A Second Chance Chapter 14
I do not own Lord of the Rings, although all other characters are mine.
The journey was as quick as one could make it, and with such a large escort, nothing dared to bother them. Coming around the last corner of the hill, Nolwe for the first time saw Rivendell in all it's glory. Stopping her horse she let out a sigh, wishing the moment would not end.
"I forget that you have never really seen my home before," Elrond spoke up from beside her.
Without thinking she replied, smiling, "It is very beautiful. If I had known before, I think I might of hesitated in my departure." Urging her horse on, she did not see Elrond's small smile.
Upon their arrival, they found an anxious Arwen waiting for them. "Father! How is Nolwe, and Calale?"
Hearing her name Nolwe called out, "All is well for my part Arwen." And Arwen seeing her smiled, but confusion was in her eyes.
"Where is Calale? I see Mithrandir has come." Arwen looked at her father.
Elrond dismounted, and approached his daughter. Taking her hand he lead her to his study, and was followed by Mithrandir, Glorfindel and Nolwe. Sitting behind his desk, Arwen released his hand and turned to Nolwe, "What has happened, that would call my father to Lothlorien to heal you Nolwe?"
She was beginning to appear worried. Elrond catching my eyes, silently asked if he could tell her. Bracing herself, for the pain was still near, I heard him say, "When Nolwe, Mithrandir and Calale arrived at Orthanc, Saruman had already chosen to side with the dark lord. The idea of stopping Calale's dreams was a ruse, and now he controls her."
Arwen sat down, unable to bear the news standing. I was feeling tired form my journey, approached her, "Arwen I am going to my rooms for a short rest. Would you care to join me?" Holding out my arm I helped her stand. Turning to Elrond I said, "I shall come back later."
Changing out of my riding clothes, I said to Arwen, "Do not worry. Estel and Atanvardo shall arrive soon, with your brothers."
Arwen looked up and asked, "How can you be so strong?"
"Because.," my voice wavered, "Because if I allow my true feelings, then I would die from heartbreak." Tears began to fall. Arwen stood and held me close. That was my breaking, and I released a heart wrenching sob.
Like a treating a child, Arwen put me to bed, and tucked me in. Kissing me on the forehead she said, "Sleep. I shall tell father that he will have to wait."
I awoke to see that dusk had arrived. I must have slept for almost four hours, but I felt better. Sitting up I realised I was hungry, and changed into a dress, before heading to the dinning hall. On my arrival I saw Arwen sitting at the table already, talking to Glorfindel. Seeing me she smiled and said, "Nolwe, I am glad that you are here. Come sit, and then we shall only have to wait for father to arrive."
Smiling I sat down, and saw Glorfindel smiling. Not trusting him I warily asked him, "Glorfindel is there something that you would like to tell me?"
Glorfindel looked over my shoulder at someone, and I turned and followed his gaze. My eyes came in contact with Elrond's, and I quickly ducked my head trying to hide my blush. Glorfindel let out a small chuckle when he saw my actions. Deciding that the elf needed to learn a lesson, I kicked him. Yelping, I laughed at him.
"Nolwe why do you kick my head adviser in the shins?" Elrond asked form behind, before taking up his normal chair at the head of the table.
I looked at him, smiling and said, "Milord I think it is wise to teach elves such as Glorfindel, that they should mind their manners."
Elrond smiled inwardly, and turned to Glorfindel, raising his eyebrows, and asked, "So I take it you have yet again, upset a lady of court?" Glorfindel shrugged and began to pile food on his plate.
Dinner passed uneventfully after that incident, and it wasn't till it had finished that I asked Elrond, "When would you like some help with the paper work milord?"
Arwen, and Glorfindel looked at me as if I had grown a second head. Elrond scowling at them replied, "You can start tomorrow morning, and if you two," he gestured to the two other elves, "keep up with that look, and Nolwe shall indeed find herself in good company."
A laugh could be heard, and all the elves looked up to see Mithrandir. "Elrond you will have nothing to do, since everyone will be doing your work for you."
Elrond rose and greeted his friend. Mithrandir asked, "Shall we all head to the Hall of Fire, or shall we depart our company from each other now?"
