Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR. I only own Nefaratoiel, Mariel, and
Lhunrothien.
Chapter 3 - Rivendell
Nefaratoiel rose from her bed, given to her by the elves of Rivendell. She found it different to be treated with such courtesy and kindness. Nefaratoiel still wore her chain and moon but her knifes were on her bedside table and she wore a clean dress instead of her homespun garments. The dress was a pale ice blue. It swept to the ground where Nefaratoiel's feet were bare. The pale dress had a dark blue piece of velvet drawn across the middle as a sash, embroidered on the velvet were silver moons and stars. The sleeves were drawn up tight just past her shoulders and reached just past her wrist. Dark blue velvet with the same pattern had been attached to the sleeves and hung down behind her arms regally. The dress brought out light flakes of blue in her gray eyes that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Silmaneero never left her side. She remained with Nefaratoiel both night and day, wherever Nefaratoiel went. Nefaratoiel spent most of her time in a solitary gazebo. She enjoyed it there. It was out of the way so not to many people bothered her and those who did get on her nerves were usually chased away by Silmaneero. Willow often came to play with Silmaneero. Nefaratoiel would merely sit there quietly and watch them play. Such a simple thing overjoyed her. Avath would sometimes join the two, though he preferred to remain beside his Mistress.
Nefaratoiel particularly enjoyed the company of Mariel. The two would sit quietly together often. Sometimes they would talk about whatever came to mind but they mostly sat in silence, simply offering the other companionship. Arwen would join them from time to time. Sitting and making light conversation. Nefaratoiel didn't take to her strongly but she enjoyed Arwen's company and would not allow Silmaneero to chase her away.
Nefaratoiel often found herself the center of attention. She was an elf with very dark features. Lord Elrond was only a half elf and even his features were lighter than hers were. They did not know that like Lord Elrond she was only half elven. They seem mystified when she performed trivial magic spells for entertainment purposes. Nefaratoiel had thought the magic had come from her elven blood. This may be true but it soon became evident that it more specifically came from her mother and that not many could do what she could do.
Nefaratoiel had met Frodo her first night in Rivendell. She remained indifferent the entire time, but secretly wondered how one so small could carry a burden so large. She admired his strength, and he was one of the few she respected. Nefaratoiel also noticed that Frodo stayed out of the ways of others and didn't come out of his apartments often.
Sometimes one of Elrond's sons would stop by with Mariel. It seemed that they were lovers. She couldn't tell the twins apart so she wasn't sure which one it was.
Arwen looked in on Rin often, along with Lhunrothien. Mariel had spoken to Lhunrothien. It turns out that Lhunrothien had been going to another world to speak with the girl Rin. Rin had a place in middle earth and Lhunrothien had supported her in her world so that she would remain strong when she came to middle earth. She also told them that gandalf had more answers then she did.
Nefaratoiel nodded at the end of the explanation. Her words rang of the truth. Nefaratoiel had observed people for a very long time; Lhunrothien was not one to make up such tales.
Nefaratoiel looked in on the injured girl, Rin, once. She sat with her for a little while with both Avath and Silmaneero. Avath was worried, and Nefaratoiel had to take him from the room in order that he wouldn't disturb Rin's rest.
Lord Elrond had talked to Nefaratoiel only once. Nefaratoiel had raised an eyebrow when she was summoned to his presence. 'Do they really believe that I consider this an honor?' She wondered to herself as she complied with the summons. Nefaratoiel sat directly across from Lord Elrond, she didn't let him rise and greet her, nor did she wait for permission to sit.
He looked a little surprised at her forwardness. He masked his face carefully and then began his interrogation, "Where was it you were born?"
Nefaratoiel eyes became hard when she realized what this was "On the coast of Middle Earth somewhere."
"Do you know where?" he pressed.
Nefaratoiel's voice was hard and cold. "No," she lied.
He dropped it, "Who were your parents?"
Nefaratoiel raised an eyebrow, "I don't know."
