Chapter VI: Odd Feelings
The following morning, Elerrina went in search of Celeblas, for she knew that he needed help with his many duties. She knew that he would most likely be in the library, and that was where she found him, pouring over mounds of books and manuscripts. She approached his table and sat down opposite him. He glanced up at her with a hopeful, pleading look in his eyes. She smiled at him.
"How can I assist you, Celeblas?"
He breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Elerrina. I am most grateful for your help." He glanced around at the piles surrounding him, and finally pointed to a small stack of scrolls.
"Would you take these to Lord Glorfindel, Elerrina? His study is on the left of the main hallway, three doors past Lord Erestor's."
Elerrina nodded. "Of course, Celeblas. I shall deliver these to him, and then I shall return to help you sort through all of this."
Celeblas gave her an appreciative smile, and she left for Lord Glorfindel's study. She stopped before a large, ornate door and knocked softly. A voice called for her to enter, and she did so, closing the door behind her. She turned to face Lord Glorfindel, and her eyes widened as she recognized him as the ellon that had assisted her last eve.
He smiled at her. "My lady, we meet again. I did not know that you were a scribe as well as a painter."
She glanced at him and tried not to blush. And I did not realize that you were an Elven lord, second only to Lord Elrond. Now I feel even more foolish and clumsy than I did last night. She gave him a nervous smile. "Yes, my lord. I am aiding Celeblas. He asked me to deliver these to you." She handed him the scrolls and stepped back. She nodded to him and moved towards the door, anxious to leave.
"Wait," he called. She froze and slowly turned around. He smiled at her. "I do not believe I know your name."
"Elerrina, my lord."
He rose and walked over to her. "I am pleased to meet you, Elerrina. I am Glorfindel."
She looked into his eyes. "A pleasure to meet you also, my lord." She nodded to him. "Good day."
"Good day, Elerrina."
She turned and quickly left the room, her heart pounding. She shook her head in annoyance. What is wrong with me? Never before had she met an Elf that made her feel so awkward and nervous. She sighed. I am just embarrassed by my clumsiness last eve. That is all. She walked back to the library, determined to aid Celeblas and to forget all about Lord Glorfindel.
Elerrina finished assisting Celeblas late in the afternoon. She gathered her painting supplies and headed for the waterfalls. She knew that such a picturesque location would be a lovely scene to paint. She set up her easel and began. The picture slowly began to appear, but she frowned for she was having difficulty making the water appear to flow. She glanced up as she heard someone approach. Nenthalion appeared before her carrying an assortment of painting supplies. He smiled at her, his dark eyes alight with some mysterious emotion.
"Good day, Elerrina. May I join you?"
She smiled. "Of course. I would enjoy the company."
Nenthalion set his easel beside hers and began to paint. However, he was not painting the waterfall before him. He was painting something that came purely from fantasy. He glanced at Elerrina and frowned. Her brow was wrinkled in concentration, and she looked terribly frustrated.
"Is something wrong, Elerrina?"
She sighed. "I am having difficulty with this waterfall."
He studied her painting and nodded. He could see what the problem was.
"Try holding your brush this way. Here, I will show you."
Elerrina expected him to show her by example, but instead, he took her hand and moved it in a sweeping stroke. She blushed uncomfortably. She could not determine why, but she felt odd as he held her hand. She ignored her feelings and returned her attention to the painting. She smiled. The waterfall was significantly improved.
"Thank you, Nenthalion. The change is remarkable."
He smiled at her in a way that made her blush. "I will assist you any time you wish, my lady."
She nodded and gave him an uneasy smile. "Might I see your painting?"
"Of course."
He moved aside, and she studied his painting. It was of a strange wolf with bloodthirsty yellow eyes. The wolf's mouth was curved into a vicious snarl, and its teeth were bared, as if it were preparing to attack its prey. The dark night and eerie full moon made the scene all the more frightening. Yet, it was beautifully done, very detailed and realistic.
"It is extraordinary. The scene and the wolf are truly terrifying. I feel as though the wolf is going to leap out of the painting and attack me at this very moment."
He reached out and took her hand. "Never you, Elerrina. He would never hurt you," he said and kissed her hand.
She blushed and he smiled. She gently pulled her hand away and returned to her easel. However, she was so flustered that she could not finish her painting. She sighed, somewhat relieved. It was evening, and she needed to begin making her way home.
"I am going to start home, Nenthalion. Perhaps I shall try to finish the painting tomorrow."
He nodded. "Good night, Elerrina."
"Good night."
She gathered her supplies and started for home. She could feel his gaze upon her as she walked away. She frowned. Why was she so uneasy? Nenthalion was kind, yet she felt… odd when she was with him today. She shook her head and pressed the feelings away. I am just tired, that is all. Celeblas had much work for me to do today. Everything will be fine once I rest. She continued to make her way home and tried to ignore the disturbing feelings that had settled over her.