Elrond stood, and motioned to everyone to follow him to the Hall of Fire. I didn't know if I wanted to go, but Arwen took my arm, and under her breath said, "Come, it will do you good."
Taking her lead, I allowed myself to be seated amongst the elves, but I noted that neither Elrond or Glorfindel could be seen. I was about to ask when Arwen said, "Father and Glorfindel thought you might need some cheering up, so they decided that they shall play you a song." She pause and added, "it is a great honour Nolwe, for I have only known two such previous occasions that they have done this."
I was going to ask more, but the entertainers for the evening had made themselves known. Looking at them, I saw Elrond holding a small harp, and Glorfindel readied himself. What came next was not what I was expecting. For the next ten minutes I was taken away by the harmonies, that only years of practice, and raw talent could of produced. Letting myself be absorbed by the music, and the emotions it produced in me, I did not realise it was over till Arwen shook my shoulder. "Nolwe," she asked, "what did you think?"
"Beautiful." Was all I could say. Sitting back, I enjoyed the rest of the evening, a smile never leaving my face. At the end I approached the two elven lords, I had lost my shyness with Elrond. Seeing them I smiled and said, "It was very beautiful. Thankyou."
Elrond stood and smiled, "It was our pleasure," he turned to Glorfindel, who had disappeared on him. Looking at me he asked, "Shall I escort you to your rooms milady?"
"Yes, for tomorrow I have a long day ahead of me if I remember." I said. Elrond smiled, and took my arm, guiding me through the many halls. It felt good to home. Stopping in front of my door Elrond wished me a good night before leaving to his own rooms.
Indeed the next day, and the following few, Nolwe found herself absorbed, working with Elrond. 'Why did I offer?' I asked myself countless times. Now I knew why Glorfindel and Arwen had those looks on their faces. Hearing a commotion outside, I went and looked out the window, to see what it was.
Atanvardo chose that moment to look up, seeing his cousins head sticking out the window he shouted, "Nolwe!"
Hearing my name, I looked down and saw what all the fuss had been about, and saw the twins had returned, with both Estel and Atanvardo. Hurrying down to meet them, I ran into Atanvardo, hugging him with all my might.
"It is good to see you Nolwe, but is what the twins told me true? Is Calale being held against her will at Isengard?" Atanvardo asked, worried.
Slowly I looked up into his eyes. Sighing I nodded my head. Atanvardo's arms dropped from around me, I could see he was upset. But then again who wouldn't be. "How?" he asked with a horse voice, tears in his eyes.
I retold the story, and saw emotions flicker across his face. "Nolwe, Atanvardo! We are having a meeting in the library if you would like to attend?" Glorfindel called from the stairs, behind me.
Atanvardo taking my hand pulled me at a fast pace down the halls, to the library. On entering we saw that we were the last to arrive. I took a seat near the window, but
Atanvardo chose to stand next to me.
Mithrandir spoke at length, about the happenings at Orthanc, and the ring.
Estel asked, "So where is this Bilbo Baggins?"
Elrond replied, "He is here in Rivendell, but what Saruman doesn't know is that the ring no longer resides with this hobbit, but with his nephew Frodo Baggins." Looking at Mithrandir, Elrond continued, "The reason we have called you here, apart from Calale being taken, was to ask you to go to Bree and lead Frodo here to Rivendell."
Estel looked at his foster father, "Of course." Hearing silence he asked, "Is that all?, for I shall prepare to depart tomorrow."
Elrond nodded his head, "Yes that is all," turning to Atanvardo he said, "Do you think you could handle going with Estel to Bree?"
Atanvardo focused his eyes on Elrond and said, "Of course. I shall prepare as well then." But I could tell he waited for me.
Mithrandir looked at Atanvardo for a moment before going on and saying, "I need to write some letters Elrond, if you can excuse me?"
Elrond waved his hand in consent, and stood. Seeing the meeting was at an end, I asked, "Did you require my services at all today Elrond?"
Elrond caught up in his thoughts said, "No Nolwe, please have the day off." His voice portraying that his mind was elsewhere.
So I left, Atanvardo following. Grabbing my arm, he dragged me into what I presumed to be his room, while he was in Rivendell. Pushing me into the chair he asked angrily, "What are we going to do about Calale?"
