The Captive by Glorified

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Chapter 11: A Little Night Music.

Well here we get to the penultimate chapter save for the Epilogue. Ella finally meets Maglor again and events beyond her control play out!

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A Little Night music.

The inaugural ball was to be held in two days time we still had not hear back from Maglor, I was on pins waiting for my gowns to arrive and Elrond had gone out up to the palace again to organise our invitations and whatever needed doing for the ball. I was to go as part of his house hold and introduced as one of his valued retainers. My gowns did not arrive until late and I felt too tired and rung out thinking about what would happen at the ball to unpack and look at them.

 

The day came and I started getting ready in the afternoon and at last took up the courage to open the long boxes that had come from the dressmakers the day before. I had several gowns hanging on the wardrobe doors and splayed out across the bed before I knew it. To say that they were astonishingly beautiful would be an underestimate. They were artfully and yet modestly designed but with such an eye to detail that one could not doubt their quality. Pearl buttons dyed the exact shad of lavender blue traced down the back of one gown, swirls of cut lace traced the sleeves of another. But the piece de resistance was the blue velvet gown, it skimmed the waist laced at the back and the

de- collage was modestly cut in a v shaped neckline that swooped down at the back finished with the most beautiful silver beaded trim that was not too lavish for a retainer as I was supposed to be of Elrond’s household.

 

I stood and looked at myself, bemused at my appearance, yes I thought as I twirled to and fro, I would more than do! A servant helped me with my hair and placed a fine circlet of mithril Elrond had gifted me. He had placed it in a small velvet box and I had not thought to look at it until now. It was light as air and made to look like intricately woven feathers artfully crafted to twirl and entwine. It shone and glittered from every angle. It was a magnificent gift.

 

Elrond came to fetch met in the early evening and stood awe struck when he opened the door. I looked for any subterfuge but he was genuinely dumb stuck in a pleasant manner and kept looking at me as we made our way up to the palace as if he had to keep appraising himself it really was me.

I thought he looked more kingly and stately than I had ever seen him. His robes were of a burnished copper that was dyed to a dark burnt oak at the edges finished by burnished bronze circlet. He wore his hair long and unadorned by braids as was the fashion in formal situations. I was glad of his presence and measured assurance. Surely nothing could go wrong with him by my side.

 

As we walked towards the palace I could feel the excitement begin to cause butterflies in my stomach, just the vestibule itself was awe striking with shimmering glass domes above my head and crystal and glass mirrors everywhere. A crowd was beginning to form and I waited at Elrond’s side for us to be introduced. I was to be called the Lady Firiel. I held onto Elrond’s form arm my fingers clutching the silk cloth, he must have felt my nervousness and he reassuringly covered my hand with his gently squeezing it. The moment came, The Lord Elrond Earendilion and The Lady Firiel, our names were called out as we stepped forth into the ballroom proper and walked forward down a small flight of shallow steps as every crown covered head head turned towards us. My heart was beating furiously but Elrond took command with no hesitation and glided us both across the room to the first of many dignitaries he introduced us to. Everywhere the there was the low murmurer of polite conversation and tinkling glasses as the herald at the door continued to call out names.

 

If I was awe struck at the vestibule this room was ten times more astonishing. The ceiling seemed to be a glass dome open to the sky, with glass panes opening out like a water lily rimmed with gold. The floor shimmered with rivers of golden streaked marble that flowed and curled in rivulets. The walls were sheet glass and interspersed with mirrors from floor to ceiling. It was as if I was in a kaleidoscope so much light and reflection was being refracted around me.

“Come" Elrond said, “I think my mother and father in law have arrived".

I gulped, as Elrond turned me around as the crowds began to part and there in front of us were the Lord and Lady of the Galadrim as tall and imposing as I had imagined. They were both dressed in white, and she had a fine circlet of diamonds in her golden hair that fell in cascades of curls over her shoulders and down her back.

I was dumbstruck and didn’t hear what Elrond said or the introduction so caught was I by the Lady’s imperious stare, it was as if she could see inside me. I just bobbed a curtsey and mumbled something polite I hoped and before I knew it they were moving on.

“Well that went well”, said Elrond.

“Did it?” I questioned.

“Yes did you not see Celeborn measuring you up as if you were a tasty morsel, we had better keep you out of his way. What did you think of my step mother? She’s quite formidable isn’t she?”.

“Just a bit I laughed, “Actually I felt rather exposed as if she was looking inside me and asking me things”.

