grundyscribbling

Title: Here We Go Again
Author: Grundy
Rating: FR13
Summary: Anariel's first formal entrance into Tirion.
Word Count: 1075
Note: Still one behind...

Anairë had been waiting patiently for a quarter of an hour before her law-brother and sister, law-sister, nephews, and grandchildren appeared.

She had expected them more or less at the time they appeared, but thought it prudent to be in the courtyard early. Just in case.

She was relieved to see it looked like everyone had gotten through the obligatory formality more or less unscathed.

Little Anariel shot off to the gardens like an arrow the moment the gates closed behind them.

“Oh, dear,” Eärwen murmured.

“I don’t think we’ve done your campaign to get her to come more often any favors,” Arafinwë chuckled.

Anariel hadn’t made her way into Tirion in a royal procession before. This one might have been less overwhelming by Noldorin standards than Tinwë’s first, but judging by the expression on the girl’s face as she’d disappeared garden-ward, it had still been judged a bit much.

“I doubt we’ll see her again before dinnertime,” Celebrían sighed. “She behaved fairly well, all things considered.”

“Let’s hope she finds some constructive way to work off her frustrations,” Elrond sighed, glancing toward his sons.

The Elrondion twins held up their hands to indicate they were not volunteering for that particular duty.

Eärwen saw Anairë’s expression and hastened to explain.

Anariel’s first experience of a formal royal entrance to the city of the Noldor had been paired with Anariel’s first direct experience of the Noldorin predilection for gossip. It was probably slightly more off-putting for her, given they have been told that the powers of the Slayer meant her hearing was sharper than most elves. She’d have been able to hear things from further back in the crowds that had gathered to witness the occasion – far enough back that anyone talking would likely have thought themselves safe from being overheard by the royal party.

That most of what had bothered her hadn’t been directed at her hadn’t made Anariel any happier with those whose tongues were wagging – and she’d been told quite firmly by her father that no, she could not address the offenders directly.

Eärwen laughingly assure her that Anariel had grudgingly contented herself with the occasional glare – and that while Arafinwë would only admit it to her, he had been rather sorry they were in front of the girl in the procession and thus couldn’t see the effect of those glares. He was willing to bet anyone singled out for one felt the error of their ways.

Glancing at the rest of the party, Anairë determined it was only Anariel out of sorts.

Judging by their mood, Ambarussa had been more amused than offended by anything they’d heard. Odds were they also knew some of the people Anariel had been so irritated with. (What’s more, if they were in any way bothered, they’d probably find some way to even the score. Happily, they knew better than to do it so publicly.)

All things considered, it hadn’t gone badly. In fact, the slimmer than expected audience had probably played in their favor, at least as far as easing Anariel into the ways of Tirion went.

Anairë did wonder what else might be happening in the city that the crowd had been smaller than usual. She hoped whatever it was didn’t mean she wouldn’t be able to spend several quiet weeks with her grandchildren and nephews.

“We’ll find out soon enough, I’m sure,” Ara sighed. “We’re holding court tomorrow.”

That was not really anyone’s favorite activity, but they did have to do it. Best to let Ambarussa get their formal declaration out of the way quickly, much as they’d done for Anariel. With Moryo, they’d had the luxury of time, as virtually no one outside the family had realized he had returned. They’d been able to give him time with Nerdanel and with his grandparents before inflicting the court on him.

Anariel might think otherwise, but it was just as well Ambarussa had been sent to her outside of Tirion. They’d had far more time and privacy to find their feet in their new life than Carnistir.

She glanced at her nephews to find all three laughing at something just as the gates swung open again.

That would be why – they hadn’t been the only royal party approaching the city.

She hadn’t had any word they were coming, but really she should have known better than to think Artanis and Irissë would keep away if Ambarussa were here.

She was all set to greet her daughter when she realized that was not who had appeared. It was her eldest sons riding in at the head of a group that must have come directly from Ondolindë.

“Oh, dear,” Eärwen murmured.

Finno was no problem – indeed, the surprise of his return had yet to wear off. She would be delighted if he would stay put for several seasons. But they had all warned Turvo several times to let little Anariel come to him rather than force a confrontation before she was ready. Elenwë had been in full agreement.

They must not have realized Anariel would be present. It was the only explanation Anairë could fathom. Her son might not have liked what he’d been told, but he had seen the sense in it. Surely Artanis would have warned the others that Elrond and his family had come with Ambarussa?

The rest of the party were a more welcome sight. Elenwë, Rillë, and Tuor. Laurë along with his daughters and his intended. Írimë and her husband – a very welcome sight, as Anairë had a feeling they were going to need as many of Turvo’s elders as possible at hand to keep things from going too badly.

Tinwë and Lómion had Mírimë riding next to them, to all appearances amused by something that had happened in the square. Anairë’s eyes narrowed. If Artanis hadn’t known Anariel would be here, Tindomiel certainly had.

Artanis, Irissë, and their mates were the last in before the gates closed again.

All things considered, Anairë had little doubt who had engineered this visit, but she was rather surprised that Artë would throw Turvo and Anariel together. Throwing him into it with the Fearsome Foursome, she understood well enough.

“Perhaps you should tell her brothers to go warn Anariel,” she suggested to Eärwen.

Eärwen gave her a sympathetic smile. They’d managed worse than this.

Anairë reminded herself firmly she’d wanted all her children home at once before she went to greet her newly arrived sons.