Hey everyone! I'm sorry it took me so long to get the chapter up for you to enjoy. If you're enjoying the story thus far please leave a review of your thoughts. I always look forward to them. Plus they give me inspiration to keep writing and finish this story for you. Next chapter will show some of Nissa's true skills.
The rest of the elves took this as their queue to lead their horses away. Lindir waited as Gandalf and I rejoined the dwarves and Bilbo. He then guided us up the stars that Lord Elrond had taken not long before. Gandalf herded both Bilbo and myself to the front of the group. More than likely it was a way to make sure neither of us got separated from the group again. Because of this, I could feel several pairs of eyes staring intently at my back. I could tell the others had questions about my name, and more specifically why I had only told them the nickname. But now was not the time or the place for that.
Lindir led us to what appeared to be a hall designed for visits of large groups. It was a long room with several high windows. Every few feet on either side you could find a bed with a small nightstand, providing a place for everyone to sleep. Even with all of the earlier excitement, Bilbo had not yet lost his look of wonder. As Gandalf led Bilbo and the others into the hall to set down their gear, Lindir pulled me aside.
"Lord Elrond has requested that you stay in separate chambers. If you would please follow me," he spoke turning away from the hallway that held my friends.
I glanced back and happened to catch Gandalf's eye. It seemed he could tell I was concerned about leaving the others, but a small nod of his head told me it was safe to trust them. I quickly turned and followed Lindir to another part of Rivendell.
The walk to where I would be staying during our visit wasn't a very long one. As we walked, Lindir got the attention of another elf and spoke to them quickly and in somewhat hushed tones. I couldn't hear him very clearly, but the words I did hear sounded oddly close to fae speak. I didn't understand their tongue, but it did sound very similar to the Silvan I had learned growing up. Lindir didn't seem like one for much conversation so I wasn't able to ask why it sounded so familiar. I hoped to ask Gandalf about it later on, hoping he might be able to explain the similarities.
Soon enough, we arrived at a set of doors. Lindir turned to face me.
"I know it's not too far from your comrades," he stated. "At least this way you can have a little privacy. I asked some of our female attendants to draw you a bath and find you a change of clothes. A seamstress will also be coming to make sure the clothes fit properly."
"I appreciate the gesture but I don't...," I started to say. But Lindir cut me off.
"For some reason, Lord Elrond has taken a special interest in you. While you are here, you are his esteemed guest and will be treated as such."
Lindir then opened the door and gestured for me to enter. Once in the room, he closed the door behind me. I turned to take in my surroundings. The room was rather large for someone of my size. Based on the size of the bed, it was designed for someone more of Gandalf's stature. But the balcony was what really caught my attention. The view outside of it was of the waterfall I had seen on our arrival to the city. I walked out on to the balcony to get a better look at the view. The waterfall itself originated high above me and descended even farther down below the balcony.
Unfortunately, I didn't get to enjoy the view for too terribly long as a knock on the door drew my attention. As I left the balcony and walked back into the room, two elven maidens made their way into the room, piles of fabric in the arms of one and bathing supplies in the hands of the other.
After they had closed the door, they both did a slight curtsy before walking further into the room. The taller of the two holding the pile of fabric walked forward. As she laid the fabrics on the bed, she introduced themselves.
"I am Halneth, and this is Liriadis. Lindir has asked us to help get you cleaned up and to find some suitable clothing for the feast tomorrow," she said.
"Feast," I asked, setting my small pack down by the bed as well.
"Lord Elrond always takes the visit of Master Gandalf as a cause for celebration," the one called Liriadis answered walking towards the wall left of the door. "For tonight a dinner is being prepared for you and your friends."
Liriadis placed her hand on a small doorknob that I had not noticed when I first entered the room. When she pulled the door open, it led the way to a small bathing room. She entered and Halneth gestured for me to follow her. I could already tell that it was going to be a long evening.
