iv.

"Do you know of a Glorfindel?" she asked Lord Faramir as they stood again at the ramparts, gazing off at the clouds hanging low over the mountains.

"Glorfindel?" He turned to her, raven hair whipping across his pensive face in the wind, silent for a moment in thought. "There was a Glorfindel in ancient Gondolin who perished in the Fall, saving Princess Idril and her son from a Balrog. Eärnur, the last king of Gondor, fought alongside a Captain Glorfindel of Lindon against the forces of Angmar in the North. I know only of Elves of that name. The scribes in the library have histories that would surely speak more of whichever Glorfindel you wish to know of, though the libraries of Rivendell would know better still."

Her brow furrowed at the mention of the city. "What of a Glorfindel of Rivendell?"

"I know not. The King or Queen would better be able to assist you, if it is Rivendell you speak of."

She curtsied, skirts swishing softly against the mossy stone courtyard, and he bowed. "Many thanks, my lord."

"It is no trouble, lady." Her eyes caught his as she rounded the corner, meeting his thoughtful gaze for a moment before her steps carried her from his sight.

"Do you know of a Glorfindel of Rivendell?" she asked the Queen as a few ladies of court walked slowly through the gardens on the upper levels, accompanying her on her supervision of the renovations.

Arwen's clear grey eyes flicked to hers. "Yes, of course. He is one of the Captains of Imladris, perhaps my father's most trusted advisor save Gandalf." She bent down, inspecting a delicate white flower and tucking her loose hair behind a delicately pointed ear. "He is in the city, likely with my lord husband. Do you wish to meet him?"

"His name was spoken," she said carefully, "but I did not recognize it."

With a soft word to the gardener the Queen rose, brushing the dirt from her narrow fingers. "Aragorn has spoken to me of what transpired during the war. I wish no ill will between us." The Queen smiled, eyes twinkling merrily. "Whispers of the Steward and the White Lady have reached even my ears." After a moment she moved to the ramparts, face clouding as her voice lowered. "We are both strangers in this city. This is no more my home than it is yours. I hope there may be kinship between us, Lady Éowyn."

She nodded, the smile feeling odd on her face, as if it had been too long since her lips had had curved upward and her cheeks could not recall the movement. "As do I."