A Second Chance Chapter 13
I do not own Lord of the Rings
AN: Thankyou to Teleboriel and Jacqueline for your reviews! Much appreciated. Read and enjoy!
"Well that deals with the foolish girl," Calale sneered, but something inside her cried out, although why, she wasn't sure.
Saruman had been laying out plans for his army, and much to Calale's disgust, he had enlisted the help of orcs. Looking from a window at Orthanc, she could see many of them, felling all the trees within sight. Sighing she wondered how that foolish old man was doing.
Night had fallen, and Calale watched the destruction around her. As usual, her elvish weakness, as she called it, mourned the death of the trees. Overhead she saw a large eagle fly over. On it's back rode Mithrandir.
'That's okay,' she laughed to herself, 'Run to your friends.' Turning she saw Saruman watching her. "Yes?" she asked impatiently.
"Have you seen anything?" Saruman asked in a sombre voice.
Closing her eyes, and fighting her inner instincts she said, "Last night, I saw that my cousin lived in Lothlorien. They know and soon they will call a council."
Saruman regarded what Calale told him, before leaving the room. A small smile on his face. 'The wraiths have just left Mordor.' Saruman thought, 'It is all happening now.' And he went to oversee the start of his creation.
***
The next morning found Nolwe sitting in bed, becoming frustrated about not being able to move. This is how Galadriel found her, at least. "Would you like to change into a dress?" Galadriel asked.
I looked at her, and sighed, "but Elrond said not to move."
Galadriel laughed and said, "He is only worried. Now let's see what you can where."
"Worried? Why?" I was confused.
Galadriel came over and took my hand. Coming to my feet and standing, I gingerly took a step, and then another. "You know dear it is not healthy to let your emotions get the better of you."
"Emotions?" What was Galadriel on about, I mean how could she know?
"Know that you sometimes wonder what it would be like to kiss the lord of Imaldris." Galadriel said, while picking out a dress, "Here this should do well. He is worried because he cares."
I gaped. Cares? Shaking my head I looked at the dress. Aquamarine blue with silver lining. Nodding my head in acceptance, Galadriel helped me into it. Sitting back into the chair, I started to do my hair while Galadriel spoke, "Nolwe trust your heart and it will not lead you astray." A knock at the door symbolised the end of the discussion, but before she left Galadriel turned to me and said, "There is to be a council this afternoon. Mithrandir arrived yesterday, with the help of the eagle lord. I would like you to attend." Opening the door she said aloud, while motioning behind her back for me to move into bed, "Why Elrond, how nice of you to come by this early. I trust you are eager to see Nolwe this morning?"
'Galadriel what are you doing' I thought to myself, while pulling the covers up over my legs.
'Giving fate a hand,' was her cryptic reply. Blushing, I wished I was still asleep.
Standing aside, she allowed Elrond in who looked at her and said, "Galadriel, it is good to see you," flickering his gaze to me he continued, "I see you have started to corrupt the patient already. Nolwe, please go back to the chair, I fear you will crease the dress further if you continue to lay in bed."
Blushing, I got out of bed and went to the chair as instructed. I looked up and saw that Galadriel had left, leaving me alone with the elven lord. 'now I am in trouble,' I thought. Not really thinking I asked, "Elrond are you upset with me? If you are please tell me what I have done."
Elrond sighed, "I am not upset with you, but at myself. Nolwe I do not want to make you feel obliged to do me any favours."
I was stunned. Standing, I said to him, "I do not feel obliged Elrond, it is something I would like to do."
Elrond's eyebrows rose. Thinking over what Nolwe had just told him he replied, "Well if that is how you feel, then I do have something you could do."
"Well? What is it that I could do for you Elrond?" I asked
'Let me kiss you senseless' Elrond thought to himself, but aloud he said, "When I arrive back in Rivendell, I will have a pile of paperwork to do, the size of the misty mountains. If you could spare me a few hours, I am sure I will get through it faster."
Smiling I took his hand, and shaking it I said, "Deal! Now shall we go for a walk?"
Elrond was surprised. Taking a her hand, he guided her outside, "We shall."
The council that day was not a happy one. Galadriel, Celeborn, Mithrandir, Elrond, Nolwe, and Glorfindel had gathered in Celeborn's study. Mithrandir told his story, as did Nolwe, and for a few minutes nothing was said.
"I have sent word to Frodo Baggins of the shire this morning. He is expecting a letter, and shall know what to do. If all goes well he should arrive in Bree, in about a month." Mithrandir spoke at last, breaking the silence.
