*...before rushing over and scooping you up in his arms ome*
Little girl, what are you doing out here all on your own? Where are your coat and hat and gloves and and... just look at you. *breaks into a big smile* Hello, there.
*laughing even as her tears spill over* Daddy! I don't remember and where is this place it's so dark and not at all pretty like home where's home and who are all these people and where's Mama and...and!
It's okay, baby, it's all okay. We're in Menegroth, you remember how we weren't allowed into Menegroth, right? I know it's just all a little new and strange and you never were fast on the uptake. We'll go back to Gondolin where everything's just like you remember and you'll be fine.
where's Mama
Mama's not here, sweetie, and hopefully never will be but we get on just fine the two of us, huh?
*thinks about this* Well... I'm here because I'm shagging visiting my cousin for a few weeks days. I don't know how you got here. *brushes a bit of hair out of your face* But you're here now and that's all that matters.
It was just us two for a long time. Right?
*smiles back at you* Exactly. I take care of you just fine on my own, hmm?
*beams* You always take care of me, Daddy. It's a good thing I've got you because the people here are very odd. I asked a policeman where I could get something to drink and he said he'd prime his pump for me but I think he was fibbing. I didn't see a pump anywhere!
Ah, yes. *rubs your back gently and silently thanks whatever diety is around at the moment that you were at least smart enough? stupid enough? not to take him up on the offer* The people here are very strange indeed. Do you remember what I said about not talking to strangers? That's probably a good idea when you're here. You won't have to worry about the weirdos once you're back in your mountainous cage Gondolin.
*gives you a happy look* I know! Why don't we leave right away?
*promptly* But if I never talked to any strangers, I'd've never met Tuor and...who's Tuor, Daddy?
*tilts her head to look up at you* I'd like to see my home... *uncertainly* Will your cousin be very upset if you leave? *couldn't bear to hurt anyone's feelings! even bizarre Menegroth people's feelings!*
Uhhhh. *scratches the back of his head* Couldn't really explain off the top of my head, kiddo. Why don't we talk about that never later at home? Being there will jog some memories maybe?
Will your cousin be very upset if you leave?
Yes, yes, yes, oh Eru yes. 'Course not, sweetie! My little girl's back. Anyone would understand that. I'll give them a call once we get back to apologize let them know what happened. This day is all about you, right?
*with complete confidence in your judgment* That sounds just fine. I'm sure I'll remember everything soon.
*laughs* Not all about me, silly. *stands on tiptoe to kiss your cheek* *manages it when you lean way down* Not when I must have aunts and uncles and cousins and I'll get to meet them all over again!
No, no, no! Today is allllllll about you! We'll go back to Gondolin and get your room set up just the way you like and go shopping and everything. *looks at you adoringly* We'll go to Hithlum sometime when Maeglin's not there soon to visit your aunt and uncle. I'm sure they'll be thrilled to see you again.
Of course we can go shopping. *kisses the top of your head*
*leads you along* If we hurry we can catch the two o'clock train. *thoughtfully* You've never been on a train before, have you, honey? You'll love it. It's the best way to travel when you're not stealing your nephews car. It'll get us there in no time. I have to pay tax if we shop in Delving.
*listens to your voice happily as she takes in the many sights around her, wide-eyed*
*is so relieved you're here to make all the hard decisions!*
No, I've never been on a train. *thinking hard* But I remember riding Marshmallow around and around Tumladen. (It was a terribly adventurous of me.) Is Marshmallow still at home in the stables?
*gets to the train station and purchases two tickets* *considers trying to get the child discount for you but decides it's not worth it*
*puts on his thinking face* Marshmallow? No, I don't think so. He wasn't rehoused went to live at the retired pony farm. Getting old. We'll get you a new horse. A better horse. *leads you onboard* Tell you what. I think there's a pretty little bay in the stables with your name on it. Big white spot on her forehead and everything. You'd look mighty pretty on her.
*chuckles softly* I get it, sweetie. That's really clever. But I don't think any marshmallow, one or two, could be as sweet as you.
*makes sure you're safe in your seat (and buckled in and holding on and close enough so he can catch you) when the train starts moving* Are you going to call her Marshmallow II?
*blushes and smiles* *adoringly* You're my dad. You have to say that.
*eyes the motion sickness bag in the bag of the seat in front of her* *grips her armrests tightly* I'm not sure. I guess I'll just have to see what her personality's like. Will you go riding with me if you're not so terribly busy?
*gives you a stern look* And your dad never lies, right? *smiles*
*watches you, worried* *doesn't want you to be sick!!* Of course I'll go riding with you, baby. First thing in the morning we'll go for a ride around Gondolin and see what we can see. Hmm? Or are you embarrassed to be seen in public with your old dad?
*grins and puts an arm around you* I was just joking with you, little girl, no need to get worried. Besides *gives you a grin* I'd just sit around and cry all day long if you didn't want me around anymore. It would be pathetic. Glorfindel would have to run the city into the ground and we'd all get flooded from the tears. It's best you just stay right here with me.
*smiles!* Oh, dear. That would be a bad thing. When would Glorfindel find time to go to the salon? *giggling* I remember Glorfindel! He beat me for Best Hair every year.
*shakes his head and sighs* I always said those competitions were fixed. Sure, he's got pretty hair. But you've got beautiful hair and a personality to match. Besides, I'm not convinced he's a natural blond.
*gently scolding* Don't be mean. He has a lovely personality, he's just...extra confident. And if he's not a natural blond then he's found the perfect secret formula.
*looks at you sideways* For someone who's confused and forgetful, you're sure remembering an awful lot about Glorfindel. There something you want to tell me? Do I need to send the Brute Squad after him?
*snickers* It would be pretty hard to forget him, don't you think?
*punches your arm lightly* NO, Daddy. Ugh. One day I caught him practicing smiling at his reflection in the fountains. *laughing* I don't think he'd want a wife even half as pretty as he is.
Well, I don't know. All these boys around, a dad has to worry about stuff like this. Who knows what sort of evil things Glorfindel is up to when he's not brushing his hair? You can't trust anyone these days. *grins* But, you're right, I think. It would be terrible for his self-esteem to be married to someone as pretty as you. Plus I would gut him Fingon-style.
*smiling* You can trust me, Daddy. *covers her mouth when she yawns* I don't remember being 'specially fond of any of the boys in Gondolin. So I must not be. I don't mind if it's just you and me and hopefully Mama someday.
That's good, little girl. Puts your old dad's mind at rest. *holds you close and kisses the top of your head* It's a long ride home. Get some rest now and we'll go buy you lots of pretty things once we get there.
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