Chapter 21
Wisdom and Truth
Thorin's POV
What had I done?! As Ella ran off I looked at my hands. My anger for the elves, for their betrayal and words of 'wisdom'…..I had taken it out on her. None of this ever had anything to do with her and now I had hurt her.
I made my way to the library hoping she would be there. If she had gone to her room she would never let me in to see her. And her sisters would never let me near her again. I had to tell her how sorry I was. How foolishly I had acted and that I was undeserving of her. I searched everywhere in the library and as I walked to my own room I heard crying coming from hers. I went to knock but I knew she would never speak to me. I walked away and tried in vain to think of what to do.
"Hope has forsaken me."
No sooner had the words left my mouth that I saw the small boy that had been playing with Ella. He scowled at me.
"You hurt Lady Ella."
I closed my eyes and turned away.
"Yes…..I did." I lamented.
I walked off but the boy only followed me.
"Why?"
I stopped and looked at him. His light brown eyes bored into mine.
"I wrongly directed my anger towards her. I shall never forgive myself for it." I said.
The boy's eyes softened.
"You love her."
I did not speak, I only stared at him.
Could my feelings have grown for this woman? This beautiful woman from another world?
I now saw the boy was smiling at me.
"Your name is Saeldor?"
He nodded.
"It means wisdom." he said.
My eyes widened and I knelt down so my eyes were level with his.
"Will you help me?"
He gave me a look of wonder. I put my hands on his shoulders.
"Saeldor you may be right. I believe I do love her. But she will not speak to me. If you truly wish to help me, please go to her. Tell her how horrible I feel. Tell her that …."
"I believe I know what to say Master Thorin. Estelio nin."
Estelio nin.
Ella's words from when we first arrived in Rivendell came to me and I smiled and nodded. He smiled and then ran off. I only hoped that the boy would be able to help.
Ella's POV
"~Lady Ella?~"
I knew it was Saeldor. I dried my eyes and then opened the door. I smiled at him.
"~You need not smile when I know you are filled with sorrow.~"
He is not called Saeldor for nothing.
He sat down on one of the chairs and I looked at him.
"Should you not be in bed?"
"I came to you as a favor to someone."
Thorin you sneaky bastard! Sending in a child!
I sighed.
"Thorin sent you."
"Sent no. Asked me to come here yes."
I sighed in frustration. I went to my balcony and looked outside. Thorin was standing in the gardens.
"~He loves you.~"
I froze. Saeldor walked over to me and looked down at Thorin.
"~Did he tell you to say this?~"
I looked at the now smiling boy.
"~He did not say it. I knew he feels it.~" I looked at Thorin. "~He hates himself for lashing out at you and asked me to tell you how terrible he feels, and that he thinks you are beautiful in every way. He loves you Lady Ella. And…..and I know that you love him as well.~"
I stared at Thorin. Saeldor tugged on my sleeve. He took my hand and led me down towards the gardens. Thorin was still unaware of our presence.
"~Tell him.~" Saeldor said.
I took a deep breath and silently walked forward. Saeldor disappeared.
"Thorin?"
He spun around and rushed forward.
"Ella please listen….."
"Shhh! Calm down."
We sat down on a bench and I looked at him.
"I am so sorry Ella. I took my rage out on you and I know I should never be forgiven."
"Thorin stop." I said gently.
I put my hands on the side of his face. If he pushed me away now I would not care. I looked into his deep blue eyes.
"Saeldor told me something."
He stared at me.
"I ask you now Thorin Oakenshield…do you love me?" I asked.
We stared at each other and then he finally spoke.
"Yes Ella. I do. I love you."
I smiled and threw my arms around him.
"And I love you Thorin."
He gasped and wrapped his arms tightly around me. I smiled and tears of joy came down my face.
"You mean everything to me." I whispered.