Galadriel nodded her head, in silent understanding. "Nolwe what do you say?" she asked.
I sighed, "The time line has somewhat changed from what I believed it to be, but everything is following its course." Thinking a little more I added, "someone should meet Frodo at Bree."
Mithrandir stood and said, "I should meet him, since I am the one who asks this favour of him."
Shaking my head I said, "Maybe, but wouldn't Saruman perhaps expect that?"
Elrond thought and said, "I agree. Estel shall be in Rivendell about a week after I return. I shall send him, he is very good at being invisible."
Glorfindel spoke up at this point, "So it is decided that we will leave for Rivendell the day after the feast?"
Elrond stood and joined Mithrandir, "Yes. Now that I think about it, a feast would do us good, or I feel we need something to lift our spirits. What he didn't say was he was worried that Nolwe would withdraw into herself.
'Be at ease Elrond. She will not wither, like a flower.' Galadriel's mind spoke to him.
Turning his gaze to the figure in question, he could see her thinking about something. 'Can you at least tell me when?' he asked, knowing Galadriel could hear him.
'Patience my lord. If I told you were would the fun be?' Galadriel replied teasing.
Celeborn stood and took Galadriel's arm. "Then this meeting is over?"
Mithrandir gave a curt nod and left the study. Glorfindel muttered something about an archery contest with Haldir, so Galadriel, Celeborn, Elrond and Nolwe were left. Galadriel, eyeing her husband said, "Well milord shall we leave, and go for a walk?"
Celeborn simply smiled and lead her out the door.
Left alone in the room with Elrond was not doing my nerves well. Even though he was handsome, he had such a commanding air sometimes that I struggled to stand up to it. Looking at him I quickly said, "I have to go attend to something." And hurried out the door. 'That was a lie and a half' I thought to myself, but being alone with Elrond always made her feel weak in the knees. 'Damn him for being so desirable!' I cursed.
Elrond was surprised. Nolwe had basically fled from his company in a ball of nerves. Feeling depressed he buried himself in plans for the journey home, hoping it would take his mind elsewhere.
***
Elrohir rode along side his brother. They had left Nolwe only after their father had forced them to find Estel. Coming to a rise, they had finally found what they where looking for, after 10 days searching. Glancing at his brother, Elrohir encouraged his horse faster, and soon they were upon the group of rangers.
"Nae saian luume' Estel, Atanvardo.it has been too long We come bringing you news, although I fear naught I have to say is good." Elladan spoke. Dismounting their horses both of the twins looked at Atanvardo warily. How would he react?
Estel glanced at his brothers, and seeing them look back, he sighed, and said, "Shall we take a walk away from prying eyes?" and motioned them to follow him. After passing some distance He turned and asked hesitantly, "What is the news that you bring?"
Elladan knowing his brother to be upset still spoke, "A little over two weeks ago we came across Nolwe. We found her unconscious, covered in wounds."
Silence lay, before Atanvardo finding his voice asked, "What of Calale? And Mithrandir?"
Elladan looked at the ground for a moment before steeling himself and replying, "From what little I know they both are at Orthanc, being held against their will."
Estel chose this moment to ask, "How is it Nolwe escaped? I can not imagine Saruman letting her go."
Elrohir spoke for the first time, "He didn't. When we found her, we rode to Lothlorien as fast as our steeds would carry us. Nolwe was so injured that Galadriel sent for father, which is why we are here now."
Atanvardo slumped to the ground, banging his fists, as if realising some of the anguish in him would relieve the pain he felt. The two most important people in his life were badly hurt. Feeling an arm on his shoulder he looked up at Estel.
Estel looked at the young half-elven on the ground. Touching his shoulder he said, "We make for Rivendell tonight."
Atanvardo nodded silently. Standing he returned to the group of rangers and found his horse. Not wasting any time he found his pack, and began to organise himself. By the time he had finished Elladan, Elrohir and Estel had returned.
Mounting his horse, along with the others, they set out. For some the journey would not be quick enough.
***
The short time that Nolwe spent in Lothlorien passed, and thankfully not in the presence of a certain elf lord. Sitting on her bed she realised she should be getting ready for the feast that was on tonight. 'Tomorrow I shall leave, with Elrond back to Rivendell.' She thought.
Getting up she opened her dresser and found one of her old gowns that she had never bothered wearing before. Eyeing it she knew it was good enough to were to a feast, by far it was one of the best dresses she owned. Taking it out she held it up and imagined the faces of the elves at the feast, particularly one elf's face. 'Elrond' she frowned, 'why would he not leave her thoughts?'
