By the end of a week, both Del and Ela were chaffing at staying in. Glordinel finally let Del go home to his parents and Ela was back in her own room. There was a small improvement in her condition. She could distinguish between light and dark. She was bored and had taken to attending the Lady’s visits with Gariel again. Rúmil had gone back north after three days. Haldir was in the east with Celedien and Orophin, investigating the battlefield. Elldar was with them. Meliel was at Del’s most of the time. There was just nothing for her to do.

“Well, cat, is this your life? Just laying around and waiting for me to come and pay attention to you? Why do you stay?” She scratched the cat behind the ears. Her fingers found the spot under the cat’s throat that was rumbling. It always calmed her to feel the cat purr.

She jumped up when she heard Gariel return.

“I am so glad you are home!” she exclaimed. “I am bored.

“I am going to the gardens later. Do you want to go?” Gariel started laying the table for lunch.

“I suppose, if there is nothing else to do. When will Elldar return?”

“Probably tonight. There,” she said, finishing with the table. “Now, I am going to the garden to get vegetables for supper. Would you like to help?”

“Did Meliel bring my dress? I would go get it, but…” she smiled, shrugging.

“Yes. You can see it later. Come on, you can help me in the garden.”

Ela followed her out to the back. Gariel knelt down to pick beans from the stalks. She had planted the vegetables around the trees in the backyard. She filled a basket and glanced over to see how Ela was doing. Ela had gone to another tree and started picking. Her basket was almost as full as Gariel’s.

“How can you tell they are ready?” Gariel asked.

“They feel right. If you touch them, they will tell you. Can you not do it?”

“No.” She observed Ela picking for several moments, noticing that she did not pick any under-ripe pods.
Satisfied, she went back to her own plants. It took them little more than an hour to finish. Ela had started weeding around the plants and Gariel noticed that she could tell the difference in the plants. Did the Lady would know of this?

****

“What do you see?”

“I see your hand blocking the light, Lord Glordinel. Nevertheless, I can see it. The light still hurts, but not as much.”

“I want you to avoid any direct sunlight for another week. Then we will check your eyes again. And no reading.”

“But who will label your bottles for you?” she teased.

“You are not the only one that can write. I have been known to do so when I could not find a hapless apprentice to do the drudgework. That will not stop you from washing bottles, though. I will see you tomorrow morning. Before light.”

“Is that possible? That you would be up that early that you would know whether I showed up or not?”

“Have you had any dizziness or nausea this week?”

“Some, earlier, but none today or yesterday. I think the injury was not as severe as the last time.”

“According to Haldir, there were other circumstances contributing to severity of your reaction before. You did not have those circumstances this time. You are recovering quicker than I would have thought you would, however I am not one to complain for minor blessings. I will see you tomorrow.”

“Early. Who would have thought this would be all it took to get you out before noon? I should have thought of it years ago.”

He shook his head and went out on the porch to speak with Gariel.

“You have not given me an easy job. She is pulling at the bit to do anything. I have been hard pressed to keep her in the house.” Gariel glanced towards the door.

“It is just for a little while longer.”

“I forgot to ask,” came from the house, “how is Del?”

“He is moving around.”

“Good. I have wondered.”

“Go rest, Ela.” called Gariel.

“May I go to the gardens this evening?”

“As long as it is close to sundown. Now rest.”

“I am going,” came a pouting voice.

“I am glad her injury was not more serious, or worse yet, permanent.”

“She does not deal well with immobility, does she?” chuckled Glordinel.

“Only when reading. As you have forbidden that, she has nothing else to occupy her.”

“That is about to change. I heard that a runner came in from the west. Elrond’s sons arrived this morning.
They think to surprise her.”

“I believe they are the ones who will be surprised. Do you know that she was picking beans and weeding
yesterday? With the blindfold on. And did not miss a bean or weed.”

“Rúmil said that she examined Del last week and never laid eyes on him. The Lady said that there are things hidden in her head that even Ela does not know about.”

“I am not sure I want to know what they are.”

Glordinel laughed. “I know what you mean. Just try to keep her indoors.”

“Easier said than done.” She walked him to the end of the path. “I will bring her down in the morning.”

“Until then,” he said, turning towards his home.

“Are you resting?” asked Gariel, entering the house.

“Yes, Nana. It is all I can do.”

“Good. You do not want a headache to stop you from going out this evening.”

“It will not.”

****

“Are you sure you do not mind going out so late?” Ela asked Orophin. She trailed him and Gariel.

“Yes, I am sure. I have seen little enough of the gardens lately.”

“I can find my way there on my own. You really do not have to take me.”

“I do not mind, Ela.”

