Chapter Eleven: Hidden Troubled Heart
Anathea removed the crease from her soft teal-colored gown, and looked at the mirror. She had two reasons why she was excited today. One, she was looking forward to go out and explore the grounds of Rivendell as Estel promised and the other reason, was she was no longer limping. The Elf lord had given his approval yesterday and she was looking forward to stretch her legs. She smiled when her feathered friend found his way into the room and perched atop on the curvature of the mirror.
"Hello there!" She enthusiastically greeted the bird.
The Thrush chirped back.
"I'm going out today with Estel. I hope to see you outside too." She said and turned to the sound of the door opening.
"Who are you talking to?" queried a boy, smiling.
"My friend," Anathea answered and directed Estel's gaze at the Thrush sitting atop on the mirror.
"I see," nodding as he broke in a funny smile. "I had thought you have turn in for the worse." He teased.
The girl reddens but later took the joke in stride. Estel laughs at the reaction.
"Good, I was only joking, Anathea." He said and reached for her hand. "Come on." He guides her out of the room.
"Good bye." Anathea waves at her feathered friend, which chirped one more time before flying out of her room.
The two friends walked along the corridor during which Estel filled the time with one of his stories. It made the two children chatter for no end with excitement throughout the way.
The Elves they meet would give them a nod, a pat on the head or a smile as they neared the hallway. All were astounded the bit of noise the two children were capable of generating. Up ahead, the children saw Lord Elrond conversing with another elf, Estel recognized as to be Glorfindel.
Lord Elrond stood by the entranceway, slightly turning from Glorfindel and regarded the two children with a smile.
Anathea caught her breath as she looked up the elves and bowed in respect to them.
"Where are you two going?" Elrond asked as he placed a hand on Anathea's shoulder.
"Estel, is showing me the grounds. Is it all right, if I go with him? I'll be careful." Her voice almost pleaded as she asked permission. Even Estel silently pleaded to his father to permit them.
Holding back a chuckle but his eyes contained that mirth Elrond nodded his answer. "Of course, you can, Anathea." The elf lord replied and turning to his son. "Estel, take good care of Anathea. If she feels tired, bring her back home." He instructed the boy.
"I will father." Estel replied.
"I am happy to see you are now on your feet." The unknown elf standing beside Elrond spoke. "Yes, I'm glad my ankle's healed. Thank you very much." Turning back to the elf lord.
"You are welcome, child." Elrond replied.
"I am Glorfindel," the elf introduced himself and thrust his hand to the girl who shyly looked down on the floor.
Seeing the extended hand, Anathea shook it. Glorfindel smiled and firmly held her hand. Instantly, the girl relaxed.
"Well, this is indeed a good day for a walk on the grounds Elrond observed as he watched the children stepped away from him.
"I can't wait to show Anathea my favorite spot!" Estel yelled and soon the children were out of their sight.
**********
Midday arrived and the Elves knew that Estel has come back when his loud voice rang inside the house. The children breezed into the hallway zigzagging from passing Elves as they ran heading towards the dining hall. No doubt their hungry stomachs were taking over and didn't notice the looks of shock being shot at them by the other Elves.
Elladan had turned his head back into the corridor at the direction of rushing feet and saw Estel barreling down the way looking scruffy. Running two steps behind him was Anathea who has successfully decorated her hair with hay and her gown had an ugly tear running from the knee down.
Sighing disapprovingly at his brother, he caught Estel before the boy could enter the dining hall looking very disheveled.
"I think not, little one," he said with a hint of sternness in his tone as he trapped the boy into his arms.
"Where in the name of Valar have you two been?" eyeing the pair with incredulity lighting in his eyes as he straightened up and suspiciously looking at Estel.
Estel grinned mischievously at his brother. "Oh, we were around." He answered cryptically but before his older brother had a chance to interrogate him any further he quickly turned his heel and grabbed Anathea's hand and went back to where they came.
Elladan wagged his head as he watched the children ran back. "Clean yourselves and join us for lunch!" He called at the retreating figures then he resumed walking towards the dining hall.
A few minutes into the luncheon the children once again showed themselves and head straight to the table all fresh and clean.
Elrond watched his youngest adopted son took his seat beside him while Anathea found a seat next to Elrohir. The elf lord noted the attachment Elrohir had with the girl. A cough sounded near his elbow and was a given a start when Estel choked a little with his food.
"Estel, what have I told you when you insist in gobbling down your food?" The elf lord reminded the little boy as he saw him reached out for the glass of water and took small sips from it.
"Sorry," Estel said after a moment had passed and he was breathing easily. He puts the glass back and gazes around the table when his brothers chuckled.
"I was hungry." He lamely explained. "I wanted to finish my lunch so I can show Anathea more of the grounds." He said.
This time the elf lord shook his head. "Half a day out is enough Estel, Anathea will need her rest in the afternoon."
"But father," Estel started to retort but was silence when Elladan placed his hand on the boy's shoulder.
Estel turned from looking at his father to Elladan. "You, my brother have errands to do in the afternoon." His older brother reminded him.
"But...but..." Estel continued with his protest but didn't get very far.
"No, BUT'S. You will help both of us at the stables, which I believed you have become so acquainted with a while ago." The older twin said in a clear tone while pointedly arching an eyebrow.
Estel groaned at the usual chores that he had to do this afternoon but finally consented.
"You and Anathea can roam around Rivendell tomorrow." His father compensated.
"Now, tell me where you both have gone as your brother told us that a while ago, you looked like you were ran over by a hunting party." He said in a jest.
Estel chuckled at the joke and began to relate to his family their adventures.
**********
Hours passed and Anathea watched from her room, the sun as it slowly dipped behind the mountain range letting shadow stretched her long hands now to cover the hidden vale in a cloak of dusk.
Anathea was sitting on her bed, wondering about many things. She was facing the balcony and thought about her nightmare again. The dream started about the men chasing her and capturing her. She sighed and drew her knees closer to her chest and hugged them.
She wasn't aware that she had doze off after reading the book Estel lent her. Her gaze settled on the book where it lay opened to her left, at the last page she was studying a while ago. The book contained many beautiful pictures inside and below each picture was a text that she had not the skill to read its meaning to provide a good translation. The writings fascinated her and wondered more of the elf-folk. Despite the obvious hindrance she continued flipping through the illustrated pages until her eyes have grown tired and light sleep came to her weary little body.
The bad dream had wakened her with a start, the sun has set and in an hour the first stars began to twinkle up on the sky. The fair elven voices began to sing songs unfamiliar to her ears, which echoed through out the house and the surrounding area. Anathea soon decided to take a walk out of her room.
The girl began to walk towards the Hall of Fire for she heard most of the singing coming from there.
She has never been into that chamber and this morning she and Estel had gone passed it. There wasn't an opportunity to visit it any earlier too until now.
She tentatively peers into the chamber, still hesitant whether she was allowed to venture far in the other parts of the house on her on. Tiny fears knocked around her heart as its beat thumped a little faster than she wanted. She continued to observe several of the Elves gathered inside but couldn't see who were singing though.
The Elves seemed oblivious that she was standing there until a warm feeling flow through her. She turned her head to her right and saw Elrohir standing beside her.
"Anathea, what are you doing alone by the entranceway?" Elrohir asked and led the girl inside.
"I just thought I'm not permitted to come in." She explained. Her cheeks flushed from awkwardness of being caught. Her eyes were wide with wonder since she hadn't seen so many Elves in her life gathered in one place.
As they pass into the room they saw a group of Elves seated off the far left of the chamber, they all looked up from their deep conversation and gave the little girl a collective smile as she took a seat near the fireplace.
"The Hall of Fire is a place to commune for everyone, Anathea." Elrohir said, drawing the child's attention to him.
Elrohir noticed how unusually big her eyes were and she was pale under the light. This hinted something was bothering the girl.
"If you need someone to talk to, I am hear to listen," he offered in a gentle tone and waited for her to speak up.
Anathea paused and fiddled with her fingers. She badly needed someone to be there for her, to take the fears away from her.
After looking back at Elrohir, a visible shake came over her body as a remnant of the nightmare flashed into her mind. It frightened her that she quickly got to her feet and jumped to where Elrohir was seated and threw herself into his open arms.
The elf was stunned and embraced the little girl who was shaking so much.
"What is it, Anathea?" His voice belied the disturbing feeling he was having.
Anathea didn't speak at once instead took the moment to hear his beating heart that was so soothing to hear. His voice was warm that the fear, which lingered in her mind dissipated into nothingness.
He held her for a few more minutes lending his presence to calm the child who was still clearly trying to fight the demons that haunt her.
Finally, the girl looked into his dark brown eyes. "The nightmare came back." She started as her eyes fell on the brooch; her forefinger traced the silver-gray curves of the brooch. Anathea felt Elrohir's arms drew her closer, letting her head, rest on his chest.
"It started when I was running, running away from them. Everything was black. I couldn't see where I was going then hands grab me from behind." The girl shivered from the effect of the bad dream. "It comes back over and over again."
Elrohir kissed her lightly on her head. "The dream's over, Anathea. The men will not harm you anymore."
"But how I can stop them from hurting me in my dream?" She looked up again, searching his eyes for the security she needed.
The Elf pondered for a while before answering. "Long ago, I too was plagued with bad dreams. My mother would remain in my room till very late to assure me that I am safe. She also would say a prayer that I have memorized so that every time I say it, I knew she was there beside me and that I am safe. Would you like to know the prayer?" He asked looking down at the child.
When Anathea nodded. Elrohir first recited the prayer in Elvish then set out in teaching the prayer in common tongue for the little girl to memorize and explain what each line mean to the next so she would understand what the prayer meant. He then, switched to grey tongue and taught her how the words were enunciated in the one verse prayer. To his surprise the girl quickly learned it just as the dinner bell rang.
Anathea smiled and felt secured as Elrohir held her hand. Together they walked out of the room for the dinner hall. Little did Elrohir know that the friendship he has cultivated with the girl would prove to be an anchor that will see Anathea through the many hardships she will go through in her life.
Anathea removed the crease from her soft teal-colored gown, and looked at the mirror. She had two reasons why she was excited today. One, she was looking forward to go out and explore the grounds of Rivendell as Estel promised and the other reason, was she was no longer limping. The Elf lord had given his approval yesterday and she was looking forward to stretch her legs. She smiled when her feathered friend found his way into the room and perched atop on the curvature of the mirror.
"Hello there!" She enthusiastically greeted the bird.
The Thrush chirped back.
"I'm going out today with Estel. I hope to see you outside too." She said and turned to the sound of the door opening.
"Who are you talking to?" queried a boy, smiling.
"My friend," Anathea answered and directed Estel's gaze at the Thrush sitting atop on the mirror.
"I see," nodding as he broke in a funny smile. "I had thought you have turn in for the worse." He teased.
The girl reddens but later took the joke in stride. Estel laughs at the reaction.
"Good, I was only joking, Anathea." He said and reached for her hand. "Come on." He guides her out of the room.
"Good bye." Anathea waves at her feathered friend, which chirped one more time before flying out of her room.
The two friends walked along the corridor during which Estel filled the time with one of his stories. It made the two children chatter for no end with excitement throughout the way.
The Elves they meet would give them a nod, a pat on the head or a smile as they neared the hallway. All were astounded the bit of noise the two children were capable of generating. Up ahead, the children saw Lord Elrond conversing with another elf, Estel recognized as to be Glorfindel.
Lord Elrond stood by the entranceway, slightly turning from Glorfindel and regarded the two children with a smile.
Anathea caught her breath as she looked up the elves and bowed in respect to them.
"Where are you two going?" Elrond asked as he placed a hand on Anathea's shoulder.
"Estel, is showing me the grounds. Is it all right, if I go with him? I'll be careful." Her voice almost pleaded as she asked permission. Even Estel silently pleaded to his father to permit them.
Holding back a chuckle but his eyes contained that mirth Elrond nodded his answer. "Of course, you can, Anathea." The elf lord replied and turning to his son. "Estel, take good care of Anathea. If she feels tired, bring her back home." He instructed the boy.