He merely looked at her signaling her to elaborate. She didn't oblige him. He suddenly spoke up, "You will only tell me what you wish me to know no matter what I ask, so why not tell me those things now."
Nefaratoiel looked at him, respect in her eyes. "You are good at reading people my Lord. It is true. What I do not wish for you to know I will speak nothing of. There is nothing more to say, as there is nothing of my past that I wish known. I simply wish to forget it." She held his gaze. He was the first not to turn away from her piercing stare.
He held her gaze with an ease that Nefaratoiel would not have believed if she hadn't of seen it for herself. He smiled, "You are a half elf."
Nefaratoiel sat there shocked, "How.?"
Elrond smiled, "I am a half elf and I know my stare. You're eyes my dear. In your eyes is something I have not seen in anyone's but my own. Do no worry I will not tell anyone until you are ready. It is no wonder though that your features are so dark."
"It is the legacy of my father. A legacy I wish I had not inherited. Not that I have a distaste for half elves. I do not mind being only a half elf, I just mind who my father was." Nefaratoiel stood. She looked at Elrond for a moment before turning to leave.
Nefaratoiel returned to the gazebo that was her haven. Legolas was sitting there, he wished to speak to Nefaratoiel. "I see you have spoken to Elrond," Nefaratoiel nodded and waited for him to continue, "I was wondering what you are going to do when we all leave. Will you remain here in Rivendell, or continue your journeys?"
Nefaratoiel studied the flowers about them for a moment before answering. "Rin has woken hasn't she?" Legolas nodded and said nothing so Nefaratoiel continued. "I do not know what I will do. It is nice here in Rivendell, a truly beautiful place. Yet in my heart I can feel that this is not the place for me. I suppose I will continue my travels. What else can I do?"
Legolas smiled at Nefaratoiel, a courtesy she did not return, "You can travel with all of us. We are quite a large group and for one more to come would be no burden. We will be losing some here and there but you should come as well. Mariel, Lhunrothien and Rin will be coming along. Arwen might she is undecided as of yet."
"I will think on it." Nefaratoiel responded. Legolas nodded and left her to think. Nefaratoiel thought about all that had transpired since meeting the wolf pup, Willow, on the path. She had had a companion with her for the first time since her mother's death. She didn't feel so lost, just uncertain. Somehow they were steadying her feet. Allowing her to walk without stumbling. Nefaratoiel began to cry softly. Tears ran down her cheeks and she did nothing to stop them. She began to question what she had believed so firmly. She even began to think that maybe the race of man wasn't so bad.
Nefaratoiel was still uncomfortable around Aragorn and Eomer but she liked Rin. Avath vouched for the girl. True he also liked Eomer, but Nefaratoiel's distrust ran deep and not even Avath could make her like him. That would take time. It was noon, the others were probably eating lunch somewhere but Nefaratoiel never joined them anyway. She began to wander, Silmaneero at her heels. She was coming by the dining hall when she heard an argument inside.
Eomer was trying to convince Rin that Avath could not live in Rohan. He wasn't going to allow her to keep the cub! Nefaratoiel was furious and she intervened after he gave a stupid comment about Avath eating his horses.
"Now you are just being stupid, human." Nefaratoiel spat angrily. Her eyes were blazing as he met her gaze. She did not allow him to respond, "If the panther cub is raised in Rohan he will not hunt horses. A benefit to your riders is that your horses can overcome a natural fear of panthers." With silent authority she spun about and left them there, staring dumbfounded.
Nefaratoiel returned to her room. There were travelling clothes set out for her. She stroked the soft fabric lightly. They were made in the same style as her old clothes, just better cloth. She had three pale blue, long sleeve blouses. Three pairs of midnight blue pants. A pair of velvet, midnight blue, slippers with leather soles and a heavy midnight blue cloak. In the sleeve of her blouses were the proper sheathes for her knives.