After Lindir showed the dwarves and Gandalf to the guest chamber, Gandalf began to wonder what had gotten Lord Elrond so spooked. As the dwarves were able to relax and take off their armor, Gandalf left them to their own devices while waiting for dinner. He didn't have to worry about their female companion. He knew Elrond would not allow any harm to befall her in these halls. Even if Faelon wasn't confined to his quarters.
Soon enough, Gandalf found himself outside of Elrond's study. He knocked on the door and waited until he heard Elrond say he could enter.
After entering the study, Gandalf shut the door behind him. Based on the fact the door was closed when he arrived, Gandalf could tell his friend needed, or rather wanted, privacy.
Elrond was sitting in a chair behind his desk, still wearing his armor from the hunt. Gandalf walked over and sat in a chair facing his friend. Not wanting to intrude on his thoughts, Gandalf didn't speak but simply started to prepare his pipe. By the time Gandalf had lit the tobacco, Elrond started to speak.
"She looks so much like her mother," he started.
Gandalf raised his eyebrows but stayed quiet not wanting to interrupt the story Elrond was about to share.
"About 250 years ago, Thranduil came for a joint celebration of the Feast of Starlight. One of his entourage was an elven maiden of renowned beauty. Thranduil was hoping that she would catch the eye of either Elladan or Elrohir. Knowing my sons and their love of women, Thranduil succeeded in catching their eyes with one of his court. But she wasn't in the mind for marriage. She wanted nothing to do with my sons other than sparring matches and archery contests. She was spitfire personified."
Elrond paused to pour the two of them a glass of elven mead. After taking a sip of the sweet beverage, the elven lord continued his story.
"After the celebrations, Thranduil and his court prepared to leave but the maiden was nowhere to be found. For a better part of the day, we searched the whole city. Just as the sun was about to set, she reappeared, her cheeks red from exertion, but her eyes were as bright as the stars above us. Thranduil was enraged that his journey had been delayed because she had been out climbing the peaks above the waterfalls. An argument arose between the two of them. She didn't want to return to the Greenwood with the rest of his court. She wanted to stay and become a member of the scouts. She wanted action, not the politics of the Elven king's court."
Elrond took another deep breath before continuing. "I was able to convince Thranduil that perhaps she just needed to work out her youthfulness before returning to her high-born duties. He agreed she could stay under my direct supervision and protection. I had hoped that after a couple of decades she would settle down and want to return to her home. I was so terribly mistaken. Forty years after her arrival, she left on a self-exploration journey as she called it. I couldn't convince her to let any of my guards travel with her and she was even more adamant that my sons not join her either. She went west on an early summer morning. I knew she could take care of herself better than most of my men. But after a couple of years and she hadn't yet returned, I grew worried. I sent out a search party heading the way she had come, hoping to either find her traveling back or someone who had recently seen her. All trace of her disappeared just west of Bree.
"I sent word to Thranduil. He came back to Rivendell with my messenger, fully enraged that I had lost track of her. His own elves, including his son followed her trail with the same conclusion we had decided on. She had gone west. Either permanently to the Grey Havens or still on her journey we did not know. After his own search party returned, Thranduil told me why he was so angry about it. When they had come for the Feast of Starlight all those years ago, he wasn't attempting to marry her off to one of my sons. That was merely a joke to him. She was intended to be his second wife."
Gandalf was silent for a while after that, processing all that Elrond had told him. While Gandalf thought through everything he had been told, Elrond called for an attendant to assist with removing his armor. He then changed into more comfortable clothing. After Elrond settled back in at his desk, Gandalf finally spoke.
"Based on what you've told me, both yourself and Thranduil assumed she had gone to the Grey Havens," he started.
Elrond nodded in confirmation. "It seems we were mistaken though, as your young Núlelírie has her mother's face. And even told me her name."
Gandalf was silent for a moment. "Rather than going to the Grey Havens, as you suspected, Vanisaila found her way to a fae kingdom. From what Nissa...I mean Núlelírie has told me, her mother fell in love with a guard of the high court and she was the result."
