The girl wandered in the woods searching aimlessly for something. What am I doing here? Who am I? Why does my back hurt so much? These were the thoughts running through her head. Her torn green dress was hiked above her knees in order for her to walk. She was covered in dirt as rain splattered gently upon her now tangled rich auburn hair. It was dark and too dark to see her beautiful eyes of a deep turquoise, which glittered like emeralds in the sunlight. If her odd exquisite color of her eyes weren't enough, there was also added a surrounding ring of pure endless dark violet light. Anyone looking upon her would not forget her or her radiant beauty. Her bare feet ambled along striking dirt and sticks under her.
Suddenly she heard a piercing howl. She stiffened when she saw two red eyes approaching closer followed by a low growl. Then it was upon her before she knew it. The wolf sank its teeth deep into her shoulder. Her piercing scream echoed throughout the forest. She rolled over and pinned the wolf down sending a fist into its body. She stood up as the others neared her. Suddenly, an arrow struck the leader. More poured forth from the trees hitting each one with deadly results. The remaining wolves retreated into the forest. A tall elf with long golden hair and a handsome face bearing a bow stood in front of her.
"What business have you in Lorien?"
She fell to the ground from her wound, and everything went black.
He carried her through Cerin Amroth simply gazing upon the girl in silence. He did not know who she was but knew her for she was Luthien Tinuviel, Nimrodel, Niniel, Arwen Evenstar. She was all of the fairest maidens of old most like Nimrodel and Tinuviel. She took upon the appearance of an elf yet she did not seem elven. He walked into the open space where a great mound covered in grass lay to the left. Two trees grew upon the mound. Higher than the highest trees in the whole forest they rose their bark shining like snow. They were mallorn trees laden with gold. A gleaming white flet gleaming a bright white. Small golden flowers here bloomed shaped like stars. He wished to stay at Cerin Amroth, but she needed healing, and Caras Galadhon was north far. He walked through the gates still carrying the precious jewel in his arms. He went along many paths and climbed many stairs. He finally reached the wide lawn where a fountain of crystal shimmered. Silver lamps were lit for it was dark. Beautiful mighty trees leaned to the south. Beside the trees rested a white ladder where three elves stood. They stood up when they saw Haldir approach. They were clothed in long white cloaks and grey mail. They allowed Haldir to pass. Rumil walked beside his brother as did Orophin. They both equally stared at the girl in his arms.
"What happened?" Rumil asked.
"She was attacked by wolves."
"What was a she-elf doing so far out in the woods?" Orophin wondered.
"I know not. She needs healing."
"I do not recognize her," Rumil said.
"Nor do I," Haldir answered. "She is not one of our kin or even of Lorien. But I must take her to the Healing Houses. I shall not be long. I shall give her the house beside Miriel. She is a good elf and will look after her."
"But Miriel-" Orophin objected.
"I know, I know. But she will do this for me I think. I hope. Alert Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel of her coming."
Haldir walked long up the stairs until he reached the Houses of Healing of Lorien. He laid her gently upon one of the beds turning her onto her back. There were no others in the Houses. Perfectly understandable since everything was at peace. He ripped the fabric of her back revealing the bloody gash upon her shoulder. But he noticed something else as well. There were two deep embedded gashes on her back. One also was fixed upon her neck. It looked as though something was in them, but he could not tell what. He was not as experienced as some of the other healers so he would let it be. He traced the many scars upon her back knowing that she had seen many battles or had been tortured. Who was she? It made him wonder.
The girl woke to the rays of sunlight falling upon her face. She was covered in soft blankets a white bandage wrapped around her shoulder. She was in a large room with many other beds, but were empty. A small table rested by her bed, and a silver basin filled with crystal water had been set upon it. She stood up finding herself in a white nightshift and looked about the room. A dark blue sleeveless dress had been laid out for her. It felt silky and looked beautiful. She washed her face in the silver basin prepared for her. She slowly slipped into the dress feeling awkward about the low chest line, but loved the way it felt. She looked outside the window seeing a series of steps and trees surrounding houses. She stepped outside the house onto the steps trying to decide whether to go up or down. She did not recognize anything or anyone. She remained stanging when she saw a man approaching her from atop. He was very handsome with long golden hair and the most beautiful sparkling blue eyes she had ever seen. He stopped when she looked up. He gazed directly into her turquoise eyes. After some time, he finally spoke.
"Vedui'."
She said nothing for she did not understand his words.
"Saesa omentien lle. Mani naa essa en lle?"
She spoke. "I do not understand your words.
Haldir smiled. "Greetings fair one. I am Haldir lord of Lorien. What is your name?"
She stared at him in confusion.
"I do not know."
"What?"
"I do not know my name. I do not know who I am or where I am." She touched her head and looked around her knowing not what else to stay.
"You are in Lorien in the houses of the Lord Celeborn and of the Lady Galadriel who have parted to the Sea these long years passed."
"These names mean nothing to me."
"You were in the woods a fortnight ago. I think you remember."
Images of the wolves came to her mind.
"Why were you there?" Haldir asked again.
"I don't know. I don't remember anything."
"Hmm. Well come. I know this that you are not one of our kin."
Haldir offered her his arm. She took it not wanting to be rude. He led her down the stairs to a chamber. Before he escorted her in, he asked her, "Can you not tell me your name?"
"I am sorry my lord. I can not for I do not know it myself."
She hung her head down in disgrace for she did not know her own name. Haldir took the girl by the arm once again.
Haldir began to lead her into the chamber, but she shrugged his arm away. He smiled.
"Well I think we shall have to call you something unless you prefer to go by Stranger."
"No thank you."
He looked long at her for some time. He debated on whether to call her Luthien or by some other fair maidens name.
"I shall call you Nimrodel after the lady of old. For you remind me so much of her. I would rather call you by Elenya, but-" he paused and looked into the west. For a long moment neither spoke as he seemed in deep thought.
"What happened to her? The one you call me by?"
"Tales speak of her in this song." Haldir began to sing, and she seemed astonished by his voice. She had never heard a man sing so beautifully. That is she could not remember at least.
An elven maid there was of old
A shining star by day
Her mantle white was hemmed with gold
Her shoes of silver grey
A star was bound upon her brows
A light was on her hair
A sun upon the golden boughs
In Lorien the fair
Her hair was long her limbs were white
And fair she was and free
And in the wind she went as light
Into the shining pool
Where now she wanders none can tell
In sunlight or in shade
For lost of yore was Nimrodel
And in the mountains strayed
The elven ship in haven grey
Beneath the mountain lee
Awaited her for many a day
Beside the roaring Sea
"I do not remember the rest, but it seems that Nimrodel has come back to us in fair Lorien."
She blushed.
"Come. There are many to meet."