Sighing, I answered, "The ring is more important than Calale, Atanvardo," seeing him about to protest I held up a hand and continued, "If Sauron gets hold of the ring again, then the entire of middle earth will cease to exist."
"Don't you love her?" he roared, having finally lost his temper.
Shocked that he would suggest that, I stood up and said, "Of course I do, but would you have me chose one person, over thousands of others?" Silence hung in the air, tears falling. Calming down I said, "There is always hope that if the ring is destroyed Saruman will lose his power, then we can save Calale."
Atanvardo went to his bed, and sat down, crying. Sitting down next to him, I held him, until he became weary. Tucking him in, he said, "Nolwe I love you."
"I love you too Atanvardo," I responded. Kissing him on the forehead I left, him to rest. Outside I saw Glorfindel.
"Your strength never seems to amaze me," he commented.
Tired myself, I answered, "I have to be, my cousins look to me for help."
Glorfindel frowned and asked, "and yourself, who to you look to?"
I was stumped. I knew the answer, and said it before thinking, "I have no one." Surprised at what I had said, I left Glorfindel, and went to my own room.
The days past, Atanvardo had left for Bree with Estel. A month after their departure found the first of many guests arriving. I had buried my concentration into helping Elrond organise the council, so I would not have to think about certain events, past, present or future. Any way on the bright side, spending time with Elrond allowed me to 'accidentally' glance at him occasionally, and I also had started to pick up on some things about him. Things that were usually hidden behind a mask. Something bothered him but what?
"Nolwe I have sent Glorfindel in search of Estel, Atanvardo, and the hobbits." Elrond spoke up from behind me. Sitting up in my chair, I realised my back had become stiff from sitting hunched over the desk I worked at. Feeling hands massaging my shoulders I involuntarily leaned into their touch, before I opened my eyes. Elrond stared straight back at me. After awhile, the tension in my shoulders slowly faded away, and Elrond withdrew his hands. "Thankyou," was all I said.
Elrond looked at Nolwe and replied, "I think you should take a break."
I stood and looked out the window. I didn't want a break. If I had one that would mean I had time to think, wonder at what was happening. Feeling an hand on my arm, I turned and saw Elrond, "You can not run away from it forever Nolwe."
I knew what he said was true but I felt so alone. As if reading my mind he said, "You are not alone, you can always tell me. I told you the same in Lothlorien, and I keep that promise."
"You know the same goes for you Elrond." I spoke before thinking - again!
Elrond stiffened, and a mask was in place like before. "I do not think you could understand."
I was angered. "Understand what?" I asked, "What it is like to lose someone I love? To be alone and never find my soul mate? To carry a heavy burden?"
I was shocked at Nolwe's outburst. She was absolutely right. Thinking about it I realised that we carried many of the same worries. Maybe Glorfindel had been right that day, a month ago. It was only a matter of time before she cracked, and Now it had happened. "I'm sorry," I said, unaccustomed to apologising, "I had never thought how similar our worries were, that haunt us."
For some reason when he apologised it unlock something in me, and I burst into tears. I was going to leave, but I felt arms wrap around me, and Elrond's soothing voice say, "Hush, Uuma deladon't worry." Hearing those words though made me hug him back tighter.
Finally my tears stopped, and I looked at Elrond's face. His eyes had darkened, but with something I could not identify. I touched his face, running my fingers down his cheek, hearing him suck in his breath I went to pull away but h captured my hand within his.
When Nolwe ran her fingers down my face, my skin tingled were they made contact. I had to control myself. Drawing in a breath, she pulled her hand away, but I quickly grabbed it. Catching her eyes, I slowly kissed her palm. Sensing her shiver, I pulled her close, hugging her again.
Elrond surprised me with the kiss, and my body reacted on its own accord. Bringing me close, I wrapped my arms around his neck, my fingers finding their way through his dark, long hair.
When her fingers caressed my hair, I lost all my control that I had so painstakingly built up, and kissed her. It started out slowly, our lips barely touching, but moved into a heated passion quickly. Hearing her moan, I pulled back, but she held me closer, drawing me deeper.
Eventually it had to end. Releasing her mouth I looked down at her, and could see her flush. Smiling inwardly I knew it had come to the time where I could finally tell her, "Nolwe I need to tell you something about your soul mate." The reaction I received was not what I expected.
