Chapter IV: Strength

Elerrina worked for Lord Erestor for several weeks. She accomplished everything that he required of her, both thoroughly and quickly, and yet he was never pleased. The moment she finished one task, he had another one for her. He never thanked her and treated her as though she were his slave instead of his scribe.

The evening of the Summer Festival was one that Elerrina looked forward to with great anticipation. She did not really enjoy festivals, but she desperately needed a reprieve from Lord Erestor's constant demands. She completed her tasks early that day, and by the time she was finished, she was most eager to leave, for Erestor had been particularly difficult that day. She approached his desk warily, and he glanced up at her.

"Is there anything else that you require of me today, Lord Erestor?"

He glared at her coldly. "Do you have somewhere else to be?"

"My intent is to attend the festival this evening, my lord."

He shook his head. "No. I need you here. There is much work to be done."

Elerrina sighed heavily and tried to mask her annoyance. Her patience was wearing thin. "I have accomplished all of my tasks, my lord. What else needs to be done?"

He stared at her, obviously surprised that she had questioned him. "I will find something."

Elerrina glared at him, what remained of her patience now gone. "My lord, I have done all that you have asked, and yet you treat me as though I am incompetent and have none of my own tasks to accomplish. I am your scribe, Erestor, not your slave. If a slave is what you seek, then I suggest you look elsewhere, for you will not find one in me."

He stared at her in shock for a long moment before he spoke. "You are right. I have treated you badly." He sighed. "I am not accustomed to having what I need done quickly and properly. I am sorry, Elerrina. Please enjoy the festival."

Elerrina smiled in surprise. She had not been expecting an apology. "Thank you, my lord."

He smiled at her, and she turned to leave, but something stopped her. She turned back to him, and he looked at her questioningly.

"Are you attending the festival, my lord?"

"No, I have too much work to do."

She shook her head. "I know that is not true, my lord, for everything is finished." Her mouth curved into a wry smile. "You should attend the festival, for I imagine that you need a reprieve as much as I do."

He laughed softly. "Perhaps, but I rarely attend festivals."

Elerrina smiled and grabbed his arm. He stared at her in shock as she pulled him to his feet. "You are going to attend with me tonight," she informed him.

"You wish for me to attend with you?" he asked, dumbfounded.

"Of course." She began walking down the hallway, still holding onto his arm. He followed her, far too surprised to protest. They left the palace and began walking towards the festival. Elerrina was determined that Erestor would have an enjoyable time, and she was going to do everything possible to make that happen. She smiled. Perhaps then he would learn to relax.


Erestor and Elerrina arrived at the festival just as it was beginning. They sat on the soft grass and watched as the other Elves sauntered about. Erestor turned and studied Elerrina with open curiosity. He really knew nothing about her, other than the fact that she was a skilled scribe.

"Elerrina," he began. She turned to him and smiled. "How long have you resided in Rivendell?"

"Only a few months. I hail from Mirkwood."

"Is your family still in Mirkwood?"

She smiled sadly. "Yes. My mother's sister and her husband still dwell there. I have lived with them since I was a small child."

"And what of your parents, Elerrina?" He frowned, for Elerrina's countenance had darkened considerably.

"My mother died in childbirth, and my father has since traveled to Valinor."

Even though her expression was stoic, Erestor could hear the bitterness in her voice as she spoke of her father. He sensed that there was more to this story, but he did not want to press her. He stood to his feet and smiled at her. She gave him a strange look as he offered her his hand.

"Shall we dance, my lady?"

She stared at him for a moment before shaking her head. "I am not one for dancing."

Erestor seized her hand and gently pulled her to her feet. "You brought me to this festival, and now I am going to drag you onto this dance floor."

She opened her mouth to protest, but quickly closed it. He gave her a sly smile, and she shook her head and laughed softly.

"Come, Elerrina. Dance with me."

She smiled and nodded, and he pulled her onto the dance floor. They spent the rest of the evening dancing and just enjoying one another's company. They were now more at ease with one another, and they both knew that working together would now be a far more pleasant experience.


After several weeks, Erestor was sent to Lothlorien on an important business matter. He informed Elerrina that he did not need her to accompany him, and told her to enjoy the time to herself. She bid him farewell, and walked slowly back to her home. A warm breeze whispered through the city, and the smell of the woods was intoxicating. Elerrina closed her eyes and smiled. She would aid Celeblas while Erestor was away, but for now, she was going to paint.