Set out beside the clothing was a bow, and a full quiver. An elven weapon, it seemed like it was made just for Nefaratoiel. It was engraved with silver moons and silver tigers. It really was a beautiful bow. Silmaneero jumped up on the bed knocking off yet another gift from the elves. There was a silver collar meant for Silmaneero. The collar was elven made and therefore could not be removed by anyone except the master/mistress once it was placed about the creature. On the collar was a charm, a silver crescent moon. Silver moon, Silmaneero. Very appropriate.
Nefaratoiel smiled, the elves knew her well. Yes she would go with her newfound friends when it was time to leave Rivendell.
Nefaratoiel placed the collar around Silmaneero's neck and she packed away the travel clothes. When she opened her closet to put away the clothes she found that a whole wardrobe had been made up for her. She smiled looking at all the beautiful clothes.
Nefaratoiel changed out of her dress into nightclothes. She went and sat out on the balcony and remained there gazing at the stars. Her thoughts were of her mother, her past, her friends, and questioning when she would feel at home.
Nefaratoiel rose from the balcony and went to bed. When she woke in the morning she pulled a dark forest green dress from her closet. She bathed and dressed. There wasn't much she could do with her short hair.
Nefaratoiel left her room and wandered around Rivendell. She didn't go to her normal gazebo, but instead sat by a fountain and watched Silmaneero play with the bubbles from the fountain. She sat there in complete silence until Rin came up to her, Avath in her arms.
"Ummm. H-hello Nefaratoiel. I-I was-s wondering.if you could maybe..watch Avath for me. I would leave him with Eomer but Eomer is kinda busy and well you're the only other person he'll stay with." Rin asked nervously.
Nefaratoiel looked at Rin with a serene expression on her face, "Of course I will." She answered. She nodded to Silmaneero as if to say, 'Put him with Silmaneero.'
Rin smiled appreciatively, "Thank-you!" she chirped. She sat Avath down by Silmaneero and told him to behave. Rin smiled once more at Nefaratoiel before leaving. Nefaratoiel sighed and closed her eyes.
Chapter 3 - Rivendell
Nefaratoiel rose from her bed, given to her by the elves of Rivendell. She found it different to be treated with such courtesy and kindness. Nefaratoiel still wore her chain and moon but her knifes were on her bedside table and she wore a clean dress instead of her homespun garments. The dress was a pale ice blue. It swept to the ground where Nefaratoiel's feet were bare. The pale dress had a dark blue piece of velvet drawn across the middle as a sash, embroidered on the velvet were silver moons and stars. The sleeves were drawn up tight just past her shoulders and reached just past her wrist. Dark blue velvet with the same pattern had been attached to the sleeves and hung down behind her arms regally. The dress brought out light flakes of blue in her gray eyes that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Silmaneero never left her side. She remained with Nefaratoiel both night and day, wherever Nefaratoiel went. Nefaratoiel spent most of her time in a solitary gazebo. She enjoyed it there. It was out of the way so not to many people bothered her and those who did get on her nerves were usually chased away by Silmaneero. Willow often came to play with Silmaneero. Nefaratoiel would merely sit there quietly and watch them play. Such a simple thing overjoyed her. Avath would sometimes join the two, though he preferred to remain beside his Mistress.
Nefaratoiel particularly enjoyed the company of Mariel. The two would sit quietly together often. Sometimes they would talk about whatever came to mind but they mostly sat in silence, simply offering the other companionship. Arwen would join them from time to time. Sitting and making light conversation. Nefaratoiel didn't take to her strongly but she enjoyed Arwen's company and would not allow Silmaneero to chase her away.
Nefaratoiel often found herself the center of attention. She was an elf with very dark features. Lord Elrond was only a half elf and even his features were lighter than hers were. They did not know that like Lord Elrond she was only half elven. They seem mystified when she performed trivial magic spells for entertainment purposes. Nefaratoiel had thought the magic had come from her elven blood. This may be true but it soon became evident that it more specifically came from her mother and that not many could do what she could do.
