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Tempting our Fate

Prologue

c.1065 TA- Greenwood

As the sun rose outside the realm of Greenwood, Lalaith and Glorfindel together watched the sun break into the room through the balcony. She was lying on his chest while he stroked her hair absentmindedly. They had been married for only two weeks now, and both still revelled in being so close. Elrond had left only a week ago, and with him his family. As had been decided before the wedding took place, Glorfindel and Lalaith would remain here possibly for a year until he would resume duty in Imladris. Elrond had told him to consider it the last of his time off for awhile, and Glorfindel believed him.

For now, however, that was a long way off, and Lalaith's duties here had already been mostly taken over by others in her previous two absences which only served to give them more time to themselves. Thus they could watch the sun take its course in the morning.

He could feel her thoughts in her mind as they formed, due to their marriage bond, and they amused him as she considered the way the sun fell over her room. Do you often think like this?

Like what? Lalaith asked, sounding genuinely confused.

Contemplating the way the light falls on the room.

What else is there to think about? She asked and he laughed.

I think many Elven philosophers would disagree.

They have too much time on their hands.

And you do not?

She was quiet for a minute, pondering her dilemma. He got lost somewhere in the midst of her considering the problem until she finally stated what she had come up with. Perhaps it is not the time. They think too hard.

I think you do as well. He said and this time she turned her thoughts to his and found his confusion. Amusement filtered down and she smiled.

Not in the way they do. They would consider what the path of the sun is, and what we should think about it. And just about everything else, and the problems it presents for us and all that. I, however, consider that it makes things more beautiful. Glorfindel considered what she said, and his memory took him back to Aman, where his people had considered things like that for a long time.

We were much more like you in our youth. He said quietly.

The Vanya?

More so than the others. We loved beauty, light. Supposedly it is what drew Ingwë to stay beneath the mountain of Manwë, and for most of our people to never leave. Although the Noldo were similar, but in a different way. They liked the beauty they could create with things.

That is not bad.

No, tis harmless until greed changes it.

Now you sound like a philosopher.

I am quite old.

I know. She had been musing on his age ever since she had accidentally discovered it a few days ago. Having a more exact age in mind, she was reconsidering their conversation about how it was almost impossible for two such different and spread apart people to come together. She had known that his age had been close to what it was, but it was more real with a precise date in mind. That doesn't mean you have to sound so dreary.

Perhaps.

Don't say it. She said, apparently not wanting to hear what she saw was coming next. You need to turn your thoughts around. Think about pretty things, not such dark ones.

Like you?

Well if you insist, but the sun would do just as well. She said and shifted so that she now laid her head on his shoulder. His arm then dropped from her hair to her arm, massaging it gently.

Either will do?

For now. Later we can go contemplate the trees if you would like.

I think they would steal your attention from me.

Nay, winter is close. They are all falling asleep. During the winter they but whisper, and most of the time it is hard even for the most talented to discern what they say, for they are speaking in sleep, not in wakefulness. Tis why our patrols must be increased in the winter.

Her easy understanding of this still baffled him at times. He was slowly beginning to understand since they had married and he could feel the way she communicated with them easier, but still it left him marvelling at her when she spoke of them like this. Does the snow waken them any?

No, only puts them deeper to sleep. It is like a nice warm blanket to us, though I still wonder why they think so when its so cold.

I never thought trees would enjoy the winter unless they were evergreen.

There are some here, but even they sleep in the winter. They look forward to winter, because it allows them to rest and gives them hope to be born again in the spring.

That sounds philosophical.

It's tree logic. If that's philosophy anyone here could tell you the same.

Glorfindel considered it, and found that therein lie the biggest reason most of his kin and hers did not get along as well as hoped. Two completely different views of the world, one based in how they influenced the land, even if it was in benefit to the land, and one based on letting the land influence them, for better or worse. I am sure they could. Even so I am not sure how in favor I am of contemplating the trees when we have our nice warm blanket.

There is a strong part of me that concurs, but another that resides in my stomach that wants food.

It had been awhile since either of them had eaten, at least any substantial food. Lalaith had been leading him around the forest the past few days, and had picked off ripe berries for their meals. I am hungry, he admitted.

The great Balroq Slayer cannot survive off berries?

He can. He just doesn't want too when there's breakfast waiting down the hall.

Lalaith laughed. I see. Well then we can put off contemplating the trees. Breakfast it is.

Far from the walls of the palace, a shadow had descended. It had send the Spiders that had so terrified the elves of Greenwood. It was intent on sending more. They would all be punished for what they had done to it. The shadow stirred.

Something needed to change.

The elves were far too at ease. He had felt their fear when he sent Spiders to haunt them. Now they were learning how to deal with Spiders. They did not fear them like they once did. And the trees, those pesky trees, were far too connected with their masters to fall to him. At least they were now. The shadow could change that. He could corrupt anything. He had even corrupted the woodland king in the past age, he could then corrupt the trees. After all, the king's power was barely felt this south.

So the shadow began to seep itself into the woods around the fortress. He did it slowly. Do anything quickly and they would notice. Do it slowly and it will be too late for them to do anything by the time they notice. Besides, Greenwood was small. This was just a temporary place to rest, to gain strength. He had other plans.

Men were strong, after all, but some of them were very weak.

A/N: Thanks for joining me! This is the 2nd installment of my Golden Flowers Universe series. This one picks up right on the heels of the first one (Learning to Laugh). If you're new to my work, I would suggest reading that one first. If you're joining me for a second time (or more) glad to have you back! :D