There were not many in the formal gardens. It was late, but with the full moon expected, there was more than enough light. Even Ela had no trouble seeing her way. She trailed the older couple, stopping occasionally to touch a flower. They had decided to pack a small basket and eat in the gardens. Gariel and Ela had just laid out the food when a voice broke into their quiet.

Suddenly, Ela stood and looked back the way they had come. A smile broke out on her face. She walked back down the path. Orophin stood to follow her, when Gariel laid a hand on his arm.

“It is all right. She is fine.”

They listened to the laughter gradually getting louder. From around a bend in the path, Ela walked, flanked
by ArwenÂ’s brothers.

Orophin, still standing, nodded to them and smiled.

“You made good time,” he said.

“I do not think so,” commented Ela. “You have been here since before midday. Did you see Arwen?”

“We just left there. She looks good.”

“She always does. It comes of being so beautiful, but not knowing it.”

“Have you eaten?” asked Gariel.

“Grandmother would not let us leave without eating something. However, if you have wine, we would not turn that down. Ela, I have a letter for you from Rosa.” Elladan reached into his tunic, while Gariel poured wine for everyone. Fishing the letter out, he handed it to Ela.

“Thank you, but you will have to read it to me. I am forbidden to read for another week.”

“And we thought Lord Erestor was tough.”

“Lord Glordinel could use some lessons from Lord Erestor on teaching methods. However, I did nothing
wrong, unless you talk to the March Warden. But, you are not interested in my doings. Tell me about Rosa and the
Shire.”

“Well, I will not read your letter, it is to you, but I will tell you what I know. Rosa is wedding. She found
a nice young man from over by Brandybuck. Gradin and Letty are very happy. They like the boy. And RosaÂ’s
sister Ella is excited about the wedding. However, her brother could care less.”

“I am so happy for her. And that Gradin and Letty are happy. I bet it will be an affair to remember.”

“Well, you will get the chance to see. Rosa asked us to see if you would like to attend.”

“I would love to, but I do not want to leave Lórien. The last experience was less than appealing.”

“You have a year to decide. The wedding is set for next summer,” added Elrohir. “Meanwhile, what are
these rumours we hear concerning you?”

“I do not know. Del refuses to tell me. As do Meliel and Elldar. I really must find more trustworthy
friends. I intended to find out, but then it just did not seem important anymore.”

“What are you talking about?”

“The rumours. It started a fight between Meliel and Del, then Elldar and Del. Poor Del, he cannot win.
Then after they brought him back to the city, I started in on him, but it was not the same. I dropped it. I will find out on my own. I did find out that he is serious about Meliel, and she is very serious about him. Elldar is hiding out on the eastern fences. Everyone has deserted me and so I cannot find out anything about anybody.”

Elrohir took a moment to digest what she had said.

“Ela, I think he means what happened last week,” said Gariel.

“I know what he meant. I do not want to discuss it. There are enough people willing to talk about it.” She turned back to the twins. “So, how is the west?”

“It is quiet. How is the east?”

“Not discussable. Where are you staying?”

“With Arwen for now.”

“Come on, Ela,” said Gariel, catching her trying to hide a yawn. “It is late, and you need to get to bed.
Lord Glordinel said before dawn.”

“Very well. I will see you both tomorrow. It is good to see you,” she said.

“And you, also. Good night.”

Gariel led Ela back down the path. She knew that the twins were anxious to question Orophin. Now was as good a time as any.

****

“Here you are.” Ela looked up at Elladan as he came through the door.

“Were you looking for me?” She finished washing up the small bottles and jars that would hold Glordinel’s medicines.

“You were a little less than forthcoming last evening.” He stood propped against the jamb.

She turned back to her bottles.

“I said I did not want to discuss it. It is done and I would rather forget it. It was not one of my finer moments.”

“Are you ashamed?” He prodder her, hoping to get a rise.

“No,” she said, refusing the bait. “Just reluctant to talk about it. Can we drop it?”

“I can. Elrohir will not. Neither will Ada.”

“Then you may inform them that any mention of the subject, and I will make myself scarce.”

“Of what are you afraid?” he asked softly.

She sighed. “I am afraid of nothing. Except being badgered to death. Just drop it.” Her slightly irritated tone warned him to do just that.

“Very well. But it would have been worth the trade for the information I have.”

She looked at him suspiciously.

“What information?”

“I know what Del knows.” He was satisfied with the look of interest that sparked in her eyes.

“Tell me.”

“You talk to me, I talk to you.”

She sighed again. “What do you want to know?”

“Why?”

“My inborn need to defy authority.”

“You have never defied authority.”

“Well, that is the answer with which I am staying. Anything else you will have to find out another way.”

“Not good enough. My secret stays with me.”

She shrugged. “Keep it. I care not about it anymore. It was stupid to argue from the start. Tell me or not.”

“You are a most exasperating creature.”