“Qswane, she uses it on everyone. What was she asking you, if you don’t telling me?

“No not at all, she asked me, can you not, or will you not love him?”,

“Strange”.

 

Before I could answer someone else was introducing us to another circle of people. As everyone talked I started inadvertently scanning the room. In my heart I knew whom I was looking for. Many in the house of Finarfin had golden hair but every dark haired ellon drew my gaze. Then I saw him, I held my breath, staring, there he was Maglor, tall and handsome, dressed in the finest bright red velvet and gold brocade of the house of Fearnor. He looked every inch the prince he was. We stared at one another across the room caught in each others gaze mesmerised as if we were the only people present. But of course we were not, a tall willowy elleth touch him on the arm and held her hand there speaking to him, She was just what I had imagined a tall, lithe, pale Noldarian beauty, with a haughty air, dressed in pale green gossamer floaty fabric, to try to modestly hide her swollen belly I thought. He turned to her momentarily and listened then looked back at me and then turned again and was gone lost in the crowd. I stood as someone struck dead until Elrond touched my shoulder. He looked over my head in the direction of my gaze.

“Maglor you saw him?” I nodded.

“Come we must introduce ourselves”,

“I can’t I said, Nooowah!, I can’t”, I whimpered.

Elrond looked at me kindly, “Alright then but will you excuse me while I go to reacquaint myself? In the meanwhile let me introduce you to some one who will keep you company while I am away”.

Elrond turned me around and drew me towards another group and caught the elbow of a tall blonde Lord.

“Ah here she is, hello”, he said amiably, “you must be Firiel, Elrond has already told me about you. You ride a Mearas don’t you?”

I nodded wondering who this very friendly ellon was?.

“Lady Firiel may I introduce you to King Finrod Felagund of the house of Finarfin”, Elrond said with a flourish.

Finrod bowed low with a graceful elegance.

“I am pleased to meet your acquaintance my lady, may I keep you company whilst the Lord Elrond is occupied?”,

I nodded smiling, I liked him already.

I found Finrod delightful company, he was was soon making me laugh, joking about his ancestors and relations, saying there were so many High Kings here they should have badges on in order of chronology and merit for good deeds done, so people wouldn’t get them mixed up.

Then I said he must have first place as his good deeds out weighed them all. He laughed uproariously at that and then, started to tell me about his latest project. Many of the returnees to Turin were Noldo and Finrod said he was soliciting help and support for them among the court and bending his father, the King’s ear about them. His project was a small alms house where they could rest and stay on their return if they had no family to receive them or wanted them.

I wondered how he could be related to the imperious Galadriel and the haughty Finarfin?

After about twenty minutes Elrond came back and thanked Finrod for his care of me and drew me surreptitiously to the side of the room.

 

“Maglor will be waiting in one of the rooms on the upper floor. Can you find your way there? The door will be ajar”,

“I think so. Where will you be?”,

“I need to wait for Celebrian”,

“Of course”, I said.

 

I slipped through the crowd and made my way up the long flight of steps to the upper floor. I was on the third floor and was making my way when Galadriel of all people was making her way towards me. She was talking to another elleth when I heard a whisper in my ear.

 

“Come with me” it said, “unless you want to face my very disgruntled wife” a voice whispered.

I acceded, knowing I had no choice.

I was drawn into atrium of a huge hallway.

“She never comes to my quarters, out of bounds, we agreed “, said Celeborn, Galadriel’s spouse. who stood tall and imposing next to me.

 

He opened the ornate door into a large room. Everywhere was gilt and turquoise and pale cream furnishing and colours. There was a balcony out to an enclosed garden. It was beautiful.

I still kept scanning around now looking up at the embellished ceiling which I realised to my embarrassment had rather naughty display of cavorting couples painted on it.

 

“My wife has told me about you that you bedded the kin slayer, or rather he bedded you. Was that my son in laws intention all along I wonder? But now I see you I must admit I do see the attraction”.

 

I looked at him astonished he should talk to me in such a manner. I felt his hand caress my neck as he drew my hair back over my shoulder and blew onto my chest. I jumped and looked at him, trying to glare.

 

“I should go” I said thank you for your help.

 

He ignored me completely and got up and handed me a crystal glass of sparkling wine, I gulped it in my nervousness, it tasted delicious. He laughed and his blue eyes crinkled mischievously,

 

“Come”, he said. He led me through to another room, “Come see the view from the other balcony”.

