Chapter Thirty Seven: Possible Ramifications and Bantering
Kinship of the elves, and all the bonds therein, I would learn, should never be taken too lightly. Whilst in Imladris, I noticed a distinct difference between the bonds within a family of elves and those of mortal beings. In living forever, elves seemed to know everything about their kinsmen; every single behavior and habit. These observations, of course, were being in contrast to many humans, who were only beginning to figure out one another when their lives would come to a close.
So, as I had previously noted, all the things that had happened to Celebr�an had a direct effect on her family. I must mention that this applied particularly to Elladan and Elrohir, both of whom had not been at all the same since finding their mother battered and broken in the mountains. They were bitter, to say the least, and sought vengeance, but unfortunately there was nothing anyone could do to ease their pain. Elrond had taken to his study in the hours when his wife wished to be alone, which was understandable. Their daughter, Arwen, whom I had still never met, was still in L�rien.
My initial impressions concerning all the members of this family had changed dramatically since my coming back to life. Mallor said that death allowed one to have a brand new perspective when looking at life. Mallor, more often than not, was right about such things. Celebr�an, as I had stated in the past, was essentially normal. I had to laugh at myself when I recalled that I had actually thought her odd in the past. I was beginning to convince myself that it was not the elves that were eccentric, but I. Mallor concurred with that statement.
I shall now cease my blathering and tell you what came to pass when word of Celebr�an�s decision came out. Celebr�an had summoned her family to her chambers, along with Glorfindel and Erestor. She had told them nearly everything she had told me during our discussion the previous day. Elrond had taken the news solemnly, as he was wont to do in such situations. Elladan and Elrohir were grieved terribly by the news, but they knew it was for the best.
Afterwards, in order to allow the family some time alone, Erestor and Glorfindel, themselves grieved as well, left. I was in my room, sitting on my bed looking at the book that Celeborn had given Mallor and me so that we might have found Rhosgobel, in what had seemed like an eternity ago, when Erestor paid me a visit. He entered silently, without greeting me, and took a seat in the chair by my bedside.
�She has chosen to depart for the Undying Lands,� he said softly, his voice tinged with sadness.
�I know, Erestor. I was with her when she made up her mind the other day,� I confessed. Though they were not family, I could understand Erestor�s pain. He was the chief counselor of Elrond�s house, and as such, the affairs of Imladris and of Elrond�s family became his affairs as well. He too was grieved by the situation, and I felt somewhat guilty in that for having eased Celebr�an in making her decision.
�She has chosen well; there is nothing left here for her, not as she is now,� he said, surprisingly. I had expected, somehow, that someone would be angry with me. Whether it be because I had known and not spoken of it to anyone, or that I was somehow responsible for having her leave. There was none of that now.
�I was so frightened that you would be angry with me,� I admitted.
�What ever for? Celebr�an has made her own choice, whether by your help or not,� he told me. �Besides, I believe that we all knew that someday she would choose this. She needs peace, and she shall never find that here. It is best that she has decided this way.�
�Well, that is reassuring,� I said, relieved. I turned the book I was holding over in my hand, looking at it and remembering everything that had happened to me since I had come here. �It is rather silly, now that I think of it; to fear your wrath after all the greater things that have happened to me since I came to be here.�
�Not entirely silly at all. It shows you have a good heart; you value the opinions of some, perhaps. After all,� he said with a bit of a grin, �it is quite a natural thing for you to tremble at the thought of my wrath.�
�Oh, so wise Erestor does have a sense of self, I see. I shall remember that,� I smirked impishly. �But I do not think it to be so much of one that you would allow anyone to use it against you. This shall put a damper on my scheming.�
�I have never met any conspirator whose skill surpasses that of Elladan and Elrohir. I would discourage any improvements on your part,� he said.
�Well, a little scheming now and again may liven up this place,� I said. �I try to remember the seriousness of the situation we find ourselves in, but I cannot help from being terribly bored.�
�Perhaps I may hope to brighten your afternoon, then. Would you walk with me for a bit?� he asked, smiling. I nodded; a walk seemed like a good way to lessen the monotony of life at the moment. I set my book aside on the table by the bed and stood. Erestor stood and moved towards the door, silently.
A walk was not much, but I was hoping it would put me in a better mood.
The sullenness of Imladris had been wearing off on me as of late.
