Chapter Nine
Brina's POV
I was silent and distracted as I walked with Glorfindel to the training fields. Partly from embarrassment and partly because I was trying to figure out what Erestor could possibly be trying to hide from me.
"What is he hiding?" I wondered to myself.
I didn't even realize we had reached the training fields until I heard Glorfindel's voice calling to me.
"Brina! Brina we have arrived," he said.
"Oh, I am sorry Glorfindel! I was lost in thought."
"I wasn't sure whether to be worried or to tease you," he said with a smile.
"I am fine Glorfindel," I said with a smile of my own.
Glorfindel stared at me with a searching look for a moment before nodding his head in agreement but something in his eyes told me he saw more than I thought he did.
"Let's begin Brina!"
Today we were working on archery so I picked up my bow. I took my stance and quickly nocked an arrow.
"Ready! Set! Go!" Glorfindel called as we both prepared to fire.
We both released our arrows toward the targets.
Glorfindel's arrow soared with deadly accuracy hitting the target with a thud as the arrow sank into the center of the target.
My arrow wasn't as fortunate. My arrow flew through the air doing a nosedive into the ground behind the target.
"Oh no" I groaned as I saw where my arrow landed compared to where Glorfindel's had landed.
"Not your day Brina?" Glorfindel said with a laugh.
"Hahaha, very funny Glorfindel," I said sarcastically.
"Want to try again?" Glorfindel asked.
"Yes," I said as I nocked another arrow and released it.
My next shot was just as ill-fated as my previous one.
"Today is not my day," I said.
No matter how many times I fired I couldn't hit the broadside of a barn.
All that I accomplished was to become hot and frustrated for the early fall day was more like a summer day.
The heat wasn't bothering Glorfindel but it was affecting me.
"Why don't we call it a day Brina? You are just too distracted today." Glorfindel said with a sympathetic smile.
"Yes and sorry Glorfindel," I said dejectedly.
"None of that Brina we all have off days. How about you head inside and cool off? Erestor would never forgive me if you overheated." Glorfindel said before we went our separate ways.
I was still a little upset as I made my way to my room being careful to avoid meeting anyone.
I entered my room and made my way into my bathing chamber. I crossed the bathing chamber turning on the warm water. I headed back to my room to get some clean clothes. It took me a little longer than normal to find what I wanted to wear.
Then it hit me I left the water running. I turned quickly my clean clothes clutched in my hands I sprinted into the bathing chamber my heart pounding imagining the worst mess possible.
My worry though was misplaced the tub was only half full.
I felt my heart rate return to normal as I made my way to the tub turning the water off.
"That could have been bad," I muttered to myself as I took off my dirty clothes then climbed into the warm relaxing water.
"Ahhh this is what I needed," I said quietly as I all my cares slipped away as I soaked in the warm water.
"I guess I can't spend the rest of the day in the bathtub."
I set to work washing all the dust and grime from my body and hair. It didn't take me that long but as I climbed out of the tub I quickly dried off then pulled my clean clothes on. I felt so much better after my bath.
"Who knew a bath could make you feel so much better."
I exited the bathing chamber dumping my dirty clothes in the hamper then crossing the room to my dresser to grab my comb.
I ran the comb through my wet hair working out all the knots and snags then placed the comb back down on my dresser before making my way to the window.
The evening was coming the sky was awash in pinks reds and golds.
"So beautiful." I sighed just standing there.
Time passed as I just stood there admiring the beauty. I didn't realize how much time had passed until I felt strong arms slip around my waist.
"You had me worried meleth nin when you didn't answer my calls," Erestor said.
"I am sorry beloved you startled me I was lost in the beauty of the evening. What time is it?"
"Don't be sorry my heart I was just concerned especially after the afternoon you had," Erestor replied with an understanding smile.
I leaned back into his arms resting my head against his chest. "You have been talking to Glorfindel. I was just distracted by a certain someone keeping secrets from me."
"I am sorry to have distracted you but I promise that this secret is nothing bad. I will tell you all about it soon please trust me." Erestor said in a pleading tone.
"You know I trust you beloved with my life."
"To answer your earlier question it is an hour before supper," Erestor said as he changed the topic.
We stood there together for awhile relishing in each others presence and closeness.
"We should probably go," I whispered to Erestor with regret.
"Yes let's go meleth nin," Erestor said as he released me before placing my arm through his.
As we walked along I noticed we weren't taking the normal route to supper.
"Where are we going Erestor?"
"I want to show you something," Erestor said avoiding eye contact.
I narrowed my eyes in suspicion at his evasiveness but continued following him.
We stopped in front of one of the guest room doors.
"Go on in Brina," Erestor said with a reassuring smile as he nudged me toward the door.
"What is behind the door?" I asked suspiciously.
"A surprise meleth nin," he said.
If it had been anybody but Erestor I wouldn't have gone in for fear of something falling on my head. This was Erestor though and I knew he wouldn't do something like that to me.
I took a hesitant step forward grasping the doorknob and then turning it. I pushed the door open and walked into the room.
I stopped completely stunned at who stood there.
