The Play of the Immortal
Installment One--The Leaves of Fall
Chapter 3: New Arrival
Author: Ista of the Dreamers



The Play of the Immortal

The outer rim of the wood was golden when Nevlothiel arrived.

She came alone, on horseback. The stallion she rode was a sweet brown dappled white, and he stopped suddenly when they came to the entrance of Kel-Telpeon. Nevlothiel hesitated, then began to nudge her horse forward when a voice stopped her movement cold.

I did not think that you would come.

She did not even have to turn around. Why is that, Celeborn?

The King of Lorien pulled up beside her, his horse a fine silver, and shining in the depths of the forest.

There have been several rumors, Nevlothiel.

She dismounted and he followed her action. Fingering her horse's golden bridle, she faced him, green eyes flashing. Is Galadriel here?

Celeborn nodded. The Lady will be most pleased to see Leithacorm again, as well as you.

I have taken good care of him, or rather, he has taken good care of me. I don't know what I could have done without him these past few years. It will be a sorrow to return Leithacorm back to the Lady.

His home is Lothlorien, said Celeborn. He might miss it, you know.

Nevlothiel's head bowed. I understand.

Celeborn then smiled, raising his arm gently to place it on her shoulder. The Lady has several horses in her stable. Something tells me that Leithacorm will be your companion for quite a long time.

Nevlothiel let out a sigh of relief, and managed a grin. I did not know that so many elves were to be here.

Everyone's coming, said Celeborn. Elrond and Arwen have already arrived.

When Nevlothiel did not reply, he said again, softly, We did not think that you would choose to come.

I am half Nenore, said Nevlothiel slowly. It seems only proper that I should visit my mother's homeland.

You are revered with the Nenore.

Nevlothiel shook her head. What are the rumors you spoke of before, Celeborn?

The King hesitated, then said, Khelek-Ithil. Is it still in your possession?

It is, she said loudly, a hint of anger in her voice.

Is that why you have come?

Is that what Galadriel told you?

He was silent, and Nevlothiel mounted her horse. A crimson cloth, which Celeborn noticed only then, tied securely onto her brown pack. It was in the shape of a sword.

While I am here, I must make a decision, and if I decide to do it, I must do it alone.

And with that, she rode into the tunnel.