A Second Chance Chapter 12
I do not own Lord of the Rings
***
"Elladan the wolves are hunting tonight." Elrohir spoke up from his side of the fire, "and you know, we were being followed by someone those last few hours today."
Elladan looked at his brother and asked, "Do you think we should try and find what has caught the wolves' interest?"
Elrohir smiled and said, "I knew you would understand." Together the crept through the darkness towards were the wolves were. Deciding it was better that they didn't walk along the path they ventured off, and meet an unexpected site. Lying on the ground was Nolwe, her body covered in scratches and blood.
Elrohir looked to his brother and asked, "What do you think Nolwe is doing out here?" Stepping up to her body, he tried to wake her, but she was clearly unconscious.
Together, with great care, they picked her up, and made their way back to camp. Laying her down on a blanket that they usually slept on, Elladan checked her for injuries. Looking at Elrohir he said, "I am not sure what happened, but she needs to be taken to a healer."
Elrohir paled, before asking, "What are the extent of her injuries?"
Elladan, holding back the emotions rampaging his body answered, "Apart from an arrow and sword wound, she has two cracked ribs, a twisted ankle, much bruising, including a knock to the head, and I think she could be bleeding internally. Although I am not sure."
Elrohir started to swear. Looking at his brother he then asked, "What about Mithrandir and Calale?" Looking at Nolwe he noticed her waking.
The blackness began to lift, and I opened my eyes to see the twins staring at me. Letting out a sob, I found it hard to breath, and I could taste the coppery bitterness of blood on my lips. "Where am I?" I asked
Elladan looked at Elrohir before answering, "You are with us at our camp, in the country of Rohan." Looking into my eyes he asked, "What happened Nolwe? Where is Mithrandir and Calale?"
My thought floated back to what had happened only two nights ago. What was I going to do? Fresh tears came to me, blurring my vision. I tried to lift my arm, but found the pain to great. Several moments passed before I realised that the twins had been patiently waiting my answer. With a heavy heart I tried to tell them, but the pain was too much.
The twins hearing the anxiety in my voice, motioned for me to be quiet, and spoke quietly for a few minutes. Elrohir spoke up, "Nolwe we have to take you to an elvish healer. Do you understand?" Nodding my head he continued, "Do you still have the flask of sleeping draught that father gave you for Calale's dreams?"
I thought about it and realised I did, but it was with my pack, which was still tied to Suume. Telling them where it was, Elrohir went off to find it, while Elladan tried to clean out some of the wounds. While he did this he told me of their plans. "Nolwe we are going to take you to Lothlorien, where maybe Galadriel will be able to help you. They journey is far, so Elrohir and myself think it would be best if you took the potion, and slept most of the way."
What he didn't say became so painfully obvious. If I wasn't asleep, or unconscious, I might not last the journey. I replied, "I understand." Elladan took my hand and gave it a squeeze.
About ten minutes passed before Elrohir returned, pulling along with him Suume. With my instructions he found the flask. Holding it to my lips I took a mouthful. Although it did not taste good, it washed away the taste of the blood. I didn't have to wait long before darkness over came me.
"She is asleep. Brother what do you think has happened?" Elrohir looked to Elladan, searching his face.
Elladan was confused. 'What happened that she left Calale? How was she hurt?' these questions and many more flowed through his mind. Looking at Nolwe he said, "The sooner we can get to Lothlorien, the better for everyone."
An unspoken conclusion had been made. Elladan mounted his horse, and Elrohir handed him Nolwe. Going to his own horse, he whistled for Suume to follow, as the set out into the rising sun.
Four days had passed, and the twins had set a fast pace. Knowing their way through terrain which was not marked on the maps they were able to cut several days off the trip to Lothlorien.
"Be mindful, she is waking." I heard a familiar voice say. Opening my eyes, I found that I was being held by someone who was guiding their horse. "Go back to sleep Nolwe, we are still a few days ride from Lothlorien." Looking around I saw Elrohir give me a small smile of reassurance. Feeling the flask being held against my lips, I took another mouthful, and greeted the blackness with open arms.
Elladan looked at Elrohir and said, "She slept last time for four days on only one mouthful of the draught. I fear her body has grown weak."
Elrohir thinking over his choices said, "We are only two days hard ride from Lothlorien. With Nolwe it is three. I will ride ahead and inform grandmother of what has happened."
Elladan gave his twin a curt nod in agreement, and Elrohir, needing no more of an answer, encouraged his horse faster.
