The following day, Alexa decided to take a walk around Rivendell. Walking always seemed to help her think more clearly. Nature soothed her spirit, and helped her see what was truly important. She walked aimlessly, just enjoying the sights, but stopped as she saw Glorfindel just ahead. She had not been expecting to come across him.
“Oh, hello,” she said in surprise.
“Hello,” he replied and smiled at her.
She returned his smile. “I was not expecting to see you. How are you?”
“I am well. And you?”
“I am well also.”
They were both silent for a moment, unsure of what to say next. Glorfindel looked at her. The awkwardness between them had eased somewhat, but he still felt a wall between them. He was about to say something to ease the tension, but she spoke first.
“Glorfindel, what was my mother like?”
Glorfindel looked at her in surprise. He smiled sadly as memories of Elerrina began to wash over him. Oh, how he missed her. He had not spoken of his beloved in so long, for it had always been too painful. But now that he had Elyndiriel back, the pain had somehow begun to ease. It was easier to speak of Elerrina when he was with her.
“She was beautiful, kind, and full of life. She was wild and spirited, and probably one of the most stubborn people I have ever known.” He smiled slightly. “You remind me of her.”
Alexa studied Glorfindel and frowned slightly. He seemed so sad and in such pain. She could see that he still loved her mother deeply. She bit her lip in hesitation, unsure if she should press him further. ~I do not wish to cause him more pain, but I want to know about my mother. I need to know about her.~ She sighed.
“What did she look like?” she asked softly.
He smiled at her. “Come with me. I want to show you something.”
She followed him as he led her into his house. He led her into an elegant chamber and pointed to a portrait on the wall.
“That is you and your mother. You were three months old at the time.”
Alexa studied the beautiful Elven woman in the portrait. She had long, flowing golden hair and bright emerald-colored eyes that shone with fire. A sweet, yet mischievous smile graced her lips. What struck Alexa the most was the love the woman had for the blue-eyed baby in her arms. She glowed with it.
“She is beautiful,” she said softly.
“Yes, she was. You bear a remarkable resemblance to her.”
Alexa looked at the portrait sadly. “Yes, except her eyes do not contain the hardness that mine possess.” She sighed heavily. “Perhaps I would have been like her if things had not turned out the way that they did. If only that dark day had never happened. If only my soul was not… ruined.”
He turned her face to him. “You soul is not ruined!” he said roughly. His voice softened as he continued, “Your soul is beautiful… and in pain. But now it can begin to heal, Elyndiriel.” He smiled. “I believe it already has, for I do not see the hardness in your eyes anymore.”
She lowered her head. He tipped her chin up and looked into her eyes.
“I see a change in you, my daughter. The hardness has left you. You seem more alive and at peace.” He smiled gently. “You are beginning to heal, little one.”
She smiled slightly. “I hope so.”
“Do not worry. Your fire and stubbornness still remain,” he teased.
She laughed. “I cannot seem to get rid of them.”
He laughed. “Do not. It is who you are. You are my beautiful, stubborn, spirited little girl and nothing will ever change that.”
She smiled. “I was going for a walk. Would you like to join me?”
He smiled at her in return. “Yes, I would like that very much.”
* * *
Elrond watched Glorfindel and Alexa, from the balcony above. They seemed to be more at ease with each other. He had not seen Glorfindel this happy since before Elerrina had died and Elyndiriel had disappeared. He smiled as he saw them laugh.
“Good. Very good indeed.”
* * *
Alexa remained in Rivendell for several months, and spent time with Glorfindel daily. It still surprised her how at ease she had become with him. Having a father had somehow filled a missing part of her heart, a part that she had not even realized that she was lacking. She had grown to love Rivendell, but she was missing someone terribly and wanted to see him. The day she chose to leave was a difficult one….
* * *
“At least let me send someone with you!” Glorfindel said in exasperation.
Alexa suppressed a smile. She was still not accustomed to having someone worry about her.
“No, I will be fine. I have made the journey before.” She paused. “And do not send word ahead either,” she said, having anticipated his next thought. “I want it to be a surprise.”
She looked at Glorfindel. He looked like he was about to go mad; he was so frustrated with her. She bit her lip to keep from laughing. But when he started muttering about stubborn daughters, she could no longer contain her laughter. He glared at her.
“Is something amusing?” he asked dryly.
“Stop worrying, Father! I will be fine,” she said, grinning.
Glorfindel stared at her, a huge smile on his face.
“What is it?” she asked. “What did I say?”
“That is the first time you have ever called me ‘Father’.”
She looked at him in surprise. “I do believe it was.”
“It was wonderful to hear.” He paused for a moment. “I do not want you to leave. I have only just found you.”
She looked at him. “I promise you. I will return, but I have something I must do now.”
He nodded, his heart heavy. “Very well. I will miss you,” he said softly and touched her arm.
“I will miss you too,” she replied and embraced him.
Glorfindel held her, not wanting to let her go, but he knew he must. He released her and helped her mount her horse. He took her hand and looked into her eyes.
“Return soon, my daughter.”
She smiled at him. “I will, Father. Goodbye.”
“Goodbye, Elyndiriel.”
He watched her as she rode out of the city. He sighed. ~Goodbye, Elyndiriel. I love you, my daughter, and will count the moments until your return.~ Turning, he walked away and headed for his home. He hoped her journey would be safe.