 

I hesitated, knowing I had drunk far to fast and furiously, my head spun, before I knew it though he was drawing me into the other room towards a large bed patting for me to sit on it. He caressed my neck and face again and blew on my chest and then was was kissing my neck and shoulder as he pulled down my gown down over my shoulder. What was happening I thought. I stopped his hand and pulled my dress up which he immediately pulled down again. Then I felt his hand lifting my skirts caressing my thighs. I saw him revealing himself stroking his member slowly, salaciously If I didn’t do some thing now to stop this I knew I wouldn’t be able to.

 

I got up and with a strength I didn’t know I had toppled Celeborn back onto the bed, the last sight I had of him was with his breeches around his knees trying to pull them up and come after me.I ran out in to the corridor leaving I laughed, half in relief half in humour at the ridiculous of what had just happened.

 

I grabbed the bannister to the upper rooms and hurriedly skipped up the stairs to the next level. I found the room with the door ajar and hesitated, I thought to knock then decided just to push the door open. Maglor was sitting on the bed with his back to me and spun around quickly as I came in. I shut the door and rested back on it. He came to me and pulled me to him kissing my mouth, my neck whispering endearments and protestations of love. I clung to him as we stumbled to the bed. Before we knew it we were frantically untying, unlacing and pulling off our clothes. His naked skin on mine felt so hot I felt seared by it and we both stilled ourselves relishing the feel of our bodies against one another again. He held my face and looked deeply into my eyes. I looked back giving him full access to my mind and heart as he did with me relishing the bond between us. His thoughts touched mine and pinned me to the bed as much as his body did. I saw the sorrow and the longing but also the passion and desire. I could see that he didn’t love his wife but was grateful to be back amongst his family. I could see that he had found position and standing again but I could see how torn he was within himself. I kissed him then and we both gave ourselves up to our bodies, giving in fully to our carnal natures with no trace of shame as we groaned and gasped, he thrusting hard into me as we raced to our completion.

 

Later we lay dazed in the euphoric bliss of the afterglow he held me to him and I lay my head on his chest legs entwined with his.

“I must go”. he said.

“Surely not so soon?”.

“I will be looked for”.

He got up and started to dress I watched him forlornly.

“When will we see one another again?”,

“I don’t know, I will send word”.

“I thought you wanted to tell me something”,

“You already know Elrond told me, the child is not mine”,

“Are you staying with her then?” I asked inflammatorily.

He said nothing just grasped the head board and looked at me imploringly.

“You must try to understand Ella”,

“I understand more than you think”, I said, “I understand what we have just done, I understand your body inside mine, Tell me what was this I asked, what were we just doing? Was it just fucking for you?” I shouted,

“Ella”, please he pleaded with me, there were tears now in his eyes. “You.. you…. don’t understand the wrong I have done”.

“Why… why do you have to go?”, I pleaded,

“I…..I cannot, … ssstay... his voice broke and tears spilled down his face, he grabbed me holding the bed sheet around me whispering to may hair, forgive me, Ella, he wept, Forgive me, I have shamed myself by lying with you and taking my pleasure when I should have been strong enough to resist and spare you this wrong and pain to your heart. You who are pure and beautiful”.

 

We were both weeping openly clutching one another in despair our foreheads pressed together, our arms and hands pressing, grasping for purchase on one another.

“Stay!” I said,

“I….. ca ca….cannot…..”, he kissed my mouth tenderly, brokenly, as sobs wrecked him and then tearing himself from me and pushing me away to arms length he broke free from my grasp turned and stumbled, righting himself on the door frame. As he turned the handle, I saw him trying to gather his composure bracing his shoulders to steady himself, the door clicked shut and I stared after him, my world dismembered and broken around me.

 

I sat there immobilised for many minutes then realised I must dress and find Elrond, I just wanted to leave. I dressed fumbling and absent-mindedly, I felt as if I was in slow motion and I couldn’t find the mithral circlet any where. I had more problems than that though, I couldn’t for the life of me lace the back of my gown unaided.

I groaned. “Fuck!”, I swore.

“That is not polite language for a noble lady”,

Elrond stood at the door smiling.

“Oh thank Eru”, I said, trying to wipe the evidence of tears away with the back of my hand.

“What happened to you?”, I said a dark stain of liquid was pooling on the silk of his outer robe,

“Celebrian!. I mean she through it over me, wine!”, He added as if to explain.

“Why” I asked?,

“Its a long story but I don’t think she was happy seeing me here tonight and she always had an irascible temper that could blow up rather quickly”.