As Elrohir predicted, it took Elladan three more days to reach Lothlorien. Nolwe had still not awaken form taking the draught, and when he saw Haldir at the borders waiting, he cried out, "Mae govannen Haldir of Lorienwell meet Haldir. We must hurry, I do not know how much longer she will last."
Haldir looked to the elder twin, and then at Nolwe, his friend. Seeing that he spoke true, he said, "Mae govannen Elladan of Imaldris. The lady is expecting you. Follow us."
***
I ran across a field of flowers, their scent thick in the air. Reaching the crest of a hill, I sat and wondered where I was.
"You are on the plains, which lay between the living and the dead." A voice spoke, and turning I saw Manwe, coming and sitting beside me.
Plucking a flower form the ground, and twirling it between my fingers, I contemplated what he said. Even here, in this place I could not brush aside the memories of Calale being overcome by the power of Saruman. Looking at him I asked, "Why am I here?"
Knowing what I asked of, Manwe sighed, before saying, "You were hurt badly, both body and soul."
My insides crumbled, and the first of many tears fell. "What should I do?", my voice sounded cracked, like dry autumn leaves.
Feeling an arm on my shoulder, I turned to Manwe, "My child if you had to make the decision again, would you?"
The word no was on the tip of my tongue. Thinking it over though I realised that in the same circumstance, given the same choices, I would have made the same decision.
Seeing that I had reached my answer Manwe said, "Up little one, for someone seeks you out."
"Who?" I asked, but I received no reply. Looking around I saw no one, and was by myself in the field of flowers.
"Nolwe?" I knew that voice, but why was he here? I turned and saw sight I never expected. Walking up the hill to join me was Elrond.
"Nolwe it is time to return." He said at last, reaching me.
"Will it hurt?" I asked in a small voice.
Elrond looked at me sadly, "I will try to help you, but it will hurt a little."
I smiled, "I should trust you after last time?"
Elrond's lips curved up slightly at the joke and he held out his hand. Blushing before taking it, I realised how attractive the elf lord really was - deadly. Upon the contact of our hands, the world disappeared, and I blinked.
"Welcome back to the land of the living Nolwe." I heard Elrond say to me. I tried to move, but firm hands pushed me back into the bed, "Don't try to move yet, you had two broken ribs. Although I have healed them, with the riding that you did to get here, you were very bruised."
Focusing on the elven lord I asked, "What now?"
Elrond took a moment before answering in a kind tone, "Now we wait. When you become well enough, we shall make the journey back to Rivendell. There is much to do. My sons are searching for Estel, and should arrive back any day."
I looked at the ceiling. I felt helpless. "Is there nothing I can do?"
Elrond looked at me and said, "I need you to tell me what happened, but only when you are ready." Standing up he went to leave.
"Are you leaving now?" I asked, and felt foolish. Elrond was probably very busy, and didn't have time to spend with an invalid.
Elrond, again smiled, if you could call it smiling and said, "I shall return in a moment with some food." And disappeared, only to return a moment later with a tray.
Not wanting to be rude I said, "Forgive me Elrond, but you do not have to stay to entertain me. I know you must be busy."
Elrond again smiled and said, "Nay I am not expected anywhere, except here. That is if you don't mind."
I blushed, and said, "Of course not, I just do not want to be a burden." After a moment I said, "How am I going to eat if I am not able to move?"
"Simple, I am going to feed you." Elrond replied, moving the chair closer to the bed, and holding the tray on his lap. Scooping up some food with a spoon, he held it to my mouth. When I first tasted the food, I realised how hungry I was, but then Elrond said, "Slowly Nolwe. You have not eaten for two weeks now, and it will not do you well to overeat at this stage."
Suddenly there was a knock at the door, and Elrond, putting the tray aside went to see who it was. Standing at the door was Glorfindel, and Celeborn. Seeing them I smiled and said, "Why do you stand at the door? Come in, I wish for more company." Glorfindel never a shy elf, strode over to the bed and asked, "Well I can see those sword lessons were worth while," before smiling and saying, "So what were you two up to while we were away?"
I blushed, before asking, "You all were in here?"
Celeborn came and sat down near the edge of the bed, a frown across his face. "We all waited for you to awake, but we could do nothing without the help of Elrond. We are greatly indebted to him for leaving Rivendell, to heal you."