Both men were silent for a while.
Gandalf finally summed up the nerve to ask the question weighing heavily on his mind. "Do you plan to tell her?"
Elrond looked at Gandalf, his eyes wide. "I don't know if I should or not. But it seems that the Valar has brought her here for some reason. I at least intend to make sure she is taken care of. And that I right a wrong."
Almost two hours after they had entered my room, Halneth and Liriadis left. I had been scrubbed clean, my hair washed, brushed, and expertly braided by the skilled Liriadis. Halneth had taken my measurements and after temporarily granting me use of one of her dresses from her childhood, promised to have proper clothes for me by morning. Before they left, I was told that I would soon be sent an escort to join my companions for dinner. I was finally left alone for the first time since Thorin had found me outside of Bilbo's window.
To think it had only been about two weeks since we had left the Shire. I was in a place that was no longer familiar to me, and yet I wasn't scared. In fact, I felt more exhilarated than I had in a long time. I was both hungry and exhausted having been up for the last two days straight. I wasn't sure how long it would be until the escort arrived for dinner. There was a lounge chair by the doors leading to the balcony. I walked over, gathered my dress and relaxed on it. The bath had been relaxing and while I wasn't much for dresses, Halneth had been more than patient with me while finding me something to wear.
As I sat on the lounge chair, I completely allowed myself to feel the emotions I had kept away since Reagan had died. The tears came without much prompting. I kept as silent as I could, not knowing who might be listening nearby. I cried for some time, processing everything that had happened since that fateful day. As hungry as I was, my tears eventually lulled me to sleep.
Thorin was beginning to get restless. He had never been a fan of the elves in the past. And yet he found himself sitting on a chair in the halls of Rivendell, an elven city.
It wasn't that he felt like his life was in danger. In fact, he knew Gandalf would never let harm befall them here of all places. It also wasn't because he was worried for his nephews. Quite the opposite. He could see the two of them joking with Balin and Dwalin while drinking some of the mead the elves had offered. There was also the large spread of food that they had been given. Lord Elrond had been more than generous with not just the mead, but also with the meat. No, Thorin wasn't restless because of any of this.
He was restless because their resident fairy companion had not yet returned to join them for dinner. The elf who had originally greeted them had escorted her away. Gandalf had assured him it was just to provide her separate quarters from the rest of them, her being a lady and all. It had been almost three hours since they had been escorted to the guest hall. And yet, their young Nissa had not yet returned.
Then there was the matter of Gandalf. He had disappeared shortly after Nissa had. Said he had some business to take care of. And he hadn't returned either. So Thorin sat, restless and waiting for someone to come back.
"Come uncle," Fili called out. "Come drink with us."
Thorin smiled at his nephews. As much as he wanted to drink and laugh with them, at least one of their group needed to keep a clear head.
Just then Gandalf returned from whatever business he had been up to. Thorin looked over at him, the question obvious on his face. Where was Nissa?
Gandalf walked over and took a seat by the dwarf lord. He removed his hat and leaned his staff against the wall behind them.
"Young Nissa was escorted to her own room and has since fallen asleep. It seems the events of the last day have been rather taxing on her," Gandalf said, unconcerned about their young friend.
The wizard made himself a plate of the food and poured a glass of water, as he had had far too much mead with Lord Elrond that night already.
Not hearing a response from the young dwarf lord, Gandalf looked over at him.
"What am I supposed to say," asked Thorin, keeping his voice low so that only Gandalf could hear.
"Well, the look on your face showed you were worried about her. The question is, when did a dwarf prince with a hatred for elves start caring about a young woman with elvish blood? Was it when she fought the trolls to save the ponies or was it when she used her abilities to protect your kin?"
The wizard looked over at Thorin with a true and honest look of curiosity on his face. Thorin looked the wizard in the eye but couldn't hold his gaze for long. Gandalf was right. He had started caring about the young fae at some point, but even he couldn't pinpoint when it had started or why.
