gondolindrim | Finally meeting the family

Elladan: *has heard about the animal sanctuary and decides to visit. He might adopt a dog in the end*

Lúthien: *is working with some of the more exotic animals today. She has Rossthîr the red panda draped around her shoulders like a fancy stole*

Elladan: *sees a lady with a strange animal draped around her shoulders. he cannot see her face clearly, but she reminds him of someone* Good morning, madam. I was wondering if you could help me.

Lúthien: *turns and smiles, brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face* Of course. How can I help you?

Elladan: *Arwen? No, not her... She is dead...*

Lúthien: *smiles pleasantly, noting the look of shock but not finding it so unusual* Would you like to see some of the animals?

Elladan: *shakes himself* Of course, please. I would like to see some dogs. Forgive my rudeness. My name if Elladan, son of Elrond. You look very much like my sister.

Lúthien: *brightens* Elladan! Then you are kin to me. I am Lúthien, daughter of Melian, and you are my grandson.

Elladan: *smiles* I should have realized. It's difficult for me to call you grandmother, being as young as you look. You are as beautiful as the tales say.

Lúthien: *ducks her head and smiles* Would that you could meet my mother, who is even fairer still. From what time were you brought here?

Elladan: From Valinor. *he met Melian there, but doesn't want to say things that could make Lúthien sad* Is it all right if I call you by name?

Lúthien: *surprised* So far... It's possible, then, that you are even older than I. Of course you may call me by my name. *smiles*

Elladan: I might be. *smiles back* It's easier to call Turgon grandfather, even though he might be younger than me too. When did you come from?

Lúthien: From quite a few years before I am supposed to meet the human man, Beren.

Elladan: *thinks that his chance of survival is tenuous at this rate* I'm glad you are here, Lúthien. I was not expecting to meet any of my great grandparents, even if they look younger then me. *they reach the dog area* I wasn't actually expecting to see any son of Fëanaro. I went hunting with Celegorm today.

Lúthien: *her smile becomes a bit tight at the mention of Celegorm* Do be careful. He seems repentant, but it cannot be denied that he brings calamity to our family.

Elladan: Yes, I know. He actually mistook me for you. That's how I met him. He certainly dislikes Beren with passion, and expects you to... I apologize. It's not good manners to speak to you about things you haven't even lived yet.

Lúthien: It's all right. I've read about many of the events which are meant to unfold for me, and which have already come to pass for you.

Elladan: *nods* I was speaking to grandfather ealier, and he said that history could change. I wonder if I will cease to exist then, or turn into a bunny as Celegorm said.

Lúthien: Well, I certainly hope you don't turn into a rabbit! Perhaps the fact that you're here means that my future comes about in the manner recorded in history. Who can say?

Elladan: *grins* Perhaps, unless Idril marries to Gelgannel. Ah well, I'll worry about it if it happens. So, these are the dogs? They are lovely...

Lúthien: *blinks at the comment about Gelgannel but shrugs it off; she'll hear more about it later if it's important* Yes, these are the hounds we keep. They're all quite tame, as you can see. We have many varieties both great and small.

Elladan: *looks at them, pets a medium sized dog, quite lively* What about this one?

Lúthien: I believe that one is called a fox hound. They are bred for the hunt.

Elladan: I've never seen them before. Or those smaller ones.

Lúthien: They're all quite amiable and energetic. Both of those would need to be taken for daily walks.

Elladan: I believe the larger one would be better for me. I live in an appartment, but I've heard the smaller ones ar more anxious and destroy furniture.

Lúthien: Do you want a hound as a companion or as a hunting partner? Or both?

Elladan: As both. I am a guard of the Gates, and I also work in the Healing House. I need a dog I can take with me if necessary, but strong enough to help me hunt for game.

Lúthien: Some of the creatures outside of the walls are quite dangerous, I've heard. *speaking to the dog* But you aren't afraid of them, are you?

Elladan: Of the dogs, no. As for the creatures outside, Elrohir and I spent our last years before sailing to Aman hunting Orcs down. Not only did they prowl around the lands, killing and hurting people. They hurt our mother too.

Lúthien: And Elrohir is... your brother, yes? *curious about their mother, but not wanting to pry*

Elladan: Yes, he is my twin. We have a special bond, we can sense each other and mind-speak. That bond is cut off now that I'm here. He is not even born yet. Must be selfish from me, but I would like him to come here too.

Lúthien: I don't think it's selfish to want to be with the people you love.

Elladan: *pets the dog to hide the fact that he is feeling very lonely in Gondolin* Elrohir must be missing me, but he likes Aman. He was happy there.

Lúthien: I've never seen Aman, but I know it must be glorious. I heard it in my mother's songs. *pauses* You know, I got a hound too.

Elladan: It is glorious, but I am a Half-Elf, more Human than Elf in a way. I missed the danger, the adventure... You got a hound too?

Lúthien: *nods* I did. *calls for her* Melui!

Melui: *snoozing nearby, but she hops up and trots over when Lúthien calls*

Lúthien: It was lonely, so I found a companion for myself. She's very sweet. I think you'd do well to have such a friend.

Elladan: She is lovely, beautiful. You must miss your family too. *remembers Daeron, but decides not to mention him* So do you think I should adopt one like her, or a hound like this one? Maybe I should think it over, but I would like to hear your advice, grandma. *teasing tone*

Lúthien: I do miss them, and my friends from home, but the city has its own diversions, and I'm keeping busy and making new friends. *she smiles and shakes her head* I would say that you should take time to consider it. Melui goes everywhere with me, and is my constant companion. I think you should spend some time among the hounds, and see which one you bond with. They are loving and loyal creatures.

Elladan: Then I will come tomorrow and follow your advice. *smiles* Thank you for everything, Lúthien. It was nice to meet you at last.

Lúthien: I'm so glad to've met you as well, Elladan. I hope to see you again soon. *puts a hand on his arm* Do not forget, though we have only just met, I am your family. Call on me if you have need of me.

Elladan: *places his hand over hers* I won't forget. We are family indeed. Call me, too, if you need me.