I was so embarrassed. If they said any more my ears could be related to tomatoes. Gathering some composure I turned to Elrond and said, "I am sorry. But I forgot to thankyou for helping me." Blushing, I added in a small voice, "Thankyou."
Elrond sat down on the chair again, and said, "Well if you two gentlemen have finished embarrassing Nolwe, we can talk about other things."
Glorfindel looked at his long time friend, and could see that he was uncomfortable. He decided that it was time to take some action, "So in three days there is going to be a feast Celeborn?"
Celeborn, usually a reserved elf saw what Glorfindel was doing and replied, "Yes, and hopefully all will be in attendance," turning to Elrond he asked, "Elrond will Nolwe be able to attend?"
'What are they doing to me?' Elrond thought, panicked, 'If they say any more she is surely going to realise that I like her.' Looking up I realised that Celeborn had just asked me something. Focusing my thoughts I answered, "Nolwe should be able to, but only if she is careful."
Celeborn jumped to his feet and said, "Excellent, then I leave her care into your excellent hands Elrond." Standing up he turned to Nolwe and said, "My dear, Galadriel will visit you before then, for she has something she wishes to discuss with you."
'Please tell me Eru, that everyone if Lothlorien is not a matchmaker?' If I could have begged at that moment, I would have. Standing and turning to Glorfindel, who had an innocent look on his face, I narrowed my eyes at him.
Glorfindel seeing Elrond's eyes darken slightly, knew that his time for departure had arrived. Standing next to Celeborn he said, "Well Nolwe, now we know you are in good hands, we shall leave you, so that you can get better, and other things." And with that the two lords left. 'Fools' I thought.
I watched the three male elves hold a discussion about me, and with each moment I wanted to find a rock, and crawl underneath it. After they left Elrond looked at me and could see why they left suddenly. Instead of their normal silver grey colour, his eyes where darkening to a more solid grey colour, like a storm about to unleash its fury. Warily I laid back into the bed. Seeing his eyes change, I had a moment of impish thoughts and wondered what they would look like after kissing him. 'Not that I will ever know.' I thought, not realising that Elrond by now had caught me staring.
Elrond sighed. Seeing those two leave was a good thing, although now he was left alone in a room with Nolwe, who seemed to be staring at him. 'Not that, that is a bad thing,' he thought, 'maybe I have a chance yet.' Taking up his chair again, he sat down and placed his hand on Nolwe's forehead. Searching he found that she was indeed rapidly mending, and that by this time tomorrow, she could probably try standing, and walking around.
"Tomorrow you can try walking, that is if it's okay by you?" Elrond asked me.
Snapping out of my silly thoughts of romance I answered, "Of course! I mean yes." I stammered. 'This is silly' I scolded myself, 'Calale is being held by Saruman, and you are acting like a giddy teenager.' Something I wanted to forget was that night.
As if Elrond could read my mind he said, "You know if you ever want to speak to someone my door is always open." Producing a weak smile I knew the sooner I spoke of what happened the better I would feel. Resolved, I started, "If you could spare the time now milord, I think I am in need of a listening ear."
Elrond understood what I said, and took my hand, squeezing my fingers. A comforting warmth spread through me, and drawing in a deep breath I began my recount of the events which happened that night.
I must have spoken for at least two hours, and cried more than I had since the passing of my parents. I spoke not only of Saruman's deception, but also how I was worried that the time line was different from what I believed it to be.
After hearing me speak and cry, Elrond looked at me, and slowly said, "Nolwe I realise that you must be facing a great inner battle of the heart," squeezing my hand in reassurance, "If I had been you I would have made the same choices. True you and your cousins where destined to come to middle earth, but apart from that, your destiny lies within yourself and not some book of tales. As for the difference in events, well that was to be expected, I would not worry."
I was moved. The words that flowed from his lips were like a warm blanket, wrapped around me. Truly smiling I said, "Elrond at the rate we are going, I shall be thanking you for the rest of our immortal lives," I shyly added, "If I can ever do anything to return the favour you only need to ask."
His reaction was unexpected. Instead of smiling he frowned, his eyes clouding over, and stood up. Looking out the window he said, "I didn't realise how late it was," glancing out the window I realised the sun had set. Elrond came up to me, checked me once more and said, "I think it is time you went to sleep Nolwe. Tomorrow you will need all your energy," going to the door he said, "Quel kaimasleep well," before leaving.
I was speechless, something I had said had upset Elrond, but what? I pondered on this for a little while, before sleep took over.
