Chapter 57
The Gathering of the Clouds
"It's you and I, my friend, just you and I."
Erynlith patted the muzzle of the last remaining horse in Edhellond; she had freed the others that the mariners left behind, allowing them to run free into the fields and mountains. With the cottage and stables destroyed from the storm last night, she had little food and less water for the journey back home. But that was alright, wasn't it? As long as she was alive and well, everything should turn out for the better. That was what she wanted to believe. She fastened the green pennant around the lower limb of her white bow and spared another glance on the faithless Sea that had ensnared the life of Amroth.
She shook her head and mustered her horse away from the roaring waters. Edhellond disappeared from behind, the memories staying alongside it. Whatever the storm yesterday had caused would remain in those lands forever.
In the next few years, perhaps the Men that lived in Belfalas would hear the tale of the Elvenking Amroth who loved the maiden Nimrodel, cast himself to the Sea in hopes of reuniting with her. Such was the thing love can do to a person. Not even the noblest and one of the last Sindarin kings could endure it.
But not very far away from Edhellond was the white tower of a Númenórean Prince who had found his love and took her back with him. Mithrellas of Lórinand was there, waiting and watching the Seas from her window, wondering what was it that she heard crying the name of her Lady Nimrodel.
Erynlith followed the river once again, plunging into the oblivion of the White Mountains. But she had learned her lesson in those parts; she crossed it successfully with little to no problems along the way. She passed the wide fields of Calenardhon that would be renamed as Rohan in the next years. Fangorn Forest she passed as well and Lórinand returned to her sights after months of travelling. Erynlith was troubled what to tell Haldir and the other Silvan elves of their King's fate, and so, during her travel, she occupied herself with a song.
"Of old he was an Elven-king,
A lord of tree and glen,
When golden were the boughs in spring
In fair Lórinand."
From the extensive parts of the White Mountains, Nimrodel woke from her deep slumber. She looked around the unfamiliar place. Hearing the current of the river Gilrain next to her, she smiled and remembered where she was. The mountains were still so difficult for her to read. The white horse of Orgilion remained behind her; it was weak and thin, but still breathing and trotting. Nimrodel whispered soothing words to the beast and mounted it. Finally, she returned to her journey and followed the river.
She beheld Edhellond after a few days. Great was her dismay to find no one there; not one elf remained, no ship to bear her across the Sea, and most importantly, no Amroth to greet her. Nimrodel wept for a long time on the shores, not knowing that else to do now. And there on the shores as well, the faithful horse laid itself on the sand and died. It had completed its master's task, to bring Nimrodel safely to the Havens. She had no words for her next plan; her eyes were locked on the beautiful horizon before her, the waves of the Sea comforting her.
Little did she know, her beloved Amroth was claimed and was long gone at the bottom of the Sea.
Nimrodel heard the music of the waves, and she fancied that she could hear a familiar voice singing, mingled with the voice of the water. The voice was so painfully familiar that it brought tears to her eyes again. She collapsed on her knees and wept, listening to the elegy that was thereafter sang in Rivendell and Greenwood.
"Make way, and make it quick!"
Haldir, Orophin and Rúmil were running across the golden forest, when one of the scouts reported Erfaron's arrival. Every elf in Lórinand was alert and gathered around the grassy courtyard in front of the fortress of the previous Elvenking. Haldir pushed those elves that blocked his way and continued pushing until he was in the middle of the courtyard, and saw the umber-haired minstrel dismounting her horse.
"My Lady," Haldir breathed and approached her.
Erynlith turned to him, her face stained with sweat and mud. She smiled in exhaustion. It was a relief to see someone so familiar after months of travelling and holding back her grief. While alone she plunged herself into deep mourning for her cousin, but now, finally at home in Lórinand, she was thankful to see Haldir and his brothers. The marchwarden brothers rushed forward and immediately assisted her. Orophin took her horse to the stables, Rúmil shouted for warm food and new clothes, while Haldir assessed her tired face.
"Please tell me I'm home..." Her voice quivered, and she couldn't see him through the tears that formed in her eyes.
The young warden tried not to panic. "You are home, my Lady. Everything will be fine," he promised.
She began to sob and tears slid down her flushed cheeks. "Please… Call me Erfaron."
Haldir blinked and looked at the grief-stricken elf who now collapsed into his arms. Her head rested against his broad shoulder, her face buried in his robes, as she drowned herself to weeping. Acting on impulse, he wrapped his arms around her, ignoring the other elves who were watching.