I do not own Lord of the Rings, although all other characters are mine.
The journey was as quick as one could make it, and with such a large escort, nothing dared to bother them. Coming around the last corner of the hill, Nolwe for the first time saw Rivendell in all it's glory. Stopping her horse she let out a sigh, wishing the moment would not end.
"I forget that you have never really seen my home before," Elrond spoke up from beside her.
Without thinking she replied, smiling, "It is very beautiful. If I had known before, I think I might of hesitated in my departure." Urging her horse on, she did not see Elrond's small smile.
Upon their arrival, they found an anxious Arwen waiting for them. "Father! How is Nolwe, and Calale?"
Hearing her name Nolwe called out, "All is well for my part Arwen." And Arwen seeing her smiled, but confusion was in her eyes.
"Where is Calale? I see Mithrandir has come." Arwen looked at her father.
Elrond dismounted, and approached his daughter. Taking her hand he lead her to his study, and was followed by Mithrandir, Glorfindel and Nolwe. Sitting behind his desk, Arwen released his hand and turned to Nolwe, "What has happened, that would call my father to Lothlorien to heal you Nolwe?"
She was beginning to appear worried. Elrond catching my eyes, silently asked if he could tell her. Bracing herself, for the pain was still near, I heard him say, "When Nolwe, Mithrandir and Calale arrived at Orthanc, Saruman had already chosen to side with the dark lord. The idea of stopping Calale's dreams was a ruse, and now he controls her."
Arwen sat down, unable to bear the news standing. I was feeling tired form my journey, approached her, "Arwen I am going to my rooms for a short rest. Would you care to join me?" Holding out my arm I helped her stand. Turning to Elrond I said, "I shall come back later."
Changing out of my riding clothes, I said to Arwen, "Do not worry. Estel and Atanvardo shall arrive soon, with your brothers."
Arwen looked up and asked, "How can you be so strong?"
"Because.," my voice wavered, "Because if I allow my true feelings, then I would die from heartbreak." Tears began to fall. Arwen stood and held me close. That was my breaking, and I released a heart wrenching sob.
Like a treating a child, Arwen put me to bed, and tucked me in. Kissing me on the forehead she said, "Sleep. I shall tell father that he will have to wait."
I awoke to see that dusk had arrived. I must have slept for almost four hours, but I felt better. Sitting up I realised I was hungry, and changed into a dress, before heading to the dinning hall. On my arrival I saw Arwen sitting at the table already, talking to Glorfindel. Seeing me she smiled and said, "Nolwe, I am glad that you are here. Come sit, and then we shall only have to wait for father to arrive."
Smiling I sat down, and saw Glorfindel smiling. Not trusting him I warily asked him, "Glorfindel is there something that you would like to tell me?"
Glorfindel looked over my shoulder at someone, and I turned and followed his gaze. My eyes came in contact with Elrond's, and I quickly ducked my head trying to hide my blush. Glorfindel let out a small chuckle when he saw my actions. Deciding that the elf needed to learn a lesson, I kicked him. Yelping, I laughed at him.
"Nolwe why do you kick my head adviser in the shins?" Elrond asked form behind, before taking up his normal chair at the head of the table.
I looked at him, smiling and said, "Milord I think it is wise to teach elves such as Glorfindel, that they should mind their manners."
Elrond smiled inwardly, and turned to Glorfindel, raising his eyebrows, and asked, "So I take it you have yet again, upset a lady of court?" Glorfindel shrugged and began to pile food on his plate.
Dinner passed uneventfully after that incident, and it wasn't till it had finished that I asked Elrond, "When would you like some help with the paper work milord?"
Arwen, and Glorfindel looked at me as if I had grown a second head. Elrond scowling at them replied, "You can start tomorrow morning, and if you two," he gestured to the two other elves, "keep up with that look, and Nolwe shall indeed find herself in good company."
A laugh could be heard, and all the elves looked up to see Mithrandir. "Elrond you will have nothing to do, since everyone will be doing your work for you."
Elrond rose and greeted his friend. Mithrandir asked, "Shall we all head to the Hall of Fire, or shall we depart our company from each other now?"
Elrond stood, and motioned to everyone to follow him to the Hall of Fire. I didn't know if I wanted to go, but Arwen took my arm, and under her breath said, "Come, it will do you good."