'Because you love him' said a familiar voice.
Startled she turned to Galadriel, "Is it that obvious?"
"No." was her response. Looking at the dress Galadriel said, "You know you will catch more than Elrond's attention tonight if you were that?" The dress Nolwe had was low cut around the bust, and had sleaves which flowed loosely away from her wrists. The material was white, with fine silver and violet ribbons woven through the fabric.
Nolwe looked at the dress and asked Galadriel with a grin, "Do you think it is too much?"
Galadriel didn't reply, but instead took the dress and helped Nolwe into it. Sitting on a chair, Galadriel did Nolwe's hair, weaving ribbons in matching colours through it. "I shall see you at the feast?" Galadriel asked
Nolwe looked in the mirror and replied, "Yes, I shall be there soon." And Galadriel left her. Steadying her emotions, Nolwe made her way to the great hall at Lothlorien.
When she entered, the feasting had already began. Not wanting to create attention Nolwe slipped to the high table, and found a chair. Sitting down, she realised that she had chosen a chair next to Elrond. Trying to hid her embarrassment she filled her plate with food, and focused on eating.
When Nolwe sat down next to me, I surprised. I was aware that she had been avoiding me. She piled food onto her plate and ate it, without even looking up. Sighing, feeling deflated, I realised she was still avoiding me. 'What have I done to make you act so?' I wondered to myself.
The feasting soon ended, and the dancing and singing began. Galadriel sat back and watched neither Elrond or Nolwe make a move from their chairs. Looking into each of their minds she realised that they both loved each other, but each thought that the feelings were not returned.
Nolwe had began to tire, and tried to hide a yawn. Standing she excused herself from the table and headed towards her bed.
Elrond watched Nolwe rise, and knew that she was leaving. Waiting a few minutes he excused himself, and followed Nolwe, making sure she arrived to her door safely. Elrond's heart twisted in pain, knowing he loved her, but he could not force her.
Elrond walked to his talan and laid down on his bed. Tomorrow they would return to Rivendell, where he would begin to deal with the huge problem which had erupted. With a heavy heart he fell asleep.
The next morning not much was said. Nolwe readied herself, the party travelling to Rivendell was ready. This time there was a escort of guards. Elrond always reserved, came and mounted his horse, silently signalling their departure.
I do not own Lord of the Rings
AN: Thankyou to Teleboriel and Jacqueline for your reviews! Much appreciated. Read and enjoy!
"Well that deals with the foolish girl," Calale sneered, but something inside her cried out, although why, she wasn't sure.
Saruman had been laying out plans for his army, and much to Calale's disgust, he had enlisted the help of orcs. Looking from a window at Orthanc, she could see many of them, felling all the trees within sight. Sighing she wondered how that foolish old man was doing.
Night had fallen, and Calale watched the destruction around her. As usual, her elvish weakness, as she called it, mourned the death of the trees. Overhead she saw a large eagle fly over. On it's back rode Mithrandir.
'That's okay,' she laughed to herself, 'Run to your friends.' Turning she saw Saruman watching her. "Yes?" she asked impatiently.
"Have you seen anything?" Saruman asked in a sombre voice.
Closing her eyes, and fighting her inner instincts she said, "Last night, I saw that my cousin lived in Lothlorien. They know and soon they will call a council."
Saruman regarded what Calale told him, before leaving the room. A small smile on his face. 'The wraiths have just left Mordor.' Saruman thought, 'It is all happening now.' And he went to oversee the start of his creation.
***
The next morning found Nolwe sitting in bed, becoming frustrated about not being able to move. This is how Galadriel found her, at least. "Would you like to change into a dress?" Galadriel asked.
I looked at her, and sighed, "but Elrond said not to move."
Galadriel laughed and said, "He is only worried. Now let's see what you can where."
"Worried? Why?" I was confused.
Galadriel came over and took my hand. Coming to my feet and standing, I gingerly took a step, and then another. "You know dear it is not healthy to let your emotions get the better of you."
"Emotions?" What was Galadriel on about, I mean how could she know?
"Know that you sometimes wonder what it would be like to kiss the lord of Imaldris." Galadriel said, while picking out a dress, "Here this should do well. He is worried because he cares."
I gaped. Cares? Shaking my head I looked at the dress. Aquamarine blue with silver lining. Nodding my head in acceptance, Galadriel helped me into it. Sitting back into the chair, I started to do my hair while Galadriel spoke, "Nolwe trust your heart and it will not lead you astray." A knock at the door symbolised the end of the discussion, but before she left Galadriel turned to me and said, "There is to be a council this afternoon. Mithrandir arrived yesterday, with the help of the eagle lord. I would like you to attend." Opening the door she said aloud, while motioning behind her back for me to move into bed, "Why Elrond, how nice of you to come by this early. I trust you are eager to see Nolwe this morning?"
