Reconciliation

Chapter Four

Glorfindel lay sprawled on his bed with his ocean-blue eyes squeezed shut. The sunlight warmed his back, but he felt cold, so cold. His fingers were wrapped in the sheets, his sunlit hair strewn across his back. Gondolin seemed to keep popping up everywhere recently. Each time it felt like someone was stabbing him in the heart. Everyone always tried to help, tried to understand. But in truth, no one ever could.

“Why does it hurt so much?” he asked suddenly. “Why can’t I forget?”

He knew why. No one can relinquish their hold on the past. Even a Balrog-slayer.

Celebrian ran down the hallways, her white-satin skirt gathered in her hands, her feet flying as if winged. She had to find Glorfindel, had to make it up to him. Guilt stayed with her, and she hated feeling guilty. She always had. Her eyes scanned each room as she passed it. She looked ahead and realized that the corridor was changing direction, so she turned and headed around the corner.

And ran right into Elrond.

They tumbled to the ground together. Celebrian collected herself quickly and sprang to her feet without a word, but before she could take another step, Elrond sat up and seized her wrist. “Celebrian, what’s going on?”

“I can’t talk now, Elrond. Have you seen Lord Glorfindel?” she asked, trying to pull from his grasp. He wouldn’t let her, however, and he stood up and grabbed her shoulders.

“Celebrian, tell me what’s wrong,” he said quietly.

Celebrian could see the concern in his eyes. She sighed and leaned her head on his shoulder. She couldn’t bear to have him worried about her. “I asked him about Gondolin. He told me about it, and then he left. I have to apologize.”

Elrond pulled her against him and buried his face in her soft hair. “That’s a touchy subject with Glorfindel. He usually goes off to think, and then he’s his cheery self again. You have much to get used to, love.”

Celebrian pulled away. “I’m sorry, Elrond. I’m just not the kind of person who can let things lie. I have to talk to him. It will ease my conscience.”

Elrond tipped his head to the side. “All right, then. He’s probably in his room. He likes to be alone when this happens.”

Celebrian kissed his cheek and headed off down the hallway. Elrond watched her go, smiling. She was so good.

Celebrian stood outside Glorfindel’s room. She heard nothing from inside. With a deep sigh, she knocked on the door.

There was nothing for a moment. Then –

“Come in. It’s open.”

Celebrian exhaled. At least she knew where he was. She turned the silver doorknob and took a few cautious steps in.

Glorfindel stood by his window, one arm lifted and resting on the wall beside it, his fist against his forehead. She couldn’t see his face because his back was turned. She gathered herself and walked up beside him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of yielding. He was staring down at the river, but she knew he didn’t see any of it. She could tell from the clouded expression on his face. Gently, she reached out and touched his arm. “Glorfindel?”

He looked at her. “Lady Celebrian. Do you need something?”

“I need to tell you that I’m sorry,” Celebrian said, looking down at her feet.

Glorfindel stood up straight and turned to her. “For what, Lady?”

“For bringing up Gondolin.”

Glorfindel stared at her, stricken. Then, he gave a quiet laugh. “My Lady, you’ve done no wrong.”

Celebrian looked up at him in surprise. “What does that mean? I sent you grieving!”

“Didn’t Elrond tell you?” he asked, taking her hand. “I always do this. When I talk about it, I usually need to be by myself for a bit. To…gather my feelings. I’m a bit melodramatic, I’m afraid.”

“I was so afraid that I hurt you,” Celebrian said. She was silent a moment. Then, she said, “You are a very peculiar Elf, Glorfindel.”

Glorfindel kissed her hand and bowed. “You are most definitely correct, Lady. But you know what?”

“What?” Celebrian asked, smiling. His optimism was very contagious.

He grinned and pushed back a wayward strand of hair. “I like it.”