Taking her lead, I allowed myself to be seated amongst the elves, but I noted that neither Elrond or Glorfindel could be seen. I was about to ask when Arwen said, "Father and Glorfindel thought you might need some cheering up, so they decided that they shall play you a song." She pause and added, "it is a great honour Nolwe, for I have only known two such previous occasions that they have done this."
I was going to ask more, but the entertainers for the evening had made themselves known. Looking at them, I saw Elrond holding a small harp, and Glorfindel readied himself. What came next was not what I was expecting. For the next ten minutes I was taken away by the harmonies, that only years of practice, and raw talent could of produced. Letting myself be absorbed by the music, and the emotions it produced in me, I did not realise it was over till Arwen shook my shoulder. "Nolwe," she asked, "what did you think?"
"Beautiful." Was all I could say. Sitting back, I enjoyed the rest of the evening, a smile never leaving my face. At the end I approached the two elven lords, I had lost my shyness with Elrond. Seeing them I smiled and said, "It was very beautiful. Thankyou."
Elrond stood and smiled, "It was our pleasure," he turned to Glorfindel, who had disappeared on him. Looking at me he asked, "Shall I escort you to your rooms milady?"
"Yes, for tomorrow I have a long day ahead of me if I remember." I said. Elrond smiled, and took my arm, guiding me through the many halls. It felt good to home. Stopping in front of my door Elrond wished me a good night before leaving to his own rooms.
Indeed the next day, and the following few, Nolwe found herself absorbed, working with Elrond. 'Why did I offer?' I asked myself countless times. Now I knew why Glorfindel and Arwen had those looks on their faces. Hearing a commotion outside, I went and looked out the window, to see what it was.
Atanvardo chose that moment to look up, seeing his cousins head sticking out the window he shouted, "Nolwe!"
Hearing my name, I looked down and saw what all the fuss had been about, and saw the twins had returned, with both Estel and Atanvardo. Hurrying down to meet them, I ran into Atanvardo, hugging him with all my might.
"It is good to see you Nolwe, but is what the twins told me true? Is Calale being held against her will at Isengard?" Atanvardo asked, worried.
Slowly I looked up into his eyes. Sighing I nodded my head. Atanvardo's arms dropped from around me, I could see he was upset. But then again who wouldn't be. "How?" he asked with a horse voice, tears in his eyes.
I retold the story, and saw emotions flicker across his face. "Nolwe, Atanvardo! We are having a meeting in the library if you would like to attend?" Glorfindel called from the stairs, behind me.
Atanvardo taking my hand pulled me at a fast pace down the halls, to the library. On entering we saw that we were the last to arrive. I took a seat near the window, but
Atanvardo chose to stand next to me.
Mithrandir spoke at length, about the happenings at Orthanc, and the ring.
Estel asked, "So where is this Bilbo Baggins?"
Elrond replied, "He is here in Rivendell, but what Saruman doesn't know is that the ring no longer resides with this hobbit, but with his nephew Frodo Baggins." Looking at Mithrandir, Elrond continued, "The reason we have called you here, apart from Calale being taken, was to ask you to go to Bree and lead Frodo here to Rivendell."
Estel looked at his foster father, "Of course." Hearing silence he asked, "Is that all?, for I shall prepare to depart tomorrow."
Elrond nodded his head, "Yes that is all," turning to Atanvardo he said, "Do you think you could handle going with Estel to Bree?"
Atanvardo focused his eyes on Elrond and said, "Of course. I shall prepare as well then." But I could tell he waited for me.
Mithrandir looked at Atanvardo for a moment before going on and saying, "I need to write some letters Elrond, if you can excuse me?"
Elrond waved his hand in consent, and stood. Seeing the meeting was at an end, I asked, "Did you require my services at all today Elrond?"
Elrond caught up in his thoughts said, "No Nolwe, please have the day off." His voice portraying that his mind was elsewhere.
So I left, Atanvardo following. Grabbing my arm, he dragged me into what I presumed to be his room, while he was in Rivendell. Pushing me into the chair he asked angrily, "What are we going to do about Calale?"