'Galadriel what are you doing' I thought to myself, while pulling the covers up over my legs.
'Giving fate a hand,' was her cryptic reply. Blushing, I wished I was still asleep.
Standing aside, she allowed Elrond in who looked at her and said, "Galadriel, it is good to see you," flickering his gaze to me he continued, "I see you have started to corrupt the patient already. Nolwe, please go back to the chair, I fear you will crease the dress further if you continue to lay in bed."
Blushing, I got out of bed and went to the chair as instructed. I looked up and saw that Galadriel had left, leaving me alone with the elven lord. 'now I am in trouble,' I thought. Not really thinking I asked, "Elrond are you upset with me? If you are please tell me what I have done."
Elrond sighed, "I am not upset with you, but at myself. Nolwe I do not want to make you feel obliged to do me any favours."
I was stunned. Standing, I said to him, "I do not feel obliged Elrond, it is something I would like to do."
Elrond's eyebrows rose. Thinking over what Nolwe had just told him he replied, "Well if that is how you feel, then I do have something you could do."
"Well? What is it that I could do for you Elrond?" I asked
'Let me kiss you senseless' Elrond thought to himself, but aloud he said, "When I arrive back in Rivendell, I will have a pile of paperwork to do, the size of the misty mountains. If you could spare me a few hours, I am sure I will get through it faster."
Smiling I took his hand, and shaking it I said, "Deal! Now shall we go for a walk?"
Elrond was surprised. Taking a her hand, he guided her outside, "We shall."
The council that day was not a happy one. Galadriel, Celeborn, Mithrandir, Elrond, Nolwe, and Glorfindel had gathered in Celeborn's study. Mithrandir told his story, as did Nolwe, and for a few minutes nothing was said.
"I have sent word to Frodo Baggins of the shire this morning. He is expecting a letter, and shall know what to do. If all goes well he should arrive in Bree, in about a month." Mithrandir spoke at last, breaking the silence.
Galadriel nodded her head, in silent understanding. "Nolwe what do you say?" she asked.
I sighed, "The time line has somewhat changed from what I believed it to be, but everything is following its course." Thinking a little more I added, "someone should meet Frodo at Bree."
Mithrandir stood and said, "I should meet him, since I am the one who asks this favour of him."
Shaking my head I said, "Maybe, but wouldn't Saruman perhaps expect that?"
Elrond thought and said, "I agree. Estel shall be in Rivendell about a week after I return. I shall send him, he is very good at being invisible."
Glorfindel spoke up at this point, "So it is decided that we will leave for Rivendell the day after the feast?"
Elrond stood and joined Mithrandir, "Yes. Now that I think about it, a feast would do us good, or I feel we need something to lift our spirits. What he didn't say was he was worried that Nolwe would withdraw into herself.
'Be at ease Elrond. She will not wither, like a flower.' Galadriel's mind spoke to him.
Turning his gaze to the figure in question, he could see her thinking about something. 'Can you at least tell me when?' he asked, knowing Galadriel could hear him.
'Patience my lord. If I told you were would the fun be?' Galadriel replied teasing.
Celeborn stood and took Galadriel's arm. "Then this meeting is over?"
Mithrandir gave a curt nod and left the study. Glorfindel muttered something about an archery contest with Haldir, so Galadriel, Celeborn, Elrond and Nolwe were left. Galadriel, eyeing her husband said, "Well milord shall we leave, and go for a walk?"
Celeborn simply smiled and lead her out the door.
Left alone in the room with Elrond was not doing my nerves well. Even though he was handsome, he had such a commanding air sometimes that I struggled to stand up to it. Looking at him I quickly said, "I have to go attend to something." And hurried out the door. 'That was a lie and a half' I thought to myself, but being alone with Elrond always made her feel weak in the knees. 'Damn him for being so desirable!' I cursed.
Elrond was surprised. Nolwe had basically fled from his company in a ball of nerves. Feeling depressed he buried himself in plans for the journey home, hoping it would take his mind elsewhere.
***
Elrohir rode along side his brother. They had left Nolwe only after their father had forced them to find Estel. Coming to a rise, they had finally found what they where looking for, after 10 days searching. Glancing at his brother, Elrohir encouraged his horse faster, and soon they were upon the group of rangers.
