Chapter XI: The Trials of Courting

At dusk, Glorfindel arrived at Elerrina's home and escorted her to dinner. He smiled as he looked at her. She was absolutely lovely.

"You look beautiful tonight, Elerrina."

She blushed. "Thank you. And you look very handsome, Glorfindel."

He grinned at her, and they began to talk of simple things: the things they enjoyed, their dreams, their hopes for the future. By the end of the evening, Glorfindel knew that he had lost his heart to her. But did she feel the same? He took her hand and intertwined his fingers with hers, and slowly walked her back to her home. For some reason, unbeknownst to him, her painting entered his mind. He felt strangely compelled to ask her about it.

"Elerrina, what were you painting this morn?"

She glanced at him. "An elleth, trapped in a land of mist."

He frowned. "Where did you see her?"

"In a dream. A strange dream that haunted me last eve."

"Please tell me of it," he implored.

She looked at him and began to relate the events of her dream. To him, it sounded more like a vision than a dream. But what could it mean?

"Perhaps, she was trying to tell you something. Perhaps, it is a premonition of sorts."

Elerrina frowned. "Perhaps."

They arrived at her home and paused before the door. Glorfindel smiled at her.

"Tomorrow?" he asked.

She smiled and nodded. "Tomorrow."

He leaned forward and kissed her lightly. After a moment, he drew back and tenderly touched her cheek.

"Good night, Elerrina."

"Good night."

He left and walked towards his home. He smiled as he thought of this evening and of Elerrina. He sighed. He was happier now than he had been in a very long time.


The following day, Elerrina went to the forest glade well before dawn. She wanted to paint before she was due at Erestor's study. She began to paint the last fleeting glimpses of night that still clung to morning's warm embrace. It was an enchanting scene. She turned as she heard someone approach. She blinked in surprise as she saw Nenthalion standing before her.

"Good morning, Nenthalion," she greeted.

"Elerrina."

She frowned slightly. Something was wrong. His expression was stoic, yet his voice possessed a darkness, a hidden anger. His eyes were dark and filled with some unknown, yet frightening emotion. What could be bothering him so?

"Elerrina, will you walk with me this afternoon?"

She bit her lip and sighed. "I cannot, Nenthalion."

He scowled at her. "It is all right for you to associate with Glorfindel, but not with me?" he asked, his voice full of dark anger.

She drew back slightly, but gave him a firm look. "He is courting me, Nenthalion. I cannot consort with another."

"I see," he growled. He turned and angrily left the glade.

Elerrina watched him as he stormed away. She had not expected him to become so vehemently angry. She hated to admit it, but he had frightened her. She sighed. She hoped he would accept her answer, and not ask her further. However, she was unsure if he would.


Elerrina left the glade and went to Lord Erestor's study. She had much work to accomplish, yet the events of the early morning weighed heavily upon her mind. Also, Erestor kept staring at her and giving her strange smiles throughout the day, further adding to her discomfort. He must know of Glorfindel and I.

Erestor dismissed her in the late afternoon, and she hurried to Glorfindel's study. They were going to take a walk through the gardens together. As she reached his door, it suddenly opened, and Glorfindel pulled her inside. She gasped as he kissed her soundly. The kiss continued for a long while, and she soon forgot about the occurrence with Nenthalion. When he finally released her, she was breathless and her heart was pounding. He grinned at her.

"Hello," he said softly.

"Hello," she whispered.

"Are you ready for our walk?"

She nodded, and he took her hand. They left his study and began to walk down the hall, but as they did, Erestor emerged from his own study. He smirked at them, but Glorfindel just grinned. Elerrina, however, was blushing vividly. She sighed. She knew that Erestor would tease her mercilessly tomorrow. She glanced at Glorfindel and smiled. Erestor can tease me as much as he wishes. I care not.

They talked as they strolled through the gardens, yet Elerrina seemed distant, distracted by something. Glorfindel glanced at her and frowned. Something was bothering her.

"Elerrina, is something wrong?"

She glanced up at him and sighed. "It is nothing. Just something that happened this morning."

He stopped and touched her face. "What happened? Tell me," he implored.

She sighed and told him of what had occurred with Nenthalion. Glorfindel frowned and put his arms protectively around her.

"If he bothers you again, you tell me, and I will speak to him."

She nodded, and he kissed her. He drew back and embraced her tightly. Elerrina relaxed into his embrace. She felt so warm and safe when she was with him. She sighed. She hoped that he would not leave her as well.