The Play of the Immortal
Installment One--The Leaves of Fall
Chapter 5: A Friend, A Meeting
Author: Ista of the Dreamers
The Play of the Immortal
The land of the Nenore enveloped Nevlothiel as she rode around the festivities and gatherings. It was beautiful, the sparkle of water shining everywhere in fountains, streams, and the giant lake. As the Nenore waved at her and smiled, she waved back and wondered if any of them knew who she really was. She wondered if any of them knew what she was carrying in the crimson cloth about her waist.
Amongst the parties going on, she soon felt uncomfortable, and wondered where Arwen was, and her father, Elrond. It had been much too long of a time since she last spoke with them, and maybe once she was around familiar company, she would feel at ease.
She asked a group of Rivendell elves if they knew where the Lord and his daughter were, and they pointed in the direction of a small white pavilion that sparkled like the waterfall to its left. In a trot, Nevlothiel rode there, eyes on the lookout for her friends' faces. The pavilion seemed to be filled with many people, and Nev wondered what they were doing. Curiosity got the better of her as she dismounted and stepped inside the crystal pavilion, the white walls shining like diamonds.
At once, she was blinded by the lights of a thousand jewels hanging from the ceiling, and displayed on glass tables all around the pavilion. Elves moved slowly, looking at the decorations, jewelry, and sun-catchers with awe and a glowing warmth. Nevlothiel was so dazzled by the fare that she didn't even see Arwen until the elf princess was right in front of her.
Nevlothiel Phelion!
Nev blinked, shook her head and smiled with joy. Arwen Undomiel! I was looking for you!
Then you have found me, spoke the princess, her lips barely moving. The Lady wore a light blue dress and a silver cloak, her blue eyes beautiful and bright.
Such a wonderful place, said Nevlothiel, looking around in awe. Whose craft is this?
The children of the Nenore, Arwen said. They made them for the festival, as a gift to us as visitors.
I have not seen such beauty since I last went to Rivendell, or the Lady of the Wood's buildings among the trees in Lorien.
The Evenstar smiled. Mithrandir said the exact same thing.
Mithrandir is here?
Arwen nodded. And he is most anxious to talk with you.
We have not spoken since I was young, said Nevlothiel, but his kindness and warmth has stayed with me through the most gruesome battles and hardships.
There was a silence, then Arwen spoke, We are glad that you have come. Elrond was not certain if you were in battle or not.
I was, she said briskly. Orcs were traveling past the southern border of Mirkwood. Some think that they are heading for the Shire.
How awful! I hope that you will be able to defeat them later- she pressed her hands to Nev's. -but for right now, I'm so glad that you were able to come!
Celeborn did not think that I would come, said Nevlothiel. Have you spoken with Galadriel yet?
whispered Arwen, and her beauty and wisdom grows by the hour. She is truly the heart and the strength of our people. Every time I look upon her face, I feel in awe of her great presence.
Nevlothiel's lips curled upwards. I have only felt that way in the presence of you and Lord Elrond.
Arwen shook her head through an awkward blush. My wisdom comes from my father, and my strength, from my mother.
You are modest, Nevlothiel said with a laugh as they stepped out into the sun, and Arwen started with joy at the sight of the dappled horse.
The horse neighed politely and nuzzled her hand. I did not know that he was still in your possession.
He is my friend, said Nevlothiel quietly, and the only companion I have who has stood fast by me in war and peace. Leithacorm pawed the ground when she spoke. In many instances, I owe him my life.
Such a noble horse must be kept in the royal stables with my own.
I couldn't request such a thing.
No, I will ask the King of the Nenore himself for you. Have you met him?
Nevlothiel was almost surprised. No! Should I have?
We were welcomed personally by him with Galadriel in his company when we arrived. She smiled and her eyes flashed. King Nelkan is most kind, and quite handsome.
Nevlothiel caught her wink, and she said quickly, Well, what with all the water around here, I should think he'd be clean.
Arwen burst out laughing, and the two began towards the royal stables, Leithacorm following them obediently, nibbling sweet grass along the way.
You jest, Nevlothiel, but surely, you must feel curious to meet him.
Nevlothiel stared at the ground, and then said a bit sadly, Actually, no.
She let the cloth slip from her waist a bit so the glint of silver showed. Arwen gasped, and her eyes widened when she replied. Of course! How could I forget about the sword?!
Nev tied the cloth around it again. I have come to return Khelek-Ithil to its scabbard and back from whence it came.
But you mustn't do that! Arwen exclaimed. My father would advise against it as well! It is yours now, given to you for you to carry the rest of your life.
It has been nothing but a burden to me, said Nevlothiel with a sigh. It is time that I give it back to the royal family for the King to own. He must feel great anger towards me because I have it.
He shouldn't feel that way, said Arwen. It was rightfully given to you by your mother, and the Nenore love you for it. You will always be one of them because you hold the Isilme. You are a treasure to them, Nev.
Nevlothiel shook her head. Then they love me simply for the sword itself, not for what I have done. I have never used their own treasure to protect them with. It is what Galadriel warned my father after my mother died of what would happen. The Nenore have had no protectorate since my mother left them, and the royals have been left on their own.
Galadriel knew that it was not your fault, insisted Arwen. She was concerned about the protection of the Nenore, but they have done all right on their own, and see what good the sword has done in Mirkwood. Legolas told me that without your help, many of the battles fought in his father's kingdom would have ended terribly, with greater destruction and loss of life.
I don't know, said Nevlothiel.
Well, what if you decide to use Isilme for the Nenore only? Then they would have the sword back, and you could stay here-
But I couldn't do that! My home has been Rivendell and Mirkwood for so long that I couldn't leave them now.
Arwen managed a soft smile then after seconds of silence. Whatever you choose, Nev, I will support you.