I do not own Lord of the Rings
***
"Elladan the wolves are hunting tonight." Elrohir spoke up from his side of the fire, "and you know, we were being followed by someone those last few hours today."
Elladan looked at his brother and asked, "Do you think we should try and find what has caught the wolves' interest?"
Elrohir smiled and said, "I knew you would understand." Together the crept through the darkness towards were the wolves were. Deciding it was better that they didn't walk along the path they ventured off, and meet an unexpected site. Lying on the ground was Nolwe, her body covered in scratches and blood.
Elrohir looked to his brother and asked, "What do you think Nolwe is doing out here?" Stepping up to her body, he tried to wake her, but she was clearly unconscious.
Together, with great care, they picked her up, and made their way back to camp. Laying her down on a blanket that they usually slept on, Elladan checked her for injuries. Looking at Elrohir he said, "I am not sure what happened, but she needs to be taken to a healer."
Elrohir paled, before asking, "What are the extent of her injuries?"
Elladan, holding back the emotions rampaging his body answered, "Apart from an arrow and sword wound, she has two cracked ribs, a twisted ankle, much bruising, including a knock to the head, and I think she could be bleeding internally. Although I am not sure."
Elrohir started to swear. Looking at his brother he then asked, "What about Mithrandir and Calale?" Looking at Nolwe he noticed her waking.
The blackness began to lift, and I opened my eyes to see the twins staring at me. Letting out a sob, I found it hard to breath, and I could taste the coppery bitterness of blood on my lips. "Where am I?" I asked
Elladan looked at Elrohir before answering, "You are with us at our camp, in the country of Rohan." Looking into my eyes he asked, "What happened Nolwe? Where is Mithrandir and Calale?"
My thought floated back to what had happened only two nights ago. What was I going to do? Fresh tears came to me, blurring my vision. I tried to lift my arm, but found the pain to great. Several moments passed before I realised that the twins had been patiently waiting my answer. With a heavy heart I tried to tell them, but the pain was too much.
The twins hearing the anxiety in my voice, motioned for me to be quiet, and spoke quietly for a few minutes. Elrohir spoke up, "Nolwe we have to take you to an elvish healer. Do you understand?" Nodding my head he continued, "Do you still have the flask of sleeping draught that father gave you for Calale's dreams?"
I thought about it and realised I did, but it was with my pack, which was still tied to Suume. Telling them where it was, Elrohir went off to find it, while Elladan tried to clean out some of the wounds. While he did this he told me of their plans. "Nolwe we are going to take you to Lothlorien, where maybe Galadriel will be able to help you. They journey is far, so Elrohir and myself think it would be best if you took the potion, and slept most of the way."
What he didn't say became so painfully obvious. If I wasn't asleep, or unconscious, I might not last the journey. I replied, "I understand." Elladan took my hand and gave it a squeeze.
About ten minutes passed before Elrohir returned, pulling along with him Suume. With my instructions he found the flask. Holding it to my lips I took a mouthful. Although it did not taste good, it washed away the taste of the blood. I didn't have to wait long before darkness over came me.
"She is asleep. Brother what do you think has happened?" Elrohir looked to Elladan, searching his face.
Elladan was confused. 'What happened that she left Calale? How was she hurt?' these questions and many more flowed through his mind. Looking at Nolwe he said, "The sooner we can get to Lothlorien, the better for everyone."
An unspoken conclusion had been made. Elladan mounted his horse, and Elrohir handed him Nolwe. Going to his own horse, he whistled for Suume to follow, as the set out into the rising sun.
Four days had passed, and the twins had set a fast pace. Knowing their way through terrain which was not marked on the maps they were able to cut several days off the trip to Lothlorien.
"Be mindful, she is waking." I heard a familiar voice say. Opening my eyes, I found that I was being held by someone who was guiding their horse. "Go back to sleep Nolwe, we are still a few days ride from Lothlorien." Looking around I saw Elrohir give me a small smile of reassurance. Feeling the flask being held against my lips, I took another mouthful, and greeted the blackness with open arms.
Elladan looked at Elrohir and said, "She slept last time for four days on only one mouthful of the draught. I fear her body has grown weak."
Elrohir thinking over his choices said, "We are only two days hard ride from Lothlorien. With Nolwe it is three. I will ride ahead and inform grandmother of what has happened."
Elladan gave his twin a curt nod in agreement, and Elrohir, needing no more of an answer, encouraged his horse faster.