I was warm. And what I was laying on was rather soft. The worst part was that there was a rather bright light slowly penetrating the darkness. I brought my hand up to my face to block out the light and slowly opened my eyes. I was laying on the bed in the room I had fallen asleep in. I didn't remember making my way to the bed the night before so at some point I had to have been carried to the bed. I had fallen asleep when it had already fallen dark the night before, so it seemed that I had slept through the night.
I sat up in the bed to gather my surroundings. The lounge chair I had fallen asleep in was still by the balcony but the doors leading out were now closed. I was still wearing the dress that Halneth had loaned me the day before. So, nothing drastic had happened. And my shoes had been removed. While I was curious how I had gotten to the bed, it wasn't a major concern.
It was definitely morning. I removed the covers and put my shoes back on. It looked like it was still early morning based on the amount of sunlight that was coming in through the balcony doors. After refreshing myself in the elegant bathroom, including undoing my messed-up braids, I decided that it was time to search for some food. I had fallen asleep before I could join the others for dinner the night before and having spent most of the previous day on the run from orcs, I was rather hungry. I opened the door to the room, stepped out and closed it. The city was quiet. The only others that were out and about at this early hour were the guards on patrol. Since I had only seen the hallway where my friends were staying once, I wasn't entirely sure which direction it was in. I wanted to see my friends but I needed to find food first. So, I went in search of something to eat. I didn't think it would be that difficult to find something as long as I followed my nose.
I headed to my right. The hallway was elegantly designed, almost as if the nature of the area had been taken into account when the city of Rivendell was built. At the end of the hallway was a set of stairs leading down. Rather than turning back to return to my room, I decided to head down the stairs to see where they led. At the bottom of the stairs was a pathway, it led straight ahead, and then one to the left and to the right. I figured that taking a straight path was better than having to remember how many left or right turns I had taken. The pathway was lined with stone and had stone archways guiding the way from above. The farther I walked, the less kept the pathway seemed to be. The foliage from the trees was also growing thicker. Looking ahead as I walked, there was a curve in the pathway. Just as I was about to reach the curve a voice called out to me.
"Lady Núlelírie," the voice stated.
I turned to find Lindir and Halneth not far behind me on the stone pathway.
"If you would please follow us," Halneth said, turning back towards the stairs.
I wanted to keep following the pathway into the trees. It seemed like something was calling me from that direction. But my stomach made a noise that convinced me food was a more important goal for the time being.
I quickly caught up with Lindir and Halneth. As we walked Lindir spoke.
"I'm sorry we were not there to greet you this morning. You were up and about before we could catch you," he said.
"My apologies," I answered. "I felt the need to stretch my legs after resting for so long. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."
"You haven't," Lindir replied. "Lord Elrond doesn't mind if you explore Rivendell, only that you have an escort until you are familiar with our halls."
By now we had arrived back at my room, Lindir turning to face me. "Liriadis is inside with some new clothes that will properly fit you. After you have changed, Halneth will escort you to have breakfast with your companions."
With that Lindir left and Halneth guided me into the room. Inside we found Liriadis as promised. The bed had been remade and on it were several outfits that had been made for me. The most elegant was a dress in dark green fabric, presumably for the feast tonight. The others were of more simple design for everyday use, in shades of blues and purples. The one outfit that caught my eye though was made out of greens as well. The top was a long sleeve tunic. There were buttons on the ends of the sleeves to ensure a snug fit around the wrist. The pants looked like they were skin tight, but also had the look of being flexible and comfortable enough for long term wear.
Liriadis must have seen me eyeing the garment. "Lord Elrond had that made for when you and your companions continue your journey. He thought it would suit you better than what you were wearing yesterday," she said answering the question I didn't want to ask. "But for now, we have some dresses you can wear."
Together Liriadis and Halneth helped me to change into one of the new dresses. The dress was made of a plain blue fabric. Both sleeves had buttons starting from the upper arm and going down to the wrist. There was a similar but smaller design going from the neckline down to my chest. There was also embroidery surrounding the buttons in a silver thread, showing vines twisting and turning around themselves.
"This was made overnight," I asked the two maidens as they brushed my hair out.
"Not exactly," Liriadis answered. "Most of the embroidery is done over a period of time, on large pieces of fabric. The fabric is often precut for standard sizes and then fabric is either added or removed to fit the person in question."
"I've never been much for sewing," I admitted. "Most of what you're saying sounds like it makes sense, but I don't have the knowledge to fully grasp how it's all done. But I trust that it isn't some elvish magic making the dresses."
Both Liriadis and Halneth giggled at my response.
"No magic involved," Halneth replied. "Just lots of practice and time."
Together they finished braiding my hair into a simple braid, advising me that the style for the feast would take more time. It seemed for the most part Halneth would be my guide throughout the city for the day, ensuring that I would not get lost.
Once my hair was finished, Liriadis left to tend to her other duties. As Halneth guided me towards the hall where my friends were staying, I decided to ask about the night before.
"Lady Halneth," I began, but paused when she shook her head. "It's just Halneth," she explained. "I am not a high-born elf so there is no need to address me so formally. You, however, are an honored guest and will be treated as such."
"I am no high-born," I replied, pausing in our walk. "I don't deserve all that has been done for me."
"Lord Elrond says you do," she countered. "I don't know why he has taken such an interest in you, but he has. Do not take it lightly. His interest holds meaning."
I thought for a moment, taking her words into consideration. I knew that Lord Elrond was a trusted friend of Gandalf's. It was entirely possible that Halneth was right. I looked up at her face and nodded, accepting her words.
Halneth turned to continue leading me to my friends. Before she could start walking again, I grabbed her arm, getting her attention one last time. She turned back, a concerned look on her face.
"Yes, my lady," she questioned.
I released her arm. "Last night, I was fairly certain I fell asleep on the chaise. But when I woke up this morning I was in the bed. Did someone move me?"
"Master Gandalf stopped by to walk you back to your friends for dinner. He found you asleep and thought you might be more comfortable in the bed. I assisted him with getting you in the bed and taking your shoes off for the night."
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. It was good to know that it was someone I knew that had moved me and not some stranger.
"Are you alright," Halneth asked.
"Yes," I answered. "I was just confused is all."
Halneth smiled. It seemed that she was glad to have helped. She started walking again and I joined her, happy to have resolved that question.
Soon enough we reached the hall. Just as Halneth was about to knock on the door, it opened and Gandalf stepped out, closing the door behind him.
"Ah, what a way to be greeted in the morning," he started, doing a small bow. "Two beautiful young maidens."
The two of us smiled and laughed at his behavior.
"I assume you are here to join us for breakfast," he asked.
My stomach answered for me, making Gandalf laugh.
"Breakfast should be arriving soon," Halneth stated.
With that Halneth left me in the capable hands of Gandalf. He checked on the others to make sure they were decent before opening the doors to allow for fresh air to flow in. The room was loud and full of laughter, a sound I wasn't too familiar with. Gandalf led the way in, advising everyone to make space for the food. I walked in after him, and as I did the room went quiet. I looked down at the ground, not sure why everyone was so quiet. But I also knew that I needed to apologize to them for not being entirely truthful.
"I'm so...," I tried to speak but was caught off guard by Bilbo.
"Nissa," he said. "You look absolutely beautiful."
I quickly lifted my head and looked at him. His eyes showed his honest sincerity and for that I was grateful. I slowly looked around at my companions. Most of them were glad to see me. Even Balin had a small smile on his face. The ones that didn't seem overly thrilled to see me were Dwalin and Thorin. I wasn't surprised to see a sour look on Dwalin's face but Thorin was avoiding looking at me at all.
"Thank you, Bilbo," I replied, attempting a small smile. "I owe you all an apology."
Almost at the exact same time, Fili and Kili got a puzzled look on their faces.
"What do you have to apologize for," Fili asked.
I went over to a small table and sat down on one of the chairs next to it.
"Where I come from, names hold power. The nicknames we are given allow others to identify us without having power over us since it isn't our true name," I explained. "Núlelírie may be my given name, but I have spent most of my life going by Nissa. I didn't plan on staying with you all for so long that I thought it wouldn't hurt to just tell you my nickname. But when Lord Elrond prompted me last night, I felt an urge to be truly honest. I am sorry for hiding it from you all this time."
The others were silent for a while before Gandalf spoke up.
"Our names are a way to identify ourselves," he said, looking around at the dwarves. "For most of us a name is just that. There is no hidden meaning behind it other than to identify who we are and who our families are. The line of Durin being a prime example. But for Nissa, her true name holds a greater meaning. Perhaps, as her friends, we can all agree to keep it a secret and to never use it against her."
It took a moment for the dwarves to catch on, but one by one they all agreed. Just then breakfast arrived and all thoughts of names and power went out the door. Fili and Kili joined me at the small table and shared breakfast with me, slightly offended that sleep had come before food the night before.
"Promise you'll drink with us tonight," Kili asked, chewing on a strip of bacon.
"I've never really been drinking before," I replied, knowing full well they intended to get me drunk. "Wouldn't it be more fun for you to drink against someone who knows what they're doing? Perhaps Dwalin could provide some sort of challenge for you."
It seemed as if the dwarf in question was waiting for this prime moment, because he placed a hand on my shoulder as soon as I had finished my sentence. "These two young lads can't hold their own against me, even in a two on one fight," he said with a smile. "They want someone they can easily beat to boost their egos."
The two young dwarves in question started to fib and say that Dwalin was not being completely honest. I sat there baffled, not entirely sure what was going on. As the three dwarves continued to bicker back and forth, I started to realize what had happened. Even though I had kept my true name from them for so long, they still wanted to be my friends. The only way they knew how to show it was by offering a drinking contest. I started to giggle. And the giggle turned into a laugh. I wasn't paying attention but it suddenly grew quiet. I stopped laughing to ask what the matter was.
"Nothing's the matter, lass," Balin said from the next table over. "We've just never heard you laugh before."
Upon realizing that this was the first time I had laughed while being among them, it started back up. Soon enough the rest of them joined in, Gandalf included. It seemed I had mended fences with most of our company at least.
Eventually the laughter stopped and we finished with breakfast. I leaned back in my chair, glad that I had finally been able to eat a meal without interruption. As I sat there sipping on a glass of water, Lindir showed up and spoke with Gandalf. I attempted to ignore him, but the glances he kept throwing in my direction weren't as subtle as he thought they were.
As they finished talking, Gandalf cleared his throat getting the attention of everyone in the room.
"Lord Elrond has kindly offered the use of the communal bath house for us later this afternoon. He thought we might like to use it in preparation for the feast tonight," he said.
The dwarves looked around at each other, each lifting their arms to sniff themselves in turn. Kili must not have been sure of what he smelled, because he turned to me and asked if I thought he needed a bath.
I smiled and responded as politely as I could. "I know how much of a flirt you are Kili. If you want to catch the eyes of any of the elven maidens a bath would definitely be the first step."
The rest of the dwarves roared in laughter at his expense. It seemed my answer had been what they all needed as they agreed to Lindir's offer to show them the way later on.
Gandalf walked over and caught my attention. I stood up from the table and walked over to the doorway in hopes of hearing him a little better.
"Lord Elrond has requested we meet with him," he said.
"We," I questioned. "I'm not sure what he could want with me."
"Lord Elrond didn't get to speak with you last night and he has some questions for you," Gandalf replied.
I sighed. Gandalf's response told me that I wouldn't be able to get out of this conversation. Lindir promised Gandalf that the dwarves would be alright without him for a little bit, so Gandalf and I left them to their own devices.