"I will father." Estel replied.
"I am happy to see you are now on your feet." The unknown elf standing beside Elrond spoke. "Yes, I'm glad my ankle's healed. Thank you very much." Turning back to the elf lord.
"You are welcome, child." Elrond replied.
"I am Glorfindel," the elf introduced himself and thrust his hand to the girl who shyly looked down on the floor.
Seeing the extended hand, Anathea shook it. Glorfindel smiled and firmly held her hand. Instantly, the girl relaxed.
"Well, this is indeed a good day for a walk on the grounds Elrond observed as he watched the children stepped away from him.
"I can't wait to show Anathea my favorite spot!" Estel yelled and soon the children were out of their sight.
**********
Midday arrived and the Elves knew that Estel has come back when his loud voice rang inside the house. The children breezed into the hallway zigzagging from passing Elves as they ran heading towards the dining hall. No doubt their hungry stomachs were taking over and didn't notice the looks of shock being shot at them by the other Elves.
Elladan had turned his head back into the corridor at the direction of rushing feet and saw Estel barreling down the way looking scruffy. Running two steps behind him was Anathea who has successfully decorated her hair with hay and her gown had an ugly tear running from the knee down.
Sighing disapprovingly at his brother, he caught Estel before the boy could enter the dining hall looking very disheveled.
"I think not, little one," he said with a hint of sternness in his tone as he trapped the boy into his arms.
"Where in the name of Valar have you two been?" eyeing the pair with incredulity lighting in his eyes as he straightened up and suspiciously looking at Estel.
Estel grinned mischievously at his brother. "Oh, we were around." He answered cryptically but before his older brother had a chance to interrogate him any further he quickly turned his heel and grabbed Anathea's hand and went back to where they came.
Elladan wagged his head as he watched the children ran back. "Clean yourselves and join us for lunch!" He called at the retreating figures then he resumed walking towards the dining hall.
A few minutes into the luncheon the children once again showed themselves and head straight to the table all fresh and clean.
Elrond watched his youngest adopted son took his seat beside him while Anathea found a seat next to Elrohir. The elf lord noted the attachment Elrohir had with the girl. A cough sounded near his elbow and was a given a start when Estel choked a little with his food.
"Estel, what have I told you when you insist in gobbling down your food?" The elf lord reminded the little boy as he saw him reached out for the glass of water and took small sips from it.
"Sorry," Estel said after a moment had passed and he was breathing easily. He puts the glass back and gazes around the table when his brothers chuckled.
"I was hungry." He lamely explained. "I wanted to finish my lunch so I can show Anathea more of the grounds." He said.
This time the elf lord shook his head. "Half a day out is enough Estel, Anathea will need her rest in the afternoon."
"But father," Estel started to retort but was silence when Elladan placed his hand on the boy's shoulder.
Estel turned from looking at his father to Elladan. "You, my brother have errands to do in the afternoon." His older brother reminded him.
"But...but..." Estel continued with his protest but didn't get very far.
"No, BUT'S. You will help both of us at the stables, which I believed you have become so acquainted with a while ago." The older twin said in a clear tone while pointedly arching an eyebrow.
Estel groaned at the usual chores that he had to do this afternoon but finally consented.
"You and Anathea can roam around Rivendell tomorrow." His father compensated.
"Now, tell me where you both have gone as your brother told us that a while ago, you looked like you were ran over by a hunting party." He said in a jest.
Estel chuckled at the joke and began to relate to his family their adventures.
**********
Hours passed and Anathea watched from her room, the sun as it slowly dipped behind the mountain range letting shadow stretched her long hands now to cover the hidden vale in a cloak of dusk.
Anathea was sitting on her bed, wondering about many things. She was facing the balcony and thought about her nightmare again. The dream started about the men chasing her and capturing her. She sighed and drew her knees closer to her chest and hugged them.