Nefaratoiel had met Frodo her first night in Rivendell. She remained indifferent the entire time, but secretly wondered how one so small could carry a burden so large. She admired his strength, and he was one of the few she respected. Nefaratoiel also noticed that Frodo stayed out of the ways of others and didn't come out of his apartments often.
Sometimes one of Elrond's sons would stop by with Mariel. It seemed that they were lovers. She couldn't tell the twins apart so she wasn't sure which one it was.
Arwen looked in on Rin often, along with Lhunrothien. Mariel had spoken to Lhunrothien. It turns out that Lhunrothien had been going to another world to speak with the girl Rin. Rin had a place in middle earth and Lhunrothien had supported her in her world so that she would remain strong when she came to middle earth. She also told them that gandalf had more answers then she did.
Nefaratoiel nodded at the end of the explanation. Her words rang of the truth. Nefaratoiel had observed people for a very long time; Lhunrothien was not one to make up such tales.
Nefaratoiel looked in on the injured girl, Rin, once. She sat with her for a little while with both Avath and Silmaneero. Avath was worried, and Nefaratoiel had to take him from the room in order that he wouldn't disturb Rin's rest.
Lord Elrond had talked to Nefaratoiel only once. Nefaratoiel had raised an eyebrow when she was summoned to his presence. 'Do they really believe that I consider this an honor?' She wondered to herself as she complied with the summons. Nefaratoiel sat directly across from Lord Elrond, she didn't let him rise and greet her, nor did she wait for permission to sit.
He looked a little surprised at her forwardness. He masked his face carefully and then began his interrogation, "Where was it you were born?"
Nefaratoiel eyes became hard when she realized what this was "On the coast of Middle Earth somewhere."
"Do you know where?" he pressed.
Nefaratoiel's voice was hard and cold. "No," she lied.
He dropped it, "Who were your parents?"
Nefaratoiel raised an eyebrow, "I don't know."
He merely looked at her signaling her to elaborate. She didn't oblige him. He suddenly spoke up, "You will only tell me what you wish me to know no matter what I ask, so why not tell me those things now."
Nefaratoiel looked at him, respect in her eyes. "You are good at reading people my Lord. It is true. What I do not wish for you to know I will speak nothing of. There is nothing more to say, as there is nothing of my past that I wish known. I simply wish to forget it." She held his gaze. He was the first not to turn away from her piercing stare.
He held her gaze with an ease that Nefaratoiel would not have believed if she hadn't of seen it for herself. He smiled, "You are a half elf."
Nefaratoiel sat there shocked, "How.?"
Elrond smiled, "I am a half elf and I know my stare. You're eyes my dear. In your eyes is something I have not seen in anyone's but my own. Do no worry I will not tell anyone until you are ready. It is no wonder though that your features are so dark."
"It is the legacy of my father. A legacy I wish I had not inherited. Not that I have a distaste for half elves. I do not mind being only a half elf, I just mind who my father was." Nefaratoiel stood. She looked at Elrond for a moment before turning to leave.
Nefaratoiel returned to the gazebo that was her haven. Legolas was sitting there, he wished to speak to Nefaratoiel. "I see you have spoken to Elrond," Nefaratoiel nodded and waited for him to continue, "I was wondering what you are going to do when we all leave. Will you remain here in Rivendell, or continue your journeys?"
Nefaratoiel studied the flowers about them for a moment before answering. "Rin has woken hasn't she?" Legolas nodded and said nothing so Nefaratoiel continued. "I do not know what I will do. It is nice here in Rivendell, a truly beautiful place. Yet in my heart I can feel that this is not the place for me. I suppose I will continue my travels. What else can I do?"
Legolas smiled at Nefaratoiel, a courtesy she did not return, "You can travel with all of us. We are quite a large group and for one more to come would be no burden. We will be losing some here and there but you should come as well. Mariel, Lhunrothien and Rin will be coming along. Arwen might she is undecided as of yet."
