Wanderer

2 - Home Again

**External link for Elwing picture**

Elwing

I know he’s there even before I fully awaken.

 Thank the Valar, thank you Eru, thank you! Last night was one of those nights when I truly believed I would never see him again. How am I to know when he decides to tarry on his way home?

I put it all behind me, and dwell on the fact that he’s here, asleep and in one piece. The thought comforts me even more than the sight of his sleeping form. I gently kiss his forehead, pull the covers around his shoulders, and climb out of bed.

 Even though the sun is rising, I can hear no sound from the rest of the household. I suppose it is just as well. I wasn’t the only one waiting late for Ëarendil’s return.

I dress and brush my thick, blonde hair, weaving it back into a braid. Between the boys’ maturity and Ëarendil’s frequent voyages, the house is not due for a cleaning. But I think Ëarendil invited Alaytar for dinner tonight. I had forgotten about it, but dinner might not even exist. I had more important things to agonize over last night. I check my hair and head for the kitchen.

 To my astonishment, the boys are both up, though it isn’t past eight in the morning. Elrond is making breakfast for Frond, who sits patiently at the table. “Mother!” How easily it slips from Elrond’s lips! To think even that two years ago even that word was an effort because before that, it wasn’t true; I wasn’t his mother. His mother, Frond’s mother was a dark-haired elven woman who died when Frond was born. I didn’t know Ëarendil then. I thought I would learn more of her when I married Ëarendil, but he never speaks of her. He still misses her; I know it’s a pain he still carries. Except the only thing I can do to help him is to pretend the pain isn’t there. So I refuse to notice when it’s ‘Vairë’ he calls in the dead of night, or her picture he hides in his drawer. It’s just easier that way.

“Mother!” Elrond slaps fried bread on a plate and shoves it in front of Frond. “Alaytar was here already. He wants to take me and Frond out riding today! He’s ready to go as soon as you say yes. Please can we go?”

I hesitate. Alaytar will probably keep them out all day.

“Please?” Elrond pleads. “I fed Frond and the wood box is full and I’ll make sure Alaytar bring us back in time for supper!” Elrond hurriedly whips his head around to make sure that Frond is eating. When he’s assured Frond will be ready in time, he opens his mouth to plead again.

Frond beats him to it. “Dad would let us go,” he says defensively.

He’s right. Ëarendil wouldn’t blink. I have to cave then. “All right, you may go.” I say. I will not let Frond see how a smile is threatening to creep into my face. How does he know exactly what I need to hear? “Just come home like you promised.”

“Yes!” Elrond disappears into his room to dress. Frond placidly finishes his toast and then follows.

 I dig in the pantry until I find the salt and flour. I open a recipe book and begun the yeast mixture. Elrond bolts through the kitchen, his cloak flying. He stops in front of me. “Will you do my cloak?” he asks. I fasten it carefully and do Frond’s for good measure.

“Is it just you three riding?” I ask, trying to understand why Elrond is in such a rush. Suddenly, he is very occupied buckling his sword belt. I don’t question him anymore, because I know.

Frond can’t resist saying it, though. “No one special. Just us, Alaytar and Jade. Not really worth mentioning, is it, El?”

Elrond turns several shades of red. Jade is very beautiful, but I don’t worry about Elrond spending time with her. Alaytar’s daughter is always under her father’s eye. And nothing gets past Frond, Ëarendil and I, no matter how Elrond tries.