"Nae saian luume' Estel, Atanvardo.it has been too long We come bringing you news, although I fear naught I have to say is good." Elladan spoke. Dismounting their horses both of the twins looked at Atanvardo warily. How would he react?
Estel glanced at his brothers, and seeing them look back, he sighed, and said, "Shall we take a walk away from prying eyes?" and motioned them to follow him. After passing some distance He turned and asked hesitantly, "What is the news that you bring?"
Elladan knowing his brother to be upset still spoke, "A little over two weeks ago we came across Nolwe. We found her unconscious, covered in wounds."
Silence lay, before Atanvardo finding his voice asked, "What of Calale? And Mithrandir?"
Elladan looked at the ground for a moment before steeling himself and replying, "From what little I know they both are at Orthanc, being held against their will."
Estel chose this moment to ask, "How is it Nolwe escaped? I can not imagine Saruman letting her go."
Elrohir spoke for the first time, "He didn't. When we found her, we rode to Lothlorien as fast as our steeds would carry us. Nolwe was so injured that Galadriel sent for father, which is why we are here now."
Atanvardo slumped to the ground, banging his fists, as if realising some of the anguish in him would relieve the pain he felt. The two most important people in his life were badly hurt. Feeling an arm on his shoulder he looked up at Estel.
Estel looked at the young half-elven on the ground. Touching his shoulder he said, "We make for Rivendell tonight."
Atanvardo nodded silently. Standing he returned to the group of rangers and found his horse. Not wasting any time he found his pack, and began to organise himself. By the time he had finished Elladan, Elrohir and Estel had returned.
Mounting his horse, along with the others, they set out. For some the journey would not be quick enough.
***
The short time that Nolwe spent in Lothlorien passed, and thankfully not in the presence of a certain elf lord. Sitting on her bed she realised she should be getting ready for the feast that was on tonight. 'Tomorrow I shall leave, with Elrond back to Rivendell.' She thought.
Getting up she opened her dresser and found one of her old gowns that she had never bothered wearing before. Eyeing it she knew it was good enough to were to a feast, by far it was one of the best dresses she owned. Taking it out she held it up and imagined the faces of the elves at the feast, particularly one elf's face. 'Elrond' she frowned, 'why would he not leave her thoughts?'
'Because you love him' said a familiar voice.
Startled she turned to Galadriel, "Is it that obvious?"
"No." was her response. Looking at the dress Galadriel said, "You know you will catch more than Elrond's attention tonight if you were that?" The dress Nolwe had was low cut around the bust, and had sleaves which flowed loosely away from her wrists. The material was white, with fine silver and violet ribbons woven through the fabric.
Nolwe looked at the dress and asked Galadriel with a grin, "Do you think it is too much?"
Galadriel didn't reply, but instead took the dress and helped Nolwe into it. Sitting on a chair, Galadriel did Nolwe's hair, weaving ribbons in matching colours through it. "I shall see you at the feast?" Galadriel asked
Nolwe looked in the mirror and replied, "Yes, I shall be there soon." And Galadriel left her. Steadying her emotions, Nolwe made her way to the great hall at Lothlorien.
When she entered, the feasting had already began. Not wanting to create attention Nolwe slipped to the high table, and found a chair. Sitting down, she realised that she had chosen a chair next to Elrond. Trying to hid her embarrassment she filled her plate with food, and focused on eating.
When Nolwe sat down next to me, I surprised. I was aware that she had been avoiding me. She piled food onto her plate and ate it, without even looking up. Sighing, feeling deflated, I realised she was still avoiding me. 'What have I done to make you act so?' I wondered to myself.
The feasting soon ended, and the dancing and singing began. Galadriel sat back and watched neither Elrond or Nolwe make a move from their chairs. Looking into each of their minds she realised that they both loved each other, but each thought that the feelings were not returned.
Nolwe had began to tire, and tried to hide a yawn. Standing she excused herself from the table and headed towards her bed.
Elrond watched Nolwe rise, and knew that she was leaving. Waiting a few minutes he excused himself, and followed Nolwe, making sure she arrived to her door safely. Elrond's heart twisted in pain, knowing he loved her, but he could not force her.
Elrond walked to his talan and laid down on his bed. Tomorrow they would return to Rivendell, where he would begin to deal with the huge problem which had erupted. With a heavy heart he fell asleep.
The next morning not much was said. Nolwe readied herself, the party travelling to Rivendell was ready. This time there was a escort of guards. Elrond always reserved, came and mounted his horse, silently signalling their departure.