Chapter 6
Ereinion helped lift a beam. Ten or twelve Elves stepped away staring up in pride at the fully completed haven. Many more frames or half-finished havens had sprung up all over the place, as well as Celeborn leading some Elves in walling in the surroundings. The building was going quickly, but more speed was necessary for winter was swiftly approaching; time set against them.
" A drink, good Elves?"
Ereinion's spirits lifted seeing Celebhiril approaching with another loud spoken maiden. Both hauled a large bucket of water between them, ladles clattering around the edges. Some Elves quickly aided the women, taking the bucket. Ereinion wearily motioned for the other Elves to go ahead and drink.
" You should drink, my lord or else you will be no good to your people."
Ereinion took the ladle the brash maiden handed him, regretting that it was not Celebhiril. He took a couple sips, before handing it back.
" Thank you."
The ladle of cold water emptied the rest of its contents on him. Celebhiril stood above him with something that resembled a smirk.
" Heat stroke is a terrible way to die, my lord."
Elves sniggered at Ereinion's shocked face. Ereinion's lips dissolved into a smile, watching Celebhiril walk away.
" Celebhiril, do you mind dropping another ladle of water on me?"
Celebhiril paused in her collecting of the scarce metal ladles to glance at him.
" I would pour this whole bucket on you, my lord, if I had not other Elves that need service first." She wiped her own sweat glistening brow. "Though I doubt this mere bucketful would quell the heat you feel. You Elves should go take a swim before working further."
They needed no second order. Elves ran towards the glistening ocean with whoops.
~*~
Nienna nursed a warm cup of tea quietly. While the days were blistering hot, the nights were like cold fall days. She pressed her lips against the warm cup, shivering slightly. A blanket fell around her shoulders.
" I come to repay the water."
Nienna looked up as Ereinion sat beside her. They were the only two at this fire. Other fires dotted the prairie. Nienna pulled the blanket closer.
" Thank you. This is very much appreciated."
Ereinion leaned back on his palms, gazing at the fire.
" Fire and stars are so much alike. You can gaze at them forever and still not see every pattern." Ereinion murmured.
" They did not tell me you were a poet as well as king."
Ereinion grinned at her.
" I love the stars."
Nienna poked a silver stitched star on his tunic.
" I see."
He was surprised to see a small smile lit up her face.
" That is the first time I have seen you somewhat smile."
Nienna looked away.
" I do not smile often. Lately though." She trailed off, blushing slightly at what it implied.
Ereinion smiled inwardly, studying her face for any sign.
*I wish I could be sure of what she is saying.
He touched her hand. The simple gesture made her turn so quickly, they caught foreheads. A loud crack filled the immediate surrounding air.
Ereinion held his forehead with a grin. Nienna rubbed her own with a small scowl. Her glass lay spilt at her feet.
" I am sorry. I did not mean to upset you." Ereinion quickly picked up the glass, brushing off the dirt.
Nienna shrugged, shaking her head slightly.
" I have never let any Elf touch me before I came here."
Ereinion quickly backed off, his eyes dark in fear of having violated her personal space.
" Then forgive me. I did not know-"
Nienna put a hand up.
" There is nothing to forgive. My brothers were always overprotective. Leastways, you would know if I did not desire your presence."
Ereinion nodded. He glanced at his finished haven. Nienna's eyes traveled to it also. She tilted her head slightly.
" Glorfindel tells me that the abode of the king is the finest of all havens."
Ereinion shrugged.
" I will not be the only one with a roof over my head when the rains come. My people will inhabit it first."
Nienna looked at him.
" You are selfless. That is rare among kings."
Ereinion shrugged.
" To be a king is to serve." He fingered at pendent around his neck. "Twas the one word of advice my grandfather left me."
" Fingolfin was wise, wisest of all his brothers." Nienna murmured absently.
Ereinion glanced at her tentatively.
" My haven has rooms in it prepared for both Elrond and Glorfindel. I hope I was not rash in believing you would remain with your escort?"
Nienna shook her head.
" Nay, you have solved my problem. I was meaning to ask Glorfindel about where I would stay, but it seems you have solved that for me." She tugged the blanket closer. " Your mother spoke to me before she left."
" I know." Ereinion mumbled glumly.
Nienna could not contain an ill-felt smile. Smiling still felt weird for one who had mourned so long.
" She asked me to watch you; to make sure you never fell."
Ereinion's dark eyes searched her face.
" Nothing else?"
Nienna shook her head.
*She did not have to speak of your feelings. They are crystal clear, son of Fingon.
Ereinion touched her hand.
" I hope you will find Lindon to your fitting Celebhiril."
Nienna nodded, allowing him to kiss her hand. A thousand tingles flew up her arm as he rose.
" I already have, my lord."
He sent her a brief nod.
" I bid you a good night."
She was lax to realize it was her hand that kept him there. She released him.
" Good night, majesty. May your dreams be pleasant."
~*~
Nienna glumly found herself in a sewing circle with every Elf-lady. She sighed, before stifling an angry word as her needle pricked her finger for the umpteenth time. The she-Elf beside her clucked a disapproving tongue when Nienna put the offending finger in her mouth.
" Again, Celebhiril? It is obvious no one ever taught you to sew."