I followed Gandalf as he and I headed to speak with Lord Elrond. I was curious what kind of questions he might have for me. I hoped it wasn't anything related to where I was from. I didn't live there anymore but I also wouldn't give away all their secrets.
Soon enough we reached a door. Gandalf knocked on it and a murmur from inside said we could enter. Gandalf opened the door and followed me in. Lord Elrond was sorting through some papers near a bookshelf on the far wall. He looked up as we walked in.
"Ah, Gandalf. And young Núlelírie," he said, placing the papers on a small table near the bookshelf. "I trust you both are well rested and have had some breakfast."
"Indeed," Gandalf replied. "I know the rest of our company is looking forward to the feast tonight."
Lord Elrond chuckled. "Let's just hope my cellars can keep up with them. Please have a seat."He gestured to the chairs sitting in front of his desk.
Together Gandalf and I took a seat. Once we were settled in, Elrond poured both of us a small glass of wine, and then took a seat behind his desk.
"Lady Núlelírie, I owe you an apology for the events of last night," the elven lord began. "Faelon is still adjusting to living in Rivendell. That combined with the surprise of meeting you shook me to my core."
I looked at him, surprised by his honesty. "I'm not concerned with what happened with Faelon," I replied. "But I would prefer if you call me Nissa."
Lord Elrond looked at me, concern etched on his face. "You must forgive me," he said, sitting back in his chair. "It's been a long time since I had heard your mothers name. She was like family to me and I wanted you to feel like you had a home here."
I was in shock. "You...you recognized her name? Did you know her?" Lord Elrond sighed and looked over at Gandalf. He took a sip of his own wine before responding.
"Let me preface this with saying that this was not how I intended to discuss this with you. But I did know your mother. She came here roughly 250 years ago from the Greenwood for the Feast of Starlight. She became a close friend to my two sons during her stay here. She stayed here for some time before heading on an adventure of her own. It seems that you are the outcome of that adventure."
I leaned back in my own chair, tears forming in my eyes yet again. I had finally found someone who could tell me all about my mother. My father hadn't told me much about her when I was a kid. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
I must have stayed quiet for too long because Gandalf was placing his hand on my left arm, seeing if I was okay. I nodded that I was and looked back over at Lord Elrond.
"I have a feeling that you have a lot of questions. I promise to answer them all in time. All of my attendants have been advised that during your stay here, you are to be treated like family. And at Gandalf's request you are to be called Lady Nissa."
The tears started to fall, but this time in happiness. I had a chance to learn more about my mother.
Lord Elrond smiled, sensing that I was happy. "In the meantime, Gandalf tells me that you are in dire need of a weapon. Why don't we take a visit to my blacksmith and see what we can do?"
Lord Elrond led Gandalf and I through the city. As we walked to the blacksmith, he pointed out different places in the city, such as where to get the best view of the sunrise or waterfalls. We walked past the stables with Lord Elrond promising training so I would be comfortable riding a full size horse.
Eventually, we did reach the blacksmith. It was located on the far north-western edge of the city, near a branch of the nearby river. The forge was built into the wall along the hills behind the city, it's fire burning hot and bright. There were several anvils available for the elves to use. A section of the hill had been carved flat, providing a place for the smiths to store their tools. As the three of us walked up, the elves bowed to Lord Elrond.
"My lord," one of them, a blond elf in dark red clothing, said walking up to us. "What can I assist you with today?"
"Lady Nissa is without a weapon," Lord Elrond replied, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Her and her company will be with us for a couple more days. I would like you to work with her on designing her weapon of choice."
The elf nodded in understanding and gestured for me to follow him to a drawing table nearby.
"My name is Tanor," he said. "Do you use a bow or do you prefer hand to hand combat?"
"I was trained in the art of dual swords," I answered.
"Not something we make very often, but I'm sure we can design something that will suit you well," Tanor replied with a smile.