"I will think on it." Nefaratoiel responded. Legolas nodded and left her to think. Nefaratoiel thought about all that had transpired since meeting the wolf pup, Willow, on the path. She had had a companion with her for the first time since her mother's death. She didn't feel so lost, just uncertain. Somehow they were steadying her feet. Allowing her to walk without stumbling. Nefaratoiel began to cry softly. Tears ran down her cheeks and she did nothing to stop them. She began to question what she had believed so firmly. She even began to think that maybe the race of man wasn't so bad.
Nefaratoiel was still uncomfortable around Aragorn and Eomer but she liked Rin. Avath vouched for the girl. True he also liked Eomer, but Nefaratoiel's distrust ran deep and not even Avath could make her like him. That would take time. It was noon, the others were probably eating lunch somewhere but Nefaratoiel never joined them anyway. She began to wander, Silmaneero at her heels. She was coming by the dining hall when she heard an argument inside.
Eomer was trying to convince Rin that Avath could not live in Rohan. He wasn't going to allow her to keep the cub! Nefaratoiel was furious and she intervened after he gave a stupid comment about Avath eating his horses.
"Now you are just being stupid, human." Nefaratoiel spat angrily. Her eyes were blazing as he met her gaze. She did not allow him to respond, "If the panther cub is raised in Rohan he will not hunt horses. A benefit to your riders is that your horses can overcome a natural fear of panthers." With silent authority she spun about and left them there, staring dumbfounded.
Nefaratoiel returned to her room. There were travelling clothes set out for her. She stroked the soft fabric lightly. They were made in the same style as her old clothes, just better cloth. She had three pale blue, long sleeve blouses. Three pairs of midnight blue pants. A pair of velvet, midnight blue, slippers with leather soles and a heavy midnight blue cloak. In the sleeve of her blouses were the proper sheathes for her knives.
Set out beside the clothing was a bow, and a full quiver. An elven weapon, it seemed like it was made just for Nefaratoiel. It was engraved with silver moons and silver tigers. It really was a beautiful bow. Silmaneero jumped up on the bed knocking off yet another gift from the elves. There was a silver collar meant for Silmaneero. The collar was elven made and therefore could not be removed by anyone except the master/mistress once it was placed about the creature. On the collar was a charm, a silver crescent moon. Silver moon, Silmaneero. Very appropriate.
Nefaratoiel smiled, the elves knew her well. Yes she would go with her newfound friends when it was time to leave Rivendell.
Nefaratoiel placed the collar around Silmaneero's neck and she packed away the travel clothes. When she opened her closet to put away the clothes she found that a whole wardrobe had been made up for her. She smiled looking at all the beautiful clothes.
Nefaratoiel changed out of her dress into nightclothes. She went and sat out on the balcony and remained there gazing at the stars. Her thoughts were of her mother, her past, her friends, and questioning when she would feel at home.
Nefaratoiel rose from the balcony and went to bed. When she woke in the morning she pulled a dark forest green dress from her closet. She bathed and dressed. There wasn't much she could do with her short hair.
Nefaratoiel left her room and wandered around Rivendell. She didn't go to her normal gazebo, but instead sat by a fountain and watched Silmaneero play with the bubbles from the fountain. She sat there in complete silence until Rin came up to her, Avath in her arms.
"Ummm. H-hello Nefaratoiel. I-I was-s wondering.if you could maybe..watch Avath for me. I would leave him with Eomer but Eomer is kinda busy and well you're the only other person he'll stay with." Rin asked nervously.
Nefaratoiel looked at Rin with a serene expression on her face, "Of course I will." She answered. She nodded to Silmaneero as if to say, 'Put him with Silmaneero.'
Rin smiled appreciatively, "Thank-you!" she chirped. She sat Avath down by Silmaneero and told him to behave. Rin smiled once more at Nefaratoiel before leaving. Nefaratoiel sighed and closed her eyes.