The year that followed was a painful one for Nori.  Two months after her return to Dol Amroth, her uncle died.  Nori was completely devastated, and secretly blamed herself for not returning sooner.  No one else felt her to be guilty of anything, so her feelings went unsuspected for a long while.

In fact, she was developing a talent for keeping secrets from the people she loved, for Thalion's death was not the only thing that pained her.  Her dreams had returned, and with all the force they had ever had in Fangorn.  The most frequent, and most confusing, dream was the one she had been unable to tell Legolas about, all those months ago.  If anything, it seemed more real now than it ever had, and she began to refer to it as The Vision whenever she thought of it, which was often.  She still did not understand what it meant, or how it could make her feel so much joy and sorrow at once.

A few months after her uncle's death, another problem presented itself, which in some ways was more perplexing even than The Vision.  Nori had an admirer.  His name was Lord Celedir, and he had come from Anfalas as an ambassador to Prince Imrahil.  He had quickly become friends with Calenmir, Thalestel, and Aurrin, and had been a great help to them during Thalion's illness.  When Nori came home, though in a state of anxiety and fear, all in Dol Amroth were struck by how much more beautiful and graceful she had become.  Lord Celedir had found her irresistible.

Modest as she was, it was not long before Nori discovered Celedir's feelings.  She was extremely flattered, for he was well respected, and for good reason.  Yet, she knew she could never think of him as anything more than a friend, and hoped he would never declare himself openly.

Above all else, Nori missed what she had left behind in Ithilien.  She missed Legolas.



Nearly a year to the day after Nori's return, a group of noblemen from Minas Tirith arrived in Dol Amroth.  With them came Legolas.  They went immediately to see the Prince of the city, and after paying their respects, were shown to guest quarters in the palace.  As soon as the opportunity presented itself, Legolas asked for directions to Calenmir's home, and left the palace.

Calenmir had been aware that a group was coming from Minas Tirith, but as Legolas had been a late addition to the party, he was happily surprised to find the Elf on his doorstep.

At that moment, Celedir was also in the house, and after he and Legolas had been introduced, they all sat down and began to discuss various happenings in Gondor.  As they talked, Legolas kept turning his eyes to the door.

"Are you expecting someone?," asked Calenmir, hiding his amusement with a neutral gaze.

"I had hoped to see Nori while I was here.  She lives with you, does she not?," Legolas inquired mildly.

"Indeed, she does.  She and Thalestel went for a walk, and I expected them to return half an hour ago, or I would not have insisted that Celedir wait for them.  But it seems Nori is going to disappoint him, after all."

Though spoken in a light tone, Legolas fully understood the meaning of the words, and turned serious, thoughtful eyes on Celedir.  Unaware of the gaze, Celedir shook his head and smiled.

"I am afraid you are right, for I really must go.  Faron has been waiting for me this half hour, and he has quite a temper!  But I will return later, and will hope for better luck."

Celedir departed, and the two friends continued their conversation.  After a brief pause, Calenmir cast a serious glance at Legolas.

"I am glad you are here, my friend, and not merely for myself.  I am worried about Nori, and I think you may be able to help."

"What worries you?," Legolas asked, his face full of concern.

"It is difficult to put into words.  I can only say that she is changed, and not for the better.  Thalestel and my sister, Aurrin, have noticed it as well."

"Has she been dreaming?"

Calenmir raised one eyebrow slightly.

"There have been nights when I've heard her talking in her sleep.  Is this something that has troubled her before?"

Legolas gave a slight nod.

Calenmir seemed to consider something, then leaned forward eagerly.

"Do you need to return to the palace, or can you wait for Nori and Thalestel to return?"

"My role was fulfilled when the party arrived in safety.  I will gladly wait with you."

"Good!  Then I will not try to explain further.  You will see for yourself what I mean, soon enough."