Together, he and I started to design a set of blades that would be suitable for my use. There would be some trial and error, due to my size and strength difference from a typical elven warrior, the blades would need to be lighter and shorter than the smiths were used to making. I would be spending a lot of time here to assist in that process. Tanor assured me would size the grips after the proper weight and length were found. They would have some test weapons for me the following morning.
I turned away from the drawing table to rejoin Lord Elrond and Gandalf. They both questioned after the process, and after explaining I would need to be back here in the morning, Lord Elrond assured me that I would be escorted here right after breakfast.
As we left the smithing area, and headed back up towards the main hallway, I felt the pull again. The same pull that I had felt after waking up that morning. As we finished ascending a flight of stairs that adjoined the main hallway, I paused. There was a humming that I could feel through the floor, seeping into my bones. Lord Elrond turned and noticed that I was frozen in place.
"Lady Nissa," he spoke, "Is everything alright?"
I looked up at him. "I feel a pull of...something. I'm not quite sure what it is to be honest. Is there a place here that holds power?"
He looked over at Gandalf and then back at me before responding. "There is a place on the edge of the city near the forest. It was here when the city was built. It hasn't been used in centuries."
"If possible, I would like to visit this place," I said cautiously. "I feel drawn to it and that pull won't stop until I can figure out why it is calling me."
"Even our most gifted haven't felt pulled to it in over 500 years. We only know it's a place of power due to the records kept since the dawn of time."
"I understand your worries, Lord Elrond," I said, twisting my fingers in nervousness. "I have these...gifts. I don't always know what they want from me. The most I can do is to listen to them when they have something to say."
"Perhaps later today or tomorrow," he replied. "For now, I have one more thing I need your assistance with."
Lord Elrond gestured for Gandalf and I to follow him. Rather than heading back to his office, he led us farther into the city. As we walked, several elves greeted the lord of the city and he responded in kind, making sure all was well with each of them before we continued on. Eventually we came upon a training ground where several of the elven warriors were sparring with one another.
"During your stay you are more than welcome to train here with any of my warriors," Lord Elrond explained. "This will be the best place to get used to your new weapons once they are complete. My warriors are more than willing to assist you in any way."
I smiled. Lord Elrond was doing exactly as he said he wanted, providing a place I could call home if I wanted.
"Thank you Lord Elrond," I said. "You honor me with your kindness."
Just then, two elven warriors walked up behind the three of us. Lord Elrond went to greet them. As Gandalf and I turned to see who it was, I instantly recognized the elf from the evening before. It's hard to forget the face of someone who threatened me with a weapon to the face.
"Lady Nissa," Lord Elrond called for me to join him. "I would like to formally introduce you to Faelon Aldaos. He is visiting us from Lothlórien. Faelon, this is Lady Nissa. She is the daughter of an old friend of mine and as such an honored guest."
Faelon paused, looking down at me. His eyes held questions but rather than voicing them he provided a response I was not expecting.
"It is an honor to meet you," Faelon said, bowing in greeting. "I apologize for my behavior yesterday. I can only hope to make it up to you somehow."
"It is quite alright," I replied. "There's nothing wrong with being cautious about newcomers to the place you call home. I know the feeling myself."
"If Lord Elrond will permit, I would like to escort you to the feast this evening. I hope to show you a better side to myself than what you saw last night."
I was stunned. Gandalf and Lord Elrond also seemed to be stunned at the offer as well. I looked over at the elven lord, questioning if this was something that I would be safe doing. His look said it was all up to me.
I looked back over at Faelon. It seemed he was truly being earnest in his attempt to apologize to me. Considering the location, an idea popped into my head as to how to handle it.
"I don't have any problem with it. I do have a condition though," I replied. "Let's have a spar and see just how worthy you are to escort me to the feast."
Gandalf started to chuckle beside me. A glance at Lord Elrond told me he was intrigued to see how this would turn out as well. I looked back over at Faelon.
"What do you say, Faelon," I asked. "Worried you might be outdone?"
A smirk grew on his face and a glint appeared in his eyes. "Not at all. Question is, are you sure you're up for it?"
