Chapter VII: Attraction
Several months passed, and Lord Erestor had not yet returned. Elerrina had become so involved in assisting Celeblas that she rarely had time to paint or to do anything else, for that matter. Work had once again become her entire life, but she did not have the heart to stop helping Celeblas. The poor Elf needed her too badly.
One afternoon, she was walking to the palace to deliver several manuscripts to Lord Glorfindel, when she came across Nenthalion. He smiled as she neared him.
"Elerrina, I have not seen you in some time. Have you not been painting?"
She shook her head. "No. I have been aiding Celeblas and have not had the chance to paint."
"I see. When does Lord Erestor return?"
"I know not. He has not yet sent word." She smiled at him. "I must be going, Nenthalion. I hope to paint again soon."
Elerrina moved to leave, but Nenthalion caught her arm. She turned back and looked at him in confusion. He smiled at her.
"Elerrina, will you dine with me this eve?"
Her eyes widened in surprise. She had not been expecting this. "I am sorry, Nenthalion, but I cannot. Celeblas has much work for me tonight." She looked up at the sky. "I really must be going, Nenthalion. These scrolls are already overdue. Farewell."
He nodded slightly, and she continued on to the palace. She hoped that she had not hurt him, but she really did have a great deal of work that she needed to finish. She looked down at the parchments in her hand and sighed. I hope Lord Glorfindel will not be angry that I am late in delivering his manuscripts.
Glorfindel angrily paced the floor of his study. He was in a foul mood, and the fact that Celeblas was overdue in delivering his scrolls was not improving matters. Where was that Elf? He glanced up as someone knocked on the door. At last that scribe had arrived!
"Enter," he growled. He was going to have to inform that scribe of the importance of being prompt.
The door slowly opened, and he began to rebuke who he thought was Celeblas. "Celeblas, how many times must I tell you that I need my work on time, not…" He stopped as Elerrina entered his study. She winced as she glanced at him and quickly lowered her eyes.
"Please forgive me, my lord. It is my fault that these are late, not Celeblas'. It will not happen again, my lord. Here are your manuscripts."
He reached out and took the scrolls from her, but she did not look at him. He sighed, all of his former anger gone.
"Elerrina, look at me." He sighed, for she still would not meet his eyes. He reached out and gently tipped her chin, forcing her to look at him. "It is all right, Elerrina. I am not angry anymore. I was in a foul mood, and I am sorry. I hope you will forgive me, my lady."
"Of course, my lord," she whispered. She moved to leave, but he caught her arm.
"Are you attending the Winter Celebration, Elerrina?" Why did I mention that? he wondered.
Surprise crossed her face. "I know not, my lord. Celeblas and I always have much work to do."
He nodded. "I hope to see you there, Elerrina."
She smiled slightly and departed. He stared after her, a confused expression on his fair face. Why am I concerned with whether or not she attends the celebration? He sighed. If Celeblas had entered the room, Glorfindel would have reprimanded him. But the mere sight of Elerrina made all of his anger vanish. Why does she affect me so? He shook his head. I do not have time for this. He grabbed his manuscripts and began to work, determined to put Elerrina and the celebration far from his mind.
On the morning before the Winter Celebration, Glorfindel went for a ride through the countryside. Asfaloth trotted lazily through the woods, and Glorfindel relaxed and just enjoyed the feel of the wind on his face. His mind wandered to Elerrina. He had not seen her since that day in his study. Had she decided to attend the celebration? Was she attending with someone? He sighed heavily. Elerrina was on his mind so much of late. Why can I not stop thinking of her?
He continued to ride, but he started slightly as he saw Elerrina riding some distance away. She was riding so quickly that he thought something was amiss. He nudged Asfaloth and hurried after her. He chased her for some time before she finally slowed. He rode up and halted beside her.
"Lord Glorfindel!" she said in surprise.
"Elerrina, is everything all right? Are you well?"
She looked at him oddly. "Yes. I am well. What makes you think otherwise?"
"You were riding so quickly that I thought something was wrong."
She smiled. "Rovain is very high-spirited," she told him and patted her horse's side. "He enjoys galloping wildly and with haste. I enjoy such rides as well." The horse stamped his hoof impatiently, and she scratched his ears.
Glorfindel smiled at her. "It appears that he wishes to ride further. Forgive me, Elerrina. I did not mean to interrupt your ride."
He turned and began to ride away, but she called out to him.
"Wait, Lord Glorfindel." He turned, and she rode over to him. She gave him a shy smile. "Would you care to join me?"
He stared at her in surprise for a moment, but then smiled. "I would love to, Elerrina."
She smiled and they began riding. Glorfindel glanced over at her.
"Are you going to be able to attend the Winter Celebration, Elerrina?"
"I hope to. As long as Celeblas does not desperately need me."
"Do you never rest, Elerrina? Or do anything that you find enjoyable?"
She laughed softly. "Occasionally. I love to paint, but my work has not permitted me to do so as of late. I escaped Celeblas for a few hours this morning so that I could ride."
Glorfindel grinned. "I imagine that he is frantically searching for you."
"I am certain of it."
Rovain tried to gain his head, and Elerrina looked at Glorfindel. "I do believe that our horses are desirous of a race." She grinned wickedly at him. "As am I, my lord."
He smiled. "I am not one to disappoint a lady or her horse." He tightened his grip on his horse's reins. "Shall we?"
Elerrina grinned and they both allowed their horses to run at a full gallop. They continued to ride with each other for the rest of the morning, just enjoying one another's company. Elerrina was surprised how at ease she had become around Lord Glorfindel. Perhaps, I will attend the celebration after all.
