Chapter V: Two Ellyn

Nenthalion walked through the woods, heading for his home. He was a guard, and he was returning from his post on the outer borders of Rivendell. It had been a lengthy term this time, and he was tired and glad to be going home. He stopped for a moment and leaned against an old oak tree. He closed his eyes and just enjoyed the feel of the breeze on his face. He started slightly as a voice called out to him.

"Pardon me, but would you please stand elsewhere?"

Nenthalion turned and saw an elleth standing a short distance away. She was looking at him expectantly, and he frowned. Rather impertinent, is she not? He walked toward her. "I did not realize that this was your part of the forest."

The elleth sighed. "I apologize. I am only attempting to paint."

Now, that was interesting. Nenthalion looked at her easel and supplies and felt foolish, for he had been too insulted to notice them earlier. "Painting? I am a painter as well."

She laughed softly and shook her head. "I am a scribe. I merely attempt to paint."

He smiled at her. "And I am a guard. I paint as a pastime. I am Nenthalion."

"Elerrina."

Elerrina. What a beautiful name. "Do you paint often?"

"Not as often as I would like. This is the first opportunity I have had to paint since I have been in Rivendell."

"Where do you hail from, Elerrina?"

"Mirkwood."

"I imagine that there are many beautiful scenes to paint there."

"Yes. Mirkwood has lent itself to me and my inspiration many times."

He began to approach her painting, but she nervously attempted to conceal it. He smiled at her. "Might I see your painting? I am most interested to see the talents of Mirkwood." She appeared to be considering it, and he tried to reassure her. "I am certain that it is lovely, my lady."

She slowly moved aside, and he studied her painting. He was surprised that she had tried to hide it, for she was very talented. He looked at her and smiled.

"It is lovely, Elerrina." She started to protest, but he shook his head. "I promise that I will always give you my honest opinion. Who better to trust than another painter?"

She blushed and smiled shyly. "Thank you, Nenthalion."

"Of course."

Elerrina smiled and studied Nenthalion. He was handsome, with black hair and piercing brown eyes. He smiled at her, and they began to discuss their mutual love of painting. They talked for hours, well into the evening. Elerrina looked up at the sky and sighed. It was late, but she did not want to leave. She had few friends, and the fact that Nenthalion enjoyed painting made him all the more appealing as a friend.

"I have enjoyed our discussion, Nenthalion, but I really must start home."

"I have enjoyed it as well. Perhaps, we can paint together sometime?"

Elerrina nodded. "I would enjoy that. Good evening, Nenthalion."

"Good evening, Elerrina."

Elerrina gathered her supplies and began to walk home. Nenthalion watched her as she walked away. She is lovely. I will definitely have to spend more time with her.


Elerrina walked toward her home, but her pace was slow, for she was laden with painting supplies. She continued to walk, but suddenly someone jarred her. She barely kept from falling, and as she regained her balance, she glared after the Elf. Her eyes widened as she recognized him.

"Celeblas!" she called after him in annoyance.

Celeblas turned and winced when he saw her. "I am sorry, Elerrina. I did not see you. I am behind with my duties."

"At this hour, Celeblas? Do you not rest?"

"The Elven lords never rest, Elerrina, and therefore, neither can I. Farewell!" he called, as he walked hurriedly away.

Elerrina stared after him and shook her head. I am definitely going to have to aid him. She turned and sighed as she saw several of her brushes scattered along the pathway.

"Do not fret, Celeblas. I will get them," she muttered.

She bent down to retrieve them, but as she did, a jar of paint fell to the ground. She closed her eyes and sighed in annoyance. She began to reach for her supplies again, but a hand reached out and picked them up for her. She straightened and as she did, she met the deep blue gaze of a handsome, golden-haired ellon. He smiled and handed her the brushes and paint.

"Thank you, my lord," she said softly.

"Of course, my lady. May I assist you?" he asked, looking pointedly at the abundance of supplies in her arms.

"No, my lord. I can manage. Thank you for your offer." She nodded to him and continued walking toward her home.


Glorfindel watched the elleth as she walked away. He had never seen her before, so he assumed that she was new to Rivendell. He sighed. He admired her stubbornness, yet he wished that she had allowed him to aid her. He smiled slightly. Perhaps he would see her again.