As Elrohir predicted, it took Elladan three more days to reach Lothlorien. Nolwe had still not awaken form taking the draught, and when he saw Haldir at the borders waiting, he cried out, "Mae govannen Haldir of Lorienwell meet Haldir. We must hurry, I do not know how much longer she will last."
Haldir looked to the elder twin, and then at Nolwe, his friend. Seeing that he spoke true, he said, "Mae govannen Elladan of Imaldris. The lady is expecting you. Follow us."
***
I ran across a field of flowers, their scent thick in the air. Reaching the crest of a hill, I sat and wondered where I was.
"You are on the plains, which lay between the living and the dead." A voice spoke, and turning I saw Manwe, coming and sitting beside me.
Plucking a flower form the ground, and twirling it between my fingers, I contemplated what he said. Even here, in this place I could not brush aside the memories of Calale being overcome by the power of Saruman. Looking at him I asked, "Why am I here?"
Knowing what I asked of, Manwe sighed, before saying, "You were hurt badly, both body and soul."
My insides crumbled, and the first of many tears fell. "What should I do?", my voice sounded cracked, like dry autumn leaves.
Feeling an arm on my shoulder, I turned to Manwe, "My child if you had to make the decision again, would you?"
The word no was on the tip of my tongue. Thinking it over though I realised that in the same circumstance, given the same choices, I would have made the same decision.
Seeing that I had reached my answer Manwe said, "Up little one, for someone seeks you out."
"Who?" I asked, but I received no reply. Looking around I saw no one, and was by myself in the field of flowers.
"Nolwe?" I knew that voice, but why was he here? I turned and saw sight I never expected. Walking up the hill to join me was Elrond.
"Nolwe it is time to return." He said at last, reaching me.
"Will it hurt?" I asked in a small voice.
Elrond looked at me sadly, "I will try to help you, but it will hurt a little."
I smiled, "I should trust you after last time?"
Elrond's lips curved up slightly at the joke and he held out his hand. Blushing before taking it, I realised how attractive the elf lord really was - deadly. Upon the contact of our hands, the world disappeared, and I blinked.
"Welcome back to the land of the living Nolwe." I heard Elrond say to me. I tried to move, but firm hands pushed me back into the bed, "Don't try to move yet, you had two broken ribs. Although I have healed them, with the riding that you did to get here, you were very bruised."
Focusing on the elven lord I asked, "What now?"
Elrond took a moment before answering in a kind tone, "Now we wait. When you become well enough, we shall make the journey back to Rivendell. There is much to do. My sons are searching for Estel, and should arrive back any day."
I looked at the ceiling. I felt helpless. "Is there nothing I can do?"
Elrond looked at me and said, "I need you to tell me what happened, but only when you are ready." Standing up he went to leave.
"Are you leaving now?" I asked, and felt foolish. Elrond was probably very busy, and didn't have time to spend with an invalid.
Elrond, again smiled, if you could call it smiling and said, "I shall return in a moment with some food." And disappeared, only to return a moment later with a tray.
Not wanting to be rude I said, "Forgive me Elrond, but you do not have to stay to entertain me. I know you must be busy."
Elrond again smiled and said, "Nay I am not expected anywhere, except here. That is if you don't mind."
I blushed, and said, "Of course not, I just do not want to be a burden." After a moment I said, "How am I going to eat if I am not able to move?"
"Simple, I am going to feed you." Elrond replied, moving the chair closer to the bed, and holding the tray on his lap. Scooping up some food with a spoon, he held it to my mouth. When I first tasted the food, I realised how hungry I was, but then Elrond said, "Slowly Nolwe. You have not eaten for two weeks now, and it will not do you well to overeat at this stage."
Suddenly there was a knock at the door, and Elrond, putting the tray aside went to see who it was. Standing at the door was Glorfindel, and Celeborn. Seeing them I smiled and said, "Why do you stand at the door? Come in, I wish for more company." Glorfindel never a shy elf, strode over to the bed and asked, "Well I can see those sword lessons were worth while," before smiling and saying, "So what were you two up to while we were away?"
I blushed, before asking, "You all were in here?"
Celeborn came and sat down near the edge of the bed, a frown across his face. "We all waited for you to awake, but we could do nothing without the help of Elrond. We are greatly indebted to him for leaving Rivendell, to heal you."
