Chapter Fourteen

Erestor strolled down the corridor, clad in silver robes, a huge contrast to the dark clothing he usually wore. Nathariel was a way ahead of him, and he hurried up the hall to join her.

"Good morning," she smiled as he caught up with her.

Erestor returned the greeting, noting with surprise how unusually dressed up she was for New Year's. She wore robes of golden silk; her dark hair was elaborately braided and twisted, ribbons and beads strewn through it. A long chain of silver hung from her throat and bracelets jangled on her wrists.

"You look lovely," he finally managed to say.

The healer blushed. "Thank you," she said, looking at her feet.

Erestor was embarrassed as well. "You're welcome."

They walked for a few moments in silence. Then, Glorfindel swept around the corner. On his head was a wreath of yellow lilies, woven into the shape of a crown. Nathariel burst into a giggle fit when she saw him.

He grinned and said, "A generous little Elfling insisted I wear it, as she had fashioned it for me." He noticed Nathariel then, and was stricken for a moment. However, his clever tongue had not deserted him. "And who is this magnificent elleth, Erestor? It couldn't be Nathariel, could it?"

Nathariel went scarlet. "Indeed, it is. Do I truly look so different?" she asked.

"You are beautiful, maiden," Glorfindel smiled. "Fit to be a queen." With a flourishing bow, he headed off down the corridor.

Erestor remained calm outwardly, but inside he was fuming. He wasn't angry with Glorfindel – strangely, he was angry with himself.

Why was it that Glorfindel always managed to be witty, fun, helpful, even dashing (to most of the Elf-maids), but he himself was always the quiet, solitary advisor who knew more of books than people? He wanted to be accepted, different, unique.

With a jolt, he realized that nothing was holding him back.

"Is something wrong?" asked Nathariel.

"No," Erestor said, almost too quickly. "Excuse me. I must speak to someone," he added, scurrying off.

Nathariel stood in the deserted hallway, alone and in total shock. "Uh…goodbye then, I guess."


Celebrían stood at the window, waiting for her parents to arrive. They wouldn't have a large procession with them, because her mother always insisted on small groups. She had always said they were an "unnecessary annoyance".

"Lady Celebrían?"

Celebrían turned. "Yes, Erestor?" she asked.

"I need to ask you for some…advice."

Celebrían smiled. "Of course. What do you need?"

"I was wondering how I can – how would I word it? – become more popular," the advisor said, looking incredibly uncomfortable.

"Yes, you do seem to be allergic to attention," Celebrían laughed.

Erestor looked glummer than before.

"You're serious," Celebrían said, feeling bad. "I'm sorry."

Erestor sighed heavily. "I'm just tired of being a shadow."

"And you want to do something that will turn everyone's heads?"

Erestor nodded.

"Does this have anything to do with impressing Nathariel?" Celebrían asked.

Erestor blushed. "No," he said.

Celebrían laughed. Erestor was a terrible liar. Grinning slyly, a twinkle in her eyes that reminded Erestor of Glorfindel, she said, "I know exactly how to help you."

"And what would that be?"

"You'll find out when the time comes," Celebrían said mysteriously.

Erestor sighed again. He'd been afraid of that.

A/N: The aforementioned yellow lilies would be Easter lilies, which bloom in early spring. However, I don't think they called them "Easter" lilies in ME, so I just substituted.


Reviewer Responses:

Kalayna: Yes, you did! Yay for you! There was the next chappie. And not just Galadriel, but Celeborn too! The plan isn't anything evil or incredibly devious, but it's annoying enough to annoy annoying Haldir. ...Did that make sense?

swee-haret179: I'm sorry. I'm not telling... I read the poem and liked it very much. Good job!

Miss Piratess: Yes! Lots of sneakiness!

Zammy: That's all right! At least you're back! (hugs) And good luck! I'm glad I cheered you up.

anticipationnation: Thank you. (bows)

Ithiliel Silverquill: That's all right. (pats head) You're always here in the end. Of course things work out in the end! I loved writing the Haldir scene. And if you ever want Erestor, just call. He's all yours!

Thank you everyone for all the wonderful reviews. 93! Thank you for reviewing, and all of you who've followed it, thank you for staying with it. I really appreciate it. I wouldn't be this far without you!