“You are not the first to make that claim. Excuse me.” She went into the study. “Lord Glordinel, I have a headache. I am going home. Will you need me tomorrow?”

“Only if you feel up to it. I will walk you home.”

“That will not be necessary. It is not far. And I will close my eyes.”

“Very well. Have a pleasant evening.” He glanced through the door to Elladan.

“I hope so. You, also.” She turned and gathered her few things.

“I will walk with you,” said Elladan, still waiting in the outer room.

“I am sure you have other things to do. I will see you later. Will you come for dinner?”

“If you want.”

“Until later, then.” She walked past him. He saw her grab the doorjamb as she went through the door. She straightened up and stepped carefully off the porch. He gave her several moments, then followed. She walked unerringly down the road and up the side street that led to Orophin’s home. He waited until she was in the house, then went to talk to his brother.

****

“I tell you, she is not right.”

Elrohir shushed his brother as they approached the house.

“Well, you cannot discuss it here, in front of her. Wait until later.”

Elladan frowned, but did as his brother bid. He managed to put on a smile as they entered the garden to the rear. It was already crowded and noisy. Meliel had finally gotten Del down from his parentsÂ’ talan. Elldar was wrestling with his eldest uncle in a far corner. Lindelen was helping Gariel with the table. Only Ela seemed missing.

They made their way over to Orophin, watching his son and brother.

“Where is Ela?”

“She came home with a headache. Gariel made her lie down. She is not happy.”

“Does she seem right to you?”

“Elladan,” his brother warned.

“Well, I am concerned.”

“No, she does not,” said Haldir. “It will be taken care of tomorrow.”

“What is wrong?”

“You will have to ask Ela or the Lady. It is between them.”

Elrohir pulled his brother a distance away and started whispering in his ear. A look of understanding lit ElladanÂ’s face.

“Did you get it settled?” asked the March Warden, just a hint of condescension tinting his voice.

“Well enough.” Elladan was not willing to let it go entirely, just yet.

“It happened before. She will get over it.”

“My window is open. If you insist on talking about me, move to another corner of the garden.” They turned to see her standing with her hands on her hips.

“You are looking good tonight,” said Elrohir, trying to defuse the situation.

“I do not.”

“Did you get a chance to try your new sword?”

“Master Unimandil has shown a curious reluctance to allow me on the fields. It seems the guards and hunters would rather not have someone using a sword or aiming a bow without the ability to see where she is aiming. Of course, I have seen some of them shoot and that does not stop them.” She smiled to take the bitterness from her words.

“Dinner is ready,” announced Lindelen. The subject of the conversation was lost as everyone gathered around the food table. Orophin had set up three more tables for seating. Elldar got his food and quickly took the table farthest from the others. Meliel followed Del, carrying his plate. Gariel took Ela’s plate from her and asked her to get a drink. Rescued from trying to navigate her slightly dizzy body and balance a plate at the same time, Ela hoped no one else noticed.

Dinner progressed at an enthusiastic, noisy pace. By the time she had finished eating, Ela was tired and her head was pounding. Picking up her plate and utensils, she went to Gariel and whispered in her ear. Gariel rose and followed her into the house. Elrohir noticed that two sets of eyes seemed overly interested in their leaving. He understood ElladanÂ’s interest; it was the March WardenÂ’s that concerned him.

“Elldar, tell us of this big battle.” Elrohir thought to take the interest from the house.

Between Elldar and Del, they got a very animated version of the events that had taken place over a week ago. Elldar told of mostly dodging arrows, until he got his one good shot. Del laughed about the view of the battle from the perspective of lying flat on the ground. Meliel chimed in when they forgot what she considered an important detail.

“What of Ela?” asked Elladan.

The three of them became silent.

“She was there,” said Del, quietly. He said nothing else.

“Meliel?”

“She told me to get Orophin.”

“Elldar?” he asked, exasperated.

“I did not see her.”

“I have to go home,” said Del. “Meliel, are you ready?” She nodded.

“I will walk you home,” offered Elldar. They silently took their dishes into the house and left.

“What was that about?” asked Elrohir.

“Ela does not want to talk about it, so they will not talk at all. It is curious.” Orophin looked at Haldir, who looked the other way.

“Well, I hope this is all straightened out before Ada arrives. He will not let things lie.”

Elladan looked pointedly at Haldir.

“I have an early appointment. I will see you later.” The March Warden rose to his feet. Nodding to his brother and his guests, he went around the side of the house.

“Well, he is no more forthcoming than they are.”

“I have never seen the four of them agree on anything. And, everyone knows that Del cannot keep silent. That led to an argument on their way to the east. One Ela is reluctant to pursue any longer.”

“I tried to bribe her earlier today, and she said she was not interested in my offering.”

“Hopefully Lady Galadriel will shed some light on the matter.”

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