I was so embarrassed. If they said any more my ears could be related to tomatoes. Gathering some composure I turned to Elrond and said, "I am sorry. But I forgot to thankyou for helping me." Blushing, I added in a small voice, "Thankyou."
Elrond sat down on the chair again, and said, "Well if you two gentlemen have finished embarrassing Nolwe, we can talk about other things."
Glorfindel looked at his long time friend, and could see that he was uncomfortable. He decided that it was time to take some action, "So in three days there is going to be a feast Celeborn?"
Celeborn, usually a reserved elf saw what Glorfindel was doing and replied, "Yes, and hopefully all will be in attendance," turning to Elrond he asked, "Elrond will Nolwe be able to attend?"
'What are they doing to me?' Elrond thought, panicked, 'If they say any more she is surely going to realise that I like her.' Looking up I realised that Celeborn had just asked me something. Focusing my thoughts I answered, "Nolwe should be able to, but only if she is careful."
Celeborn jumped to his feet and said, "Excellent, then I leave her care into your excellent hands Elrond." Standing up he turned to Nolwe and said, "My dear, Galadriel will visit you before then, for she has something she wishes to discuss with you."
'Please tell me Eru, that everyone if Lothlorien is not a matchmaker?' If I could have begged at that moment, I would have. Standing and turning to Glorfindel, who had an innocent look on his face, I narrowed my eyes at him.
Glorfindel seeing Elrond's eyes darken slightly, knew that his time for departure had arrived. Standing next to Celeborn he said, "Well Nolwe, now we know you are in good hands, we shall leave you, so that you can get better, and other things." And with that the two lords left. 'Fools' I thought.
I watched the three male elves hold a discussion about me, and with each moment I wanted to find a rock, and crawl underneath it. After they left Elrond looked at me and could see why they left suddenly. Instead of their normal silver grey colour, his eyes where darkening to a more solid grey colour, like a storm about to unleash its fury. Warily I laid back into the bed. Seeing his eyes change, I had a moment of impish thoughts and wondered what they would look like after kissing him. 'Not that I will ever know.' I thought, not realising that Elrond by now had caught me staring.
Elrond sighed. Seeing those two leave was a good thing, although now he was left alone in a room with Nolwe, who seemed to be staring at him. 'Not that, that is a bad thing,' he thought, 'maybe I have a chance yet.' Taking up his chair again, he sat down and placed his hand on Nolwe's forehead. Searching he found that she was indeed rapidly mending, and that by this time tomorrow, she could probably try standing, and walking around.
"Tomorrow you can try walking, that is if it's okay by you?" Elrond asked me.
Snapping out of my silly thoughts of romance I answered, "Of course! I mean yes." I stammered. 'This is silly' I scolded myself, 'Calale is being held by Saruman, and you are acting like a giddy teenager.' Something I wanted to forget was that night.
As if Elrond could read my mind he said, "You know if you ever want to speak to someone my door is always open." Producing a weak smile I knew the sooner I spoke of what happened the better I would feel. Resolved, I started, "If you could spare the time now milord, I think I am in need of a listening ear."
Elrond understood what I said, and took my hand, squeezing my fingers. A comforting warmth spread through me, and drawing in a deep breath I began my recount of the events which happened that night.
I must have spoken for at least two hours, and cried more than I had since the passing of my parents. I spoke not only of Saruman's deception, but also how I was worried that the time line was different from what I believed it to be.
After hearing me speak and cry, Elrond looked at me, and slowly said, "Nolwe I realise that you must be facing a great inner battle of the heart," squeezing my hand in reassurance, "If I had been you I would have made the same choices. True you and your cousins where destined to come to middle earth, but apart from that, your destiny lies within yourself and not some book of tales. As for the difference in events, well that was to be expected, I would not worry."
I was moved. The words that flowed from his lips were like a warm blanket, wrapped around me. Truly smiling I said, "Elrond at the rate we are going, I shall be thanking you for the rest of our immortal lives," I shyly added, "If I can ever do anything to return the favour you only need to ask."
His reaction was unexpected. Instead of smiling he frowned, his eyes clouding over, and stood up. Looking out the window he said, "I didn't realise how late it was," glancing out the window I realised the sun had set. Elrond came up to me, checked me once more and said, "I think it is time you went to sleep Nolwe. Tomorrow you will need all your energy," going to the door he said, "Quel kaimasleep well," before leaving.
I was speechless, something I had said had upset Elrond, but what? I pondered on this for a little while, before sleep took over.