She wasn't aware that she had doze off after reading the book Estel lent her. Her gaze settled on the book where it lay opened to her left, at the last page she was studying a while ago. The book contained many beautiful pictures inside and below each picture was a text that she had not the skill to read its meaning to provide a good translation. The writings fascinated her and wondered more of the elf-folk. Despite the obvious hindrance she continued flipping through the illustrated pages until her eyes have grown tired and light sleep came to her weary little body.
The bad dream had wakened her with a start, the sun has set and in an hour the first stars began to twinkle up on the sky. The fair elven voices began to sing songs unfamiliar to her ears, which echoed through out the house and the surrounding area. Anathea soon decided to take a walk out of her room.
The girl began to walk towards the Hall of Fire for she heard most of the singing coming from there.
She has never been into that chamber and this morning she and Estel had gone passed it. There wasn't an opportunity to visit it any earlier too until now.
She tentatively peers into the chamber, still hesitant whether she was allowed to venture far in the other parts of the house on her on. Tiny fears knocked around her heart as its beat thumped a little faster than she wanted. She continued to observe several of the Elves gathered inside but couldn't see who were singing though.
The Elves seemed oblivious that she was standing there until a warm feeling flow through her. She turned her head to her right and saw Elrohir standing beside her.
"Anathea, what are you doing alone by the entranceway?" Elrohir asked and led the girl inside.
"I just thought I'm not permitted to come in." She explained. Her cheeks flushed from awkwardness of being caught. Her eyes were wide with wonder since she hadn't seen so many Elves in her life gathered in one place.
As they pass into the room they saw a group of Elves seated off the far left of the chamber, they all looked up from their deep conversation and gave the little girl a collective smile as she took a seat near the fireplace.
"The Hall of Fire is a place to commune for everyone, Anathea." Elrohir said, drawing the child's attention to him.
Elrohir noticed how unusually big her eyes were and she was pale under the light. This hinted something was bothering the girl.
"If you need someone to talk to, I am hear to listen," he offered in a gentle tone and waited for her to speak up.
Anathea paused and fiddled with her fingers. She badly needed someone to be there for her, to take the fears away from her.
After looking back at Elrohir, a visible shake came over her body as a remnant of the nightmare flashed into her mind. It frightened her that she quickly got to her feet and jumped to where Elrohir was seated and threw herself into his open arms.
The elf was stunned and embraced the little girl who was shaking so much.
"What is it, Anathea?" His voice belied the disturbing feeling he was having.
Anathea didn't speak at once instead took the moment to hear his beating heart that was so soothing to hear. His voice was warm that the fear, which lingered in her mind dissipated into nothingness.
He held her for a few more minutes lending his presence to calm the child who was still clearly trying to fight the demons that haunt her.
Finally, the girl looked into his dark brown eyes. "The nightmare came back." She started as her eyes fell on the brooch; her forefinger traced the silver-gray curves of the brooch. Anathea felt Elrohir's arms drew her closer, letting her head, rest on his chest.
"It started when I was running, running away from them. Everything was black. I couldn't see where I was going then hands grab me from behind." The girl shivered from the effect of the bad dream. "It comes back over and over again."
Elrohir kissed her lightly on her head. "The dream's over, Anathea. The men will not harm you anymore."
"But how I can stop them from hurting me in my dream?" She looked up again, searching his eyes for the security she needed.
The Elf pondered for a while before answering. "Long ago, I too was plagued with bad dreams. My mother would remain in my room till very late to assure me that I am safe. She also would say a prayer that I have memorized so that every time I say it, I knew she was there beside me and that I am safe. Would you like to know the prayer?" He asked looking down at the child.
When Anathea nodded. Elrohir first recited the prayer in Elvish then set out in teaching the prayer in common tongue for the little girl to memorize and explain what each line mean to the next so she would understand what the prayer meant. He then, switched to grey tongue and taught her how the words were enunciated in the one verse prayer. To his surprise the girl quickly learned it just as the dinner bell rang.
Anathea smiled and felt secured as Elrohir held her hand. Together they walked out of the room for the dinner hall. Little did Elrohir know that the friendship he has cultivated with the girl would prove to be an anchor that will see Anathea through the many hardships she will go through in her life.