Glorfindel was hiding in the library of his House, trying to escape Rog and his absurd ideas of forging friendship. He shivered at the memory of the goose. Ecthelion was no better, constantly pestering him about the wedding. He hadn't even met the elf he was to bond with. He glared at the book in front of him, frustrated with everything.
"Why am I even in the library?! I can't even read!" Glorfindel threw the book across the room, not seeing Rog, Turgon, and Ecthelion a few feet away from him. They winced at the thud it made and the thud Glorfindel's Head made against the table. A scribe picked the book up, undisturbed by Glorfindel's antics. Rog stepped closer and patted him on the back.
"Hey, I know that the book deserved it. It was the one on every known plant and it's side effects. Wanna go spar?" Rog was trying to brighten Glorfindel's mood.
"Are you sure you want to be eating dust and sporting bruises?" Glorfindel was not in a good mood at all.
"Glorfindel, stop moping. Your advisors are waiting for you in the hall. Get moving. The wedding is only a week away," Turgon ordered.
"But fall just started?"
"No. Fall is ending. Winter is almost at an end. You've been all out of sorts recently. Who are you going to have standing as your parent substitute?" Ecthelion couldn't help but interrupt.
"I have no one old enough. My Captain of the Guard, Sūrimívirnë, will do it." Glorfindel turned his head to the side to look at them.
"My work is done. I'm bored and I don't want to think of the wedding. I haven't even met the elf!" He knew he sounded like a whiny elfling but he was just so tired. The three elves left him alone once more, not knowing that Glorfindel had tried to have them stay.
He retreated to the farthest corner, an elfling following him with a picture book. She pulled on his robe, getting his full and undivided attention. He knelt down to be on her level. She was shy and took a few seconds to speak.
"Daerada! Can I read this to you? Nana says I reads bigger words now buts I love this book. It makes me happy when I reads it and maybe it will make you feels happy?" She was holding the beloved book close like a security blanket.
"Of course, Qiqilla." Glorfindel sat and the little elfling sat in his lap, leaning against his chest.
"Once, long ago..." she read the whole book to him slowly but confidently. He couldn't help but smile during the story. She ended up reading to him for a few hours before her parents came to collect her.
"Bye, Daerada! See you soon!" She called from over her ada's shoulder.
"Good night, Qiqilla." Glorfindel made his way to his chambers and slept peacefully for the first time in a while. The House of the Golden Flower was quiet for the next few days to prevent waking their beloved Lord up. No one left or entered the Golden Flower and the Lord slept for five days.