First to Remember (Wattys2015)

Chapter 5

I currently stand, partaking in a staring match with my bedroom door.

Needless to say, it is very intense.

I do not recall how long I have been standing here, mulling over Glorfindel's words of the day before, but I can safely guess that it has been at least a quarter of an hour. I will not lie, the idea of the library is very tempting. Not to mention, the books may spark memories in my mind. The downside is, I may meet somebody... and that would only result in an interrogation I would prefer to avoid.

So I guess the main question is... Is it worth it?

I sigh and rub my forehead.

Might as well.

With a deep breath, I push open the door. Standing in the middle of the corridor, I attempt to logically work out which direction the library would be located, but that is next to impossible. I have only been to the gardens, and to the dining hall. Though, I believe I vaguely remember the way to the healing chambers.

"Can I be of assistance, my lady?"

A strange noise, that sounds a cross between a shriek and gasp escapes me as I press myself to my door. I find myself faced with an elf I have not seen before. He is tall, as most elves are, and his dark brown hair frames his pale face, falling just past his shoulders, and has a rather timid expression about him. His arms are weighed down by a large stack of scrolls. As of right now, he seems rather shocked and slightly embarrassed, most likely due to my little scene.

"My lady! Please except my sincerest apologies, I truly did not mean to startle you!" he babbled as he performed a rather awkward attempt at a bow. I suppose it would be rather complicated with your arms full of scrolls...

Feeling inexplicably sorry for the poor elf. I attempt a smile, that probably looks really pathetic, and say, "That's... quite alright."

He only looks minutely relieved, possibly because I have an off-putting look on my face... but how would I know? Nevertheless, I attempt to arrange my features into a somewhat agreeable expression.

He bows awkwardly again. "My name is Lindir, my lady. I once again, humbly, offer you my services."

Oh dear, he's rather adorable....

Now, commence a few moments of awkward silence.

"Um, actually, I was wondering where the library was?"

Lindir brightens up at that, and says cheerfully, "Oh! I was just going there!" He lifts the scrolls up slightly, showing that they were the reason. "If you will follow me, my lady." Luckily he doesn't attempt to bow this time, because if he did, I think his scrolls would have gone tumbling across the floor.

We start off, going to my left. After several turns, that I am careful to remember- right, left, left, up, right, left- we reach a large entryway, that has no doors, though the entryway is surrounded by ornate carvings. Obviously these elves are not concerned by security, or things like that. Why should they be? The elves here are kind, and honest, not threats to each other. Though I have not been out, or even here long, I can tell that sadness is scarce in this place. This is avery peaceful city, and isn't called the 'Hidden Valley' for nothing.

Lindir sets the scrolls down on a desk and turns to me, bowing properly. "May I ask your name, my lady?" he asks quietly.

"There is no need to bow, Lindir. My name is Laaesse," I say, mustering a weak smile.

"It has been a pleasure to meet you," Lindir stops himself from bowing just in time, and settles with merely dipping his head. He seems like a bit of a pushover...

I nod my head back, and turn to the nearest bookcase as he exits.

There are so many. The large room is lined with floor to ceiling bookcases, each one nearly stuffed to the limit, and there are all manners of chairs, couches, and lounges scattered across the dark wood floor. Where do I start? I am not surprised when I find that the books are arranged alphabetically, so I just pluck the closest one off of the shelf. Glancing around, I see that the library is very empty; shrugging to myself, I plot into a seat, that is tucked into the deepest, darkest corner I can find, and immerse myself into the book.

oOo

Well, now I know that bow-making isn't very exciting.

Sighing, I stuff the book back onto the shelf and begin my search again. Finally, I see something that catches my attention. The First Age.

Well. That is rather straightforward... I open it up, and rifle through a few pages. Lo and behold, a very, very, familiar name catches my eye.

"There stood the house of the Golden Flower who bare a rayed sun upon their shield, and their chief Glorfindel bare a mantle so broidered in threads of gold that it was diapered with celandine as a field in spring; and his arms were damascened with cunning gold."

Whoa, back up.

I stare at the book in shock.

I immediately backpedal. I read through the chapter from the beginning, the details of the fall of Gondolin. I feel the deaths of so many of my kin begin to weigh heavily on me, a sadness adding to the one already in place. And now there is a balrog... a balrog. And Glorfindel is fighting it. That Glorfindel, out there somewhere. And, now I think my mouth is hanging open.

"Many are the songs that have been sung of the duel of Glorfindel with the Balrog upon a pinnacle of rock in that high place; and both fell to ruin in the abyss."

They both fell to ruin.

They both fell to ruin.

Then... then that Glorfindel, and this Glorfindel, could not be the same. Could they? No no... He died.

But... How to be sure?

I stand up, the book clutched in my hand. I hadn't been planning on it... but... considering the circumstances...

It seems I shall seek him out after all.