Note: Updated and corrected April2017 PT

Nariel the Red

Chapter 25: The Shameless Walk of Shame

Nariel had finally left the two elves to talking business. Unfortunately she couldn't go walking through the corridors naked or in bear-form without causing a ruckus, which despite what Lastirith may have thought wasn't her intention that morning. That meant that she had to change back into the dress. She had changed back into it as quickly as possible before kissing her lover goodbye. Now she was on her way back to her rooms, in the damn dress and yet she couldn't stop smiling.

When she reached the door however her nose wrinkled. Wonderful Gandalf and his pipeweed were on the other side of the door. Well she hadn't bothered to hide anything from Lastirith, so why should she hide anything from Gandalf. Taking a deep breath she opened the door.

"Morning Gandalf."

He glanced up briefly before going back to his pipe.

"Morning Nariel. Although that dress does suit you, it is unusual attire for this time of day. Especially for you."

Nariel didn't bother to answer walking straight through to her bedroom to change. Gandalf however hadn't been expecting an answer.

"It does look familiar however" he added raising his voice a little so that she could hear him.

"One might think that you had spent the night elsewhere and that it is in fact the same dress you wore to dinner last night."

Nariel came back through dressed in her usual attire and sat across from him.

"Should I inform your father?"

He asked his eyebrows raised slightly. Nariel couldn't help but laugh.

"Knowing Ada he probably figured it out long before I did."

She said grinning.

"So it was the woodland prince then."

He said nodding. She rolled her eyes.

"Well who else would it be Gandalf, really?"

He laughed

"Well it's about time! I assumed he was the reason you were acting so distracted last night. I am glad that you two have finally realised the obvious."

Eventually they turned their conversation to the impending council. Gandalf warned her in advance what to expect and explained his recent absence as much as he could.

"I knew there was a reason I didn't like him!"

She explained after learning about Saruman's betrayal.

"And getting Ada to do his dirty work!"

Gandalf sat forward putting a hand on her shoulder.

"Now calm down Nariel. I'm fine. And now we know what Saruman has been hiding."

She slumped back into the chair.

"I suppose. I just can't believe a wizard could be so stupid. Does he really believe he will gain anything from this?"

Gandalf shook his head.

"Do not judge too harshly. The ring is a very difficult thing to resist. Besides, could you by any chance have another reason to dislike him so?"

Nariel laughed.

"That depends on how much you know Gandalf."

Even though she had assumed that he knew she continued.

"He was very quick to blame Ada when he found out about me."

Gandalf nodded.

"Did you never think that might be because he is scared of you?"

He asked. Nariel grinned. Well if that was the case she was going to give him something to be scared of.