Chapter XIV: Protection

Two years passed, and Nenthalion had not been found. Everyone had become very protective of Elerrina, treating her as if she was a fragile creature that might break if put under any strain. She found it sweet that everyone cared about her so much, yet their constant lingering around her was becoming terribly frustrating.

One afternoon, she decided that she needed a few moments of solitude, for she could not tolerate the constant company any longer. She looked at Glorfindel, who glanced up from his reading and smiled at her.

"Glorfindel, I am going for a walk."

He set his book on the small table beside him. "I will accompany you."

She sighed in annoyance. "No. I wish to go alone."

Concern crept into his eyes. "Elerrina—"

She cut him off. "For the past two years, I have hardly had a moment where someone was not with me. I am not a child, Glorfindel. I am not going to break or injure myself, nor am I going to fall prey to one that the entire city searches for." She winced at the look of hurt in his eyes, but she refused to relent. "I am going to go for a long walk, alone."

Glorfindel watched as she turned and left the house. He sighed. He knew that she was right, but he could not help but worry about her. Nenthalion had still not been found, and Glorfindel always feared that he might attack Elerrina again. He sighed heavily. He loved her and would honor her request for solitude, no matter how it pained him.


Elerrina walked slowly through the city. She took every path that she crossed and just enjoyed her few precious moments of solitude. She sat on the bench near her favorite statue and sighed. She loved her husband dearly, but she wished that he would relent in his constant guarding of her. She grimaced as she remembered the look of hurt in his eyes. She despised quarreling with him, but her feelings had needed to be voiced.

She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feel of the warm afternoon breeze as it gently caressed her face and hair. It was so peaceful here, but that would not last long. Her eyes flew open as Lord Elrond's twin sons came running through the bushes. They chased each other, their wild laughter bringing a smile to Elerrina's face. They seemed to sense her watching them, for they stopped their playing and glanced at her shyly. She smiled at them, and they bounded over to her.

"What is your name?" one of the little ones asked.

Elerrina smiled at them. "Elerrina. And what are your names?"

They grinned at her. "I am Elladan, and this is my brother Elrohir," the elfling nearest her said.

"I am pleased to meet you, my young lords."

Just then, a rather flustered and annoyed Lady Celebrian approached. "There you two are! I have been searching everywhere for you! Where have you two been?"

"Talking to Elerrina," Elladan said.

"Lady Elerrina," Celebrian corrected.

The pair looked at Elerrina with wide eyes. They began to pout, and Elerrina's heart melted. They were too adorable for words.

"She said we could call her 'Elerrina', Nana."

Elerrina smiled. "Only if your mother permits, little ones."

Celebrian smiled and nodded, and the twins grinned at her. They resumed their wild play, and Celebrian sat beside Elerrina.

"How are you, Elerrina?"

"I am well. And you, my lady?"

"Please call me 'Celebrian', Elerrina. Friends should not address one another so formally." She glanced at the twins. "I have been chasing these rambunctious little ones all afternoon."

Elerrina looked at the twins and smiled. "They are precious, Celebrian."

"Yes. They are. Most of the time." She looked at Elerrina and smiled. "Are you and Glorfindel considering having a little one of your own?"

Elerrina blushed. "I know not. We have not discussed it as of late." She sighed. "But I do wish for one."

Celebrian patted her hand. "I am sure that one day you shall have one."

At that moment, Elrohir pushed Elladan into the dirt, and Elladan retaliated by shoving Elrohir into a nearby fountain. Celebrian rose and took the unruly pair by the hands. She gave them a gentle scolding, and they apologized to one another. She looked at Elerrina and smiled in exasperation.

" Forgive me, Elerrina, but I must bathe these two. Namarie."

"Namarie, Celebrian."

The twins waved to Elerrina, and she grinned as she returned their farewell. She smiled wistfully. How she longed for a child of her own. It was something that she had always dreamed of. She rose and headed for her home, her sweet dream forever on her mind.


Glorfindel sat in his chair and anxiously watched the door. Elerrina had been gone for over an hour, and it was taking all of his willpower not to go after her. He sighed. He knew he needed to relax and let her do the things that she enjoyed, but it was difficult. It had taken her a long time to heal from the ordeal that had occurred with Nenthalion. Physically, she had healed quickly, but her emotional scars ran deep. She became so withdrawn and distrustful that it had frightened him. It had been months before she would even allow him to touch her. But now, she seemed to be herself again, and he did not want anything to change that.

He glanced up as the door opened and Elerrina walked in. She looked at him for a moment before she smiled. He walked over to her and drew her into his arms. She smiled at him apologetically.

"I am sorry, my love. I should have not been so rash with my words."

He shook his head. "No, beloved. I am sorry. I am sorry for treating you as I have. I was just... frightened. I could not bear it if anything happened to you. I love you so much."

"And I love you."

He leaned forward and took her mouth in a passionate kiss. Her arms slid around him, and they became lost in each other's embrace. It was not long before he swept her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom.