their kids there to buy their school clothes, for instance.”

“Everyone in Wiseman shops at Jacob’s,” Daeron added. “Even we do,” and he nodded to include the room in general. “The selections are necessarily limited. You’re not likely to find high-end name brand items but what is available is good quality and perfectly suitable for this town and its environs.”

“Then perhaps we should look into the matter,” Finrod said. “I know we have been concentrating more on the ellyn finding work, but perhaps this is something that the ellith might be interested in pursuing. It has been my experience that ellith have a better sense of what is right when it comes to fashion, though I know Uncle Ingwë thinks otherwise.” He flashed them a smile and those who were familiar with the High King chuckled.

“Linda and I have been discussing finding work where we could be together,” Erestor said, turning to his wife for confirmation. She nodded.

“Yes, we were actually thinking of starting a business of some sort but have not come up with something we can both agree on. Perhaps this is our opportunity.”

“Linda has a fine eye for fashion as well as knowing the price for wool in Vinyalondë,” Erestor said, “and I have administrative skills and can deal with the finances and such. Perhaps others would like to help out attending to customers.”

“That is an excellent idea, Eric,” Glorfindel said with a smile. “I think it’s a very doable option. Barry, you’ve owned your own business. Would you mind going with Eric and Linda and anyone else who’s interested to speak with Jacob and see what he’s asking for. If the price is right, we can have Siobhan Brennan handle the negotiations.” He looked at Finrod. “Siobhan is our lawyer. She handles all our affairs as they apply to the mortal world.”

Finrod nodded. “Then by all means, let us investigate this opportunity. In the meantime, I am concerned about what Barahir has said about Tom Peterson’s attack on Robert Locke. I trust that there will not be any, shall we say, physical reprisals?”

“No, Finrod, there won’t be,” Glorfindel assured him. “This is not Chicago in the Roaring Twenties. Any reprisals will be of a verbal nature. Smear campaigns, I’m afraid, are all too frequent in politics, which is why most people are disgusted with it and with the politicians, who spend more time dissing the other candidates than they do in addressing the issues of the day. I will be interested in hearing what Locke’s response to Peterson’s accusation will be. As far as I know, Robert Locke has remained neutral with respect to us Elves, but Peterson may force him to declare himself. We will just have to wait and see.”

“Daisy and I have been thinking of joining Locke’s campaign as volunteers,” Gilvegil said, “but if Peterson is already slinging mud at him for being an Elf-lover when none of us are even involved with the elections, we might be giving Peterson and his lot more fuel for their fire.”

“That is certainly a consideration,” Vorondur said, speaking for the first time, “but I think it important that the Mortals see that we are as interested in the outcome of this election as they, perhaps more so, since our future may well depend on who wins. If we show a ‘Mortal politics is beneath us’ attitude, that may prove detrimental and those who are wavering on the fence may decide to go over to Peterson’s camp when they assume that we don’t care, even though we do.”

“Ron’s right,” Glorfindel said. “So, by all means, go and talk with Robert, Gil, you and Daisy and anyone else, and offer your services. All he can do is say thanks but no thanks and you’re no worse off than before.”

Gilvegil nodded. “I’ll stop at his campaign office tomorrow then.”

“Good. Now, enough dilly-dallying about, my children.” Glorfindel glared at Nimrodel and Amroth. “It’s time and high time you two stopped gloating and give us your news. I am assuming it has something to do with your ultrasound, Della, since you’ve been clutching that envelope all through dinner as if it were a lifeline.”

Della shrugged as she opened the envelope and pulled out an ultrasound photo. “This is what the ultrasound revealed,” she said, and handed it to Glorfindel who stared at it, tilting it so the light shone on it at the right angle to see its contents.

“Well, there’s the ellon,” he said. “Bold as brass showing off his attributes. Obviously he’s your son, Amroth.” He grinned as everyone chuckled, while Amroth blushed. “So the other must be the elleth and…” He stared at the image, frowning, tilting it a bit more for the light to catch it. “Is that…?”

Both Nimrodel and Amroth nodded, huge grins on their faces. “Yes,” Amroth said, looking smug. “We’re having triplets.”

****

Ósanwë: (Quenya) Mind-speech, telepathy.