Sighing, I answered, "The ring is more important than Calale, Atanvardo," seeing him about to protest I held up a hand and continued, "If Sauron gets hold of the ring again, then the entire of middle earth will cease to exist."
"Don't you love her?" he roared, having finally lost his temper.
Shocked that he would suggest that, I stood up and said, "Of course I do, but would you have me chose one person, over thousands of others?" Silence hung in the air, tears falling. Calming down I said, "There is always hope that if the ring is destroyed Saruman will lose his power, then we can save Calale."
Atanvardo went to his bed, and sat down, crying. Sitting down next to him, I held him, until he became weary. Tucking him in, he said, "Nolwe I love you."
"I love you too Atanvardo," I responded. Kissing him on the forehead I left, him to rest. Outside I saw Glorfindel.
"Your strength never seems to amaze me," he commented.
Tired myself, I answered, "I have to be, my cousins look to me for help."
Glorfindel frowned and asked, "and yourself, who to you look to?"
I was stumped. I knew the answer, and said it before thinking, "I have no one." Surprised at what I had said, I left Glorfindel, and went to my own room.
The days past, Atanvardo had left for Bree with Estel. A month after their departure found the first of many guests arriving. I had buried my concentration into helping Elrond organise the council, so I would not have to think about certain events, past, present or future. Any way on the bright side, spending time with Elrond allowed me to 'accidentally' glance at him occasionally, and I also had started to pick up on some things about him. Things that were usually hidden behind a mask. Something bothered him but what?
"Nolwe I have sent Glorfindel in search of Estel, Atanvardo, and the hobbits." Elrond spoke up from behind me. Sitting up in my chair, I realised my back had become stiff from sitting hunched over the desk I worked at. Feeling hands massaging my shoulders I involuntarily leaned into their touch, before I opened my eyes. Elrond stared straight back at me. After awhile, the tension in my shoulders slowly faded away, and Elrond withdrew his hands. "Thankyou," was all I said.
Elrond looked at Nolwe and replied, "I think you should take a break."
I stood and looked out the window. I didn't want a break. If I had one that would mean I had time to think, wonder at what was happening. Feeling an hand on my arm, I turned and saw Elrond, "You can not run away from it forever Nolwe."
I knew what he said was true but I felt so alone. As if reading my mind he said, "You are not alone, you can always tell me. I told you the same in Lothlorien, and I keep that promise."
"You know the same goes for you Elrond." I spoke before thinking - again!
Elrond stiffened, and a mask was in place like before. "I do not think you could understand."
I was angered. "Understand what?" I asked, "What it is like to lose someone I love? To be alone and never find my soul mate? To carry a heavy burden?"
I was shocked at Nolwe's outburst. She was absolutely right. Thinking about it I realised that we carried many of the same worries. Maybe Glorfindel had been right that day, a month ago. It was only a matter of time before she cracked, and Now it had happened. "I'm sorry," I said, unaccustomed to apologising, "I had never thought how similar our worries were, that haunt us."
For some reason when he apologised it unlock something in me, and I burst into tears. I was going to leave, but I felt arms wrap around me, and Elrond's soothing voice say, "Hush, Uuma deladon't worry." Hearing those words though made me hug him back tighter.
Finally my tears stopped, and I looked at Elrond's face. His eyes had darkened, but with something I could not identify. I touched his face, running my fingers down his cheek, hearing him suck in his breath I went to pull away but h captured my hand within his.
When Nolwe ran her fingers down my face, my skin tingled were they made contact. I had to control myself. Drawing in a breath, she pulled her hand away, but I quickly grabbed it. Catching her eyes, I slowly kissed her palm. Sensing her shiver, I pulled her close, hugging her again.
Elrond surprised me with the kiss, and my body reacted on its own accord. Bringing me close, I wrapped my arms around his neck, my fingers finding their way through his dark, long hair.
When her fingers caressed my hair, I lost all my control that I had so painstakingly built up, and kissed her. It started out slowly, our lips barely touching, but moved into a heated passion quickly. Hearing her moan, I pulled back, but she held me closer, drawing me deeper.
Eventually it had to end. Releasing her mouth I looked down at her, and could see her flush. Smiling inwardly I knew it had come to the time where I could finally tell her, "Nolwe I need to tell you something about your soul mate." The reaction I received was not what I expected.