Chapter 9
Ereinion was there, waiting for the small returning party to approach. The three healers, Celeborn, Galadriel and Celebhiril, had been gone for months with their small guard at the village nearby. Celeborn was the first to dismount, extending a hand to his wife. Ereinion stepped forward, offering Celebhiril his hand. She smiled sadly at him.
" Thank you." She whispered.
Ereinion studied her for a moment.
" Was it that bad?"
Celebhiril lifted her head, tears lying under the surface of her eyes.
" Worse."
A cough came. Celeborn was standing beside them.
" I see that Celebhiril can fill you in on our expedition?"
Ereinion glanced down at her.
" If she is not too weary, she can; or I will get the information from either Galadriel or you."
" I am not tired, my lord." Celebhiril replied. " But I am famished."
Ereinion laughed a bit.
" Well then, let us fetch you some dinner and then we shall discuss the trip."
~*~
It was like she was home again. As much as she hated to admit it, Lindon had become home in the few short months. She daintily picked at some fruits before downing her glass of wine. Ereinion had to chuckle.
" Thirsty?" He teased as he refilled her glass.
Nienna shrugged.
" I have missed the fine mead of Lindon." She swirled the liquid round in the wide brimmed glass, glancing over at him. " We were successful in curing the village. Celeborn and Galadriel are in negotiations with Elros to begin a trade route with the men. That is, of course, when they bring it up in a council for you to approve."
Ereinion rubbed his chin.
" Trade would do to help these havens flourish all the more quickly. I will think about it; ask Elrond."
" Do you always confide in Elrond?"
Ereinion sent her a sheepish smile.
" Aye. At times, he is wiser than even I. I trust him with my life."
Nienna nodded.
" Everyone needs a friend like that."
Ereinion perched an elbow on the table, resting his head on his palm; his fingers curving to frame his jaw.
" And who is that to you?"
Nienna put down her fork.
" My younger brother, I have three, but the middle one. He understands me, while the others try to make me someone I am not."
Ereinion leaned back in his chair.
" I would like to meet your brothers one day. Will they ever journey to these havens?"
Nienna lowered her eyes.
" They went over the Sea years upon years ago." She murmured.
Ereinion just nodded silently.
" And that is how you came into Glorfindel's care?"
Nienna shook her head.
" It is an arrangement I cannot speak of."
Ereinion just nodded again.
" Círdan and his people are on the other side of the river, farther up towards the sea. Celebrimbor went with them."
Nienna tilted her head.
" Good for you?"
Ereinion flushed slightly before shrugging.
" I just thought that piece of information would be important to you. Seeing how he has sent you many gifts and such."
Nienna rose, brushing off her skirts. Ereinion rose also. She leaned over, brushing crumbs from his chest.
" Gifts mean nothing to me." She poked his chest. " I look to see the person's heart. Now if you will excuse me. I believe I will retire for today. I am exhausted."
Ereinion watched her go with a smile. She paused at the doorway, turning and looking at him with a gentle smile, before disappearing around the corner. He slouched back into his chair with a dreamy smile.
*I should not let my hopes get so high, but I do hope I am reading her right.
He shook his head.
*I would hate to be refused for a kin of Fëanor.
~*~
Nienna was surprised to be summoned to join the council in their monthly meeting. She paused when she entered, feeling a bit of butterflies when she saw the many heads swinging towards her. Celeborn was the first to stand and greet her.
" I am glad you accepted my invitation. You acted mostly as a healer, while Galadriel and I did negotiations. The council wishes to know the extent of the plague's damage."
Eyes stared at her and she moved towards the table.
" My lords," she turned, inclining her head to Galadriel, " And lady. I did in fact act as the head healer of this expedition, but there is little to tell you. The plague was not as severe as it could have been, had we arrived a day later. I can swear by my life that no sickness nor blight will touch that town as long as Elros abides there."
*Which will only be a mere thirty or so years, if I remember reading Vairë's webs right.
" We have also accumulated the knowledge that you and Elrond are editing many books and manuscripts, as well as you tutoring our brightest counselor. I ask what qualifications you have to do so, especially in the editing." Círdan leaned back in his chair.
Elrond sat up.