Nienna nearly glared at the woman.
" Twas not required of me, my lady."
The woman still shook her head.
" Such a shame. No Elf will wish a incompetent maiden for a wife."
Celebhiril turned her head with an ill look. Even Galadriel tensed, sensing a change in the air. The very air had darkened slightly with Celebhiril's emotions.
" Celebhiril, my love, I have come for you."
Nienna glanced over her shoulder at a broadly grinning Elrond. His eyes danced, revealing he had heard the whole conversation. His grin faded and he shifted uncomfortably when Nienna's face did not change.
" What do you need, Elrond?" Her tone was not one to be trifled with.
Elrond shrugged.
" Glorfindel sent me to find you. I think he said something about you not having to sew anymore since it is not one of your skills."
Nienna raised an eyebrow.
*He best watch his words or he will be floundering in the ocean.
Nienna rose.
" Thank you, Elrond. I will gladly go since I am of no use here."
Elrond chuckled, taking her arm. He leaned in once they were a few paces away.
" That lady is just sore because she has been trying for years for Ereinion to notice her daughter."
Nienna felt her cheeks flush.
" What are you saying, Elrond Peredhil?"
Elrond shrugged.
" Absolutely nothing."
~*~
Nienna felt out of place among the bare chests of the Elves. She twisted her hands, keeping her eyes on the ground. Glorfindel jumped down, seizing his loose shirt to slip back on, sensing her discomfort.
" Elrond found you, I presume?"
She nodded, sending him a questioning glance.
" We need someone to inventory our library. Elrond is too busy to do it, and," Glorfindel lowered his voice. " Whatever is missing, you can surely fill in."
Nienna sent him a small smile.
" Thank you for saving me from sewing."
Glorfindel chuckled.
" I heard some of the ladies talking about a beautiful maiden unable to sew." He leaned down. " I guess a Valië-"
" Glorfindel!" She pushed him as if he had embarrassed her.
Some chuckles came from the Elves. She moved away.
" What?"
She glared at him.
" Forget not who my brothers are."
Glorfindel blanched a bit.
" May I go back to Mandos' Hall if I offend you, Celebhiril."
Nienna poked a finger in his chest.
" You can bet your life on it, Balrog-Slayer." She turned, seeing Elrond. " Where is this library at?"
~*~
Nienna loved the musty smell of books. She was penning in a piece about Fëanor when someone sat beside her.
" You are even editing them?"
Nienna glanced at Elrond.
" Bits and pieces."
Elrond just nodded, though she was sure he noticed what she had filled in. He began to peel an apple.
" Have you filled in any parts about the Two Trees whose tears you shed on their dying mounds, Nienna?"
The Valië froze. She slowly looked up at Elrond. He let a bit of apple skin fall to the ground before looking up to answer her unasked question.
" You ask how, lady? I remembered my vision; one I had before you came. You led me back to Arda. I finally pieced it together." Elrond shook his head. " Why are you here?"
Nienna looked down.
" Ilúvatar sent me with Glorfindel, yet I still do not know my purpose. I am exiled here until deemed to return. I must remain like one of you, never showing off my powers or anything like that." She lifted her chin. "You will keep my secret?"
Elrond nodded, taking a bite of a piece of the apple.
" But I ask something in return."
Nienna's gaze turned wary.
" I am no Elfing, Elrond. I could smite you right now."
His shrugged.
" And then you would weep for another going to Mandos." He put his knife down, all of the skin off the apple. Elrond took a bite, slowly chewing before speaking. " I would wish for you to tutor me."
Nienna looked up in disbelief.
" That is it?"
Elrond nodded.
" I have out learned all of my tutors. Even Ereinion cannot constrain me in a debate. He has given up trying to do so." Elrond took another bite. "I am the youngest member on his council, heir of Fingolfin, last of the line of Lúthien." He looked at her. " I have a thirst for knowledge; and you know everything."
Nienna put a hand out.
" It is a done deal then. I will tutor you, but not in everything. There are some things that are meant to remain secret."
Elrond nodded.
" I understand." His eyes glistened suddenly. " When can we start?"
" When can you start what?"
The two looked up, seeing Ereinion and Glorfindel approaching. Elrond grinned.
" Celebhiril has agreed to tutor me."
Ereinion just chuckled.
" You have your work set out for you, Celebhiril. He is smarter than any-"
Nienna glanced at Elrond.
" Can you sing to me the Aldudénië, Elrond?"
Elrond cast his gaze down.
" No, Celebhiril. I have never even heard of it." His eyes brightened then. " But I do know the Noldolantë."
Nienna shrugged.
" So does every Elf."
Glorfindel sent her a small headshake. Ereinion glanced at her curiously.
" No other Elf, save Maglor, knows it in its entirety other than Elrond."
Nienna sent him a forgiving smile.
" Where I come from, the Elves sing it, the Noldor at least."
" Where is it you come from?" Ereinion asked.
Glorfindel turned to Ereinion.
" Do not question the lady so much, Ereinion. When did you become so inquisitive?"
Ereinion looked a bit surprised for a moment before shrugging.
" Forgive me. I forgot that we came on an errand. Galadriel and Celeborn ask that you dine with them, Celebhiril."