"You are home now, Erfaron," Haldir soothed her again. "You are safe here with us. What do you want me to do? You only have to command me. You are Queen now."
She broke away from his embrace and looked at him incredulously. "No…" she begged, more tears flowing. "No… no, please, Haldir…"
"Erfaron, please. Let me help you." He gave her a desperate look, his brow furrowed and his hands trembling. Without King Amroth, the wardens were confused. "Tell me, tell me what would help you. Let us help."
"Glorfindel," Erynlith answered at once, surprising even herself. She had not thought of her golden-haired friend for months, and speaking his name sounded strange to her. She could have sent for Lord Elrond or her brother, but it was the warrior whom she first remembered. "Please go to Rivendell and fetch him for me. Please, please I need him now more than ever."
"Would you be fine while I am gone?"
She shrugged. "I don't know, I just don't know what to feel anymore…"
Rúmil returned with a clean dress and towels. He caught the minstrel before she collapsed in exhaustion. "I've got her, Brother. You go now and we'll take care of things."
"Very well. Keep her fed and safe. I would come back as soon." Haldir spared one last glance at the sobbing elf, and left the forest at once.
It was all over Greenwood—the news of Erynlith's return to Lórinand. The Elven-guard's outpost near the river was bustling with commotion, the guards talking to one another with obvious excitement. Raithon had confirmed the rumors before running back into the underground palace, passing through several unsuspecting elves, to deliver the news to the counsellors. Celairis was first to find out, and when she did, she told the Captain of the Guards to return to the outpost and keep on guarding. She assured him that the King would hear the news from her.
Erfaron in Lórinand. About a few days ride. Celairis knew where this would lead, and did not want to see Thranduil sprinting off to the neighboring forest just to visit. Her heart sank deeper and deeper at the thought of it.
She arrived at the bedchambers of the King and knocked three times. She paused and knocked again, receiving no answer. Curious, she twisted the knob and let herself in. Sunlight came streaming across the room, the elaborate tapestries dominating the walls. A large white bed was located in the middle, cold and untouched. There were no signs of the King anywhere; he must have left his room and gone to the library or infirmary.
As she was about to leave, Celairis's eyes went down to the mahogany desk and approached. There was a single parchment, an unfinished sketch of what looked like a dark-haired elf in a garden. For a moment she foolishly thought the elf was her, until she saw the harp in the elf's arms and the bow and quiver near her bare feet.
"What are you doing here?"
Gasping, she whirled around, and saw the Elvenking coming out of the bathing chambers. His long hair was still dripping wet, and he wore nothing but white breeches. Celairis tried not to stare at the well-toned chest and muscular arms, but failed to do so.
"You like what you are seeing?" Thranduil smirked as he crossed the room and went to the wardrobe. He pulled out a thin undershirt and continued wiping his hair with a towel.
"Forgive me for the intrusion, my Lord." She averted her eyes and focused it on the bed.
He leaned against the frame of the window, his handsome face illuminated by the early morning light. He continued rubbing the towel against his head. "You look ashen. Did something happen?"
Would she tell him? Would it be considered wise? However, even if she did lie to the King, Thranduil would still hear it from the other counsellors and guards. If he needed to know, it had to come from her. Better her than anyone else. She bit her lip and finally gave in.
"Yes, something happened in Lórinand."
"What?" He went to her and held her shoulders firmly. "Tell me."
Celairis looked up and saw his desperate eyes. She knew that when Thranduil found out, he would burst out that door and leave her there, with nothing but her broken heart. It had been two thousand years since the King began courting her, flirting and teasing all the same; and she thought it was all real. She thought he was sincere and truly loved her—loved her strongly enough to propose marriage and make her his Queen. He had given her gifts before, so she thought it would end up to that. But she was only a foolish little Silvan elf who dreamed too high and fell.
"Erfaron has returned to Lórinand."
She closed her eyes as tears streamed down her face. The firm hold on her shoulders was suddenly gone and she heard the quick steps leaving the room. When she opened her eyes, Thranduil was long gone.
It had taken three days worth of ride to reach the valley, and Haldir prided himself for finding it. But this was not the time to gloat about the accomplishment. He was escorted by some of the scouts from the borders and was led here, in the domain of Elrond Half-elven.
Once in the courtyard, Haldir was surprised to be flocked around by countless of elves. Many unfamiliar faces showed up and asked him where Erfaron was. He was earnestly awestruck; elves in Lórinand were secluded and wary. Here in Rivendell, they welcomed guests openly.