" That is an unfair question, Círdan. She is my tutor, of course she would be educated enough to-"
The bearded Elf shook his head.
" Whom did you study under, Celebhiril?"
Nienna's words faltered.
" I have learned under many, lord Círdan."
*Many, such as Manwë, Varda and even Ilúvatar himself.
Círdan rubbed his chin, leaning in with an inquisitive gleam in his eyes. Ereinion sent the lord a disapproving glare, but said nothing.
" Name some so that we may be sure." Círdan pushed.
Nienna clasped her hands behind her back.
*I cannot lie.
" I learned with Varda and Yavanna."
A gasp and murmur went around.
" That means you are Noldo." Galadriel exclaimed.
Nienna shifted her eyes that way, but did not speak nor answer Galadriel's claim in any way. Elrond rose.
" I make a motion to dismiss lady Celebhiril for a moment so I may point out a few things in private."
Ereinion shook his head.
" Declined. Sit down, Elrond. You are extremely agitated."
Nienna sent Elrond a warning look. He looked down at his paper, beginning to doodle on it.
" I remember the births of Fingolfin and then Finarfin." Nienna did not reference Fëanor, having no wish to tell how old she really was. "I remember the Trees; and more than anything, I remember when Elves were truly immortal. The day Mandos spoke his words against the Noldor was my last day of happiness."
" Are you saying you are like our Lady Nienna?" A counselor looked entirely aghast at the proposition.
Elrond suddenly choked, his face brightening into a tomato red when no air could reach his lungs. Ereinion leaned over, slapping him on the back.
" Are you ok?" Nienna stood behind Elrond's chair.
Elrond leaned into it weakly.
" Aye, my lady."
Nienna pulled him to his feet.
" You are coming with me. You should have said something about being unwell."
The two began for the door. Nienna leaned down.
" For all your wisdom, Elrond. You are a horrid actor." She hissed.
Elrond smiled weakly, standing by himself.
" I cannot be perfect at everything."
Nienna lightly cuffed his head with a headshake. Elrond laughed, continuing down the corridor. Two eyes watched from their place, unseen and all seeing.
~*~
Ereinion found her later that night. He wore a tired and defeated expression as he collapsed in a chair nearby. She glanced up from her stitching, gladly putting it aside. Galadriel was attempting to teach her to sew. Nienna rolled her eyes again.
*As if that will ever happen.
She ran a hand over Ereinion's tense shoulders, commencing to gently knead out a particularly stiff region. He let out a deep breath at the sheer pleasure of it.
Nienna smiled slightly, allowing some of her comfort to flow into him. Ereinion's head rolled back to gaze up at her.
" Why is it I always am at peace when you are around?"
Nienna smiled slightly down at him.
" Do not question; just be at peace. It is a gift."
Ereinion closed his eyes, relaxing into her gentle hands. Nienna moved away, believing him to be asleep. His eyes flew open.
" Where are you going? I have not yet spoken with you."
Nienna paused at the doorway with a wary expression.
" You never voiced any indication that you needed to speak with me."
Ereinion ran a hand over his neck.
" Will you close the door and come back in?"
Nienna did as he requested, sitting in front of him.
Ereinion looked down at his hands for a moment.
" The council does not wish for you to continue proofing the books and manuscripts with Elrond." Ereinion held up his hands. " I was not against you. Círdan was in an especially ornery mood and without Elrond to temper him, he won the debate and votes." Ereinion then leaned over, taking her hands. " Yet, with that duty taken away, I have one of my own to bestow." He looked down, as if unsure of how to continue.
A slight rap came on his door before it was pushed open. Círdan's disapproving eyes swept over the two holding hands and then to Ereinion.
" Did I interrupt anything?"
Ereinion rose with a smile.
" Yes, but it is fine. Will this take long, Círdan?"
Círdan shook his head.
" I actually came looking for the lady. A Elf saying he is your brother is here to collect you."
Nienna's world collapsed around her. Ereinion stepped forward, laying a strong hand on her back.
" My, my brother?" She stammered.
Círdan nodded gravelly.
" A blonde haired chap, bout Ereinion's height."
Ereinion glanced at her.
" I thought you said…"
Nienna nodded, glancing up at him anxiously.
" So did I. I never thought he'd come."