“Oh I am sorry my friend”,

“No matter now what about you?”,

“How did it go with Maglor?”,

Elrond looked at the bed taking in the scene, the sheets unmade, stained, and crumpled, and then quickly looked back at me dropping his gaze when he saw the sorrow written large on my face.

“It was … it… … he is gone”,…. I said flatly, feeling ashen and empty.

I looked at the bed again and Elrond’s gaze followed mine, I shook my head,

“He has taken up his life, a life he had before you and me came into it. I can’t blame him, he has been wandering for so long the pull of a family life, his brothers and parents and a place of security and surety”…. My voice trailed off.

Elrond pulled me to him, “I am truly sorry Ella”, he stroked my hair and I lay on his shoulder utterly defeated.

“Come” he said diplomatically, “shall I help you with your gown?”, and promptly came over and knelt down by the chair I was sitting on.

“Ohhwah, your hands are cold”, I said as I turned around to give him access to the back of my gown.

“And I am all sticky too he said, that what comes with having a full glass of red wine thrown at you and it dripping slowly down your neck. May I clean myself up first?”,

“Yes there’s a bathroom over there”, I pointed.

When came back he had stripped off his outer garments and was bared chested and was carry his ruined cloak.

“Most of it went down my neck”, he smiled, “So I just need to dry off for a bit”.

I watched him as he came towards me his body was muscled more than Maglor’s and battled hardened with scars and there were soft dark hairs on his chest that traced down his front.

I dropped my gaze. “I didn’t know you had so many scars”, I said,

“It comes with the territory”, being a warlord he said drolly,

“What is this one?”,

I ghosted over a particular scar that traced around his hip dipping below the waistline of his breeches.

“Oh that it nearly emasculated me but not quite, I lived to marry and produce heirs”. He laughed.

“Are you ready?”, he said looking at me,

“Oh yes, sorry”, I said tearing my gaze away from him.

I turned around and heard him muttering that he would have to undo all the laces and begin again as they were all in such a tangle.

He was kneeling down behind me and had nearly finished unlacing all the ties and I was clutching the front part of my gown to my torso when the door burst open.Celebrian stood there glaring menacingly at us.We both looked back at her incredulously.

“How could you!”, she shouted vehemently, “YOU!... you come to me asking for forgiveness and all the time you are cuckolding me with a... a..STRUMPET!” she spat the last word out then taking the hold of the door handle slammed it with as much furiousness as she could mange and was gone.

Neither of us had moved a muscle.

I turned around, “Quickly, go after her”.

“No it is of no use Ella, it is already to late, I know where I stand”, said Elrond shaking his head wearily.

“I’m sorry”, I said again not really knowing what else to say.

“It is not your fault Ella”,

“but if she hadn’t caught us here……”,

“Ella sometimes we have to face the inevitable!” he said resignedly.

“I sighed nodding. I suppose From her point of we must have looked, well very……”

“Culpable?” he said dryly.

 

He said no more, what more was there to say, we had both of us come to Tirion for a resolution of our problems and now it seemed we both had it. He finished lacing my gown and I went to the bathroom to wash and try to fix what there was left of my appearance.

When I returned Elrond said, “Come let down, there is food and dancing downstairs”.

“Oh do we have to, I can’t face Maglor again, nor Celeborn”,

“We will sneak around into the garden, come food and drink will make the world a little rosier for us both”.

“What of Celeborn though, what has happened?”,

“Ugh! I groaned, I’ll tell you about on the way down”.

 

We found a quiet spot in the gardens under an arbour, that had fragrant flowers, Elrond had purloined a bottle of wine and glasses and a plateful of food from inside.

We ate in companionable silence both of us contemplating resolutions that we had not expected.

“There you are a voice said”,

It was Finrod and with him a petite elleth, Amarie his wife.

They were both the balm that was needed to restore some of our jaded and fragmented spirits.

Soon we were dancing around the small patio outside the main ballroom. I watched Elrond courteous and elegant with the petite Amaire. He was always so gracious I thought always trying to put others at their ease.

Finrod caught me looking, “He is a handsome ellon is he not?”, without waiting for my answer he continued,

“To think I met his fore mother, Luthien, he looks like her, the same eyes, soft and an ethereal presence about him, not unlike yourself”, he said smiling intriguingly at me.

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Chapter End Notes

I hoped you like all the angst and heartbreak. I am sorry for making Celeborn such an idiot but just couldn't help it, he he! I had real fun describing Tirion and its architecture!