Before he could answer the questions, a tall golden-haired elf arrived and gently pushed the others and Haldir was finally able to breathe again. He watched in amazement on how everyone seemed to respect the warrior and obey him almost immediately. If he had not known better, Haldir would have mistaken this elf as the Lord of Rivendell. Then, coming out of the main house, a dark-haired elf in green robes emerged to greet him.
"Welcome to Rivendell," the elf-lord said. "Come. It must have been a tiring journey. I am Elrond. What is your name?"
"Haldir, my Lord." He refused to follow inside the house, standing firmly from where he was. "I am looking for someone called Glorfindel?"
Elrond glanced at the golden elf. Behind him, Celebrían and Erestor arrived.
"I am Glorfindel." The warrior stepped forward to greet him, and his face looked kindly at the young warden. "Is everything all right in Lórinand? Where is Eryn?"
The dark-haired Chief Counsellor went down the staircase and stood beside Glorfindel. His face was painted with so many emotions that Haldir could not place. "Why didn't you return with her? Is she hurt?"
"Um, I was asked to fetch Lord Glorfindel and take him back to Lórinand," Haldir answered, a little hesitant. These elves were new and all strange to him. Then he remembered who he was, a proud warden of the forest, thus he lifted his chin and met the counsellor's fierce dark eyes. "Queen's orders."
"What?" Erestor snapped, not exactly bemused of the terse answer.
Everyone looked so confused now. Lord Elrond stepped forward and led Haldir inside where they could talk. He was introduced to Elladan and Elrohir, to Gildor and Lindir. Lady Celebrían embraced him gently and introduced Arwen, who smiled and welcomed him into the Halls of Fire. Once inside, Haldir was overwhelmed with their hospitality and kindness, especially Lord Elrond who offered him food and drinks and a fresh set of clothes. When he asked about what happened in Lórinand, Haldir explained everything that he knew—from King Amroth and Nimrodel's departure and to the King's strict orders on who should succeed as ruler of the forest.
Once the tale was over, everyone blanched.
"You are joking. Please tell me that you are," Erestor pleaded breathlessly. He slumped back against the cushion of his chair and rubbed his temple. "This is impossible. Eryn cannot be the next ruler."
"It was King Amroth's last will," Haldir argued, cold blue-grey eyes challenging the glare of Erestor's.
Sensing that Erestor would not back down from a fight, especially if it involved Erynlith, Elrond silenced his counsellor with a flick of his wrist and turned to his captain. "I am sending you to Lórinand, Lord Glorfindel," he said, noticing the triumphant smile on Haldir's face. "She needs you beside her now."
Glorfindel stood up and went for the doorway. "Don't worry. I would see what I can do."
Erestor raced after him and took hold of his sleeve. His expression looked distraught. "Bring her back home please. As soon as you can, Glorfindel."
"We'll see." The warrior patted the counsellor's shoulder and left.
Taking that as his cue, Haldir thanked Elrond and his family, and dashed off to follow after the golden elf.
*Song of Nimrodel - J.R.R. Tolkien
Next Chapter: Guess who's finally going to be in Lórinand. *wink*
Author's Notes: Happy New Year, my friends! It has been an eventful 2015 for me! I sincerely thank everyone who has been with me for the whole year! As we face another year, let us strive for greatness as a daughter/son, a friend, a student, and most important, as an individual! Let nothing stop you from doing what you want! Hooray for all of us!
As for this chapter, forgive me for not being so creative with the title. I still haven't gotten over the new year so I reused a title from The Hobbit. We have Eryn here succumbing to grief after the loss of beloved cousin Amroth, and also for failing to find and rescue Nimrodel and Mithrellas. Well, at least Mithrellas is in good hands of the Prince, but Nimrodel? Forever alone, my friend.
*Asmodeus Black - Oh, I've missed you! I hope you're having a wonderful new year! Thank you very much for taking time to review even if you're busy. I hope you enjoyed this one as much as the others :)
*Lord Illyren - Amroth and Nimrodel will be forever remembered through a song. What Eryn's going to do? Ha! I do think it involves a certain Elvenking now. For sure! XD
*Saura9 - Yes, she's alone... but not for long Glorfindel to the rescue! And perhaps someone else...
*Drasna - Keep calm, my friend, keep your calm. LOL
*Elentar - Sometimes love can make people do stupid decisions. XD Let's all cheer for Thranduil!
*Omorfi Enas - You're right: no matter what happens, through thick and thin, she has Erestor. Only this time she doesn't seek his comfort, but someone else's.
P.S. Again, thank you all! Please review and tell me what you think. I'm getting paranoid over the new year. XD