Chapter 28 broken

She hadn't seen Elrond for days. She had been confined to her own chambers and was not allowed to leave. She hadn't seen Ellena since that night either. She felt shame when she would meet the gaze of a servant delivering her meals. But the most surprising thing was that they all wished her a "speedy recovery" while leaving warm towels, cups of chamomile tea in the evening, and scented balms during the day. Elrond had told them that Nienor was ill and wouldn't leave her room until she felt better. And they followed his orders without questioning, showing kindness.

For a week, her routine was to get up, eat, linger, and go to bed. Shame, regret, and fear consumed her. She was a prisoner in a golden cell. What had happened to her son? He was probably dead. She had plunged into mourning for Aradan but also for the love of Elrond and Ellena. The sparkle she had rediscovered in her blue eyes with Elrond had now faded. The gentle glow that returned to her face in the warmth of Elrond's love had once again yielded to the coldness and gloominess of mourning, consuming her spirit.

'My Lady, how are you feeling?' asked the servant with concern. 'It's been two days since you've eaten anything.'

Nienor didn't have the strength to answer, what was the point? She didn't want to lie to her, so silence was better. The servant left the room and returned shortly with Elrond. He dismissed the young elf, thanking her for her care, then he spoke softly to Nienor, 'You should, at least, drink what they bring you.'

'I must leave.'

'To join him?'

'He would likely kill me. I cannot go to him. Yet, he will find me. War is imminent again, Elrond.'

'Whether you will leave or stay cannot be decided now.'

'Please, send for Glorfindel; There is something he needs to hear.'

A shadow was cast upon Elrond's face, his expression shifting to a more serious and severe demeanor. He sat on the edge of the bed and remained silent for a moment, as if hesitating. He took a deep breath and said in one breath, 'Glorfindel is not here. He left ten days ago.' He continued, seeing Nienor's surprised look, 'Darken has decided to attack Gondor.'

'No, it's impossible,' whispered Nienor with disbelief, but Elrond looked at her gravely. 'So it all began. Darken will advance even more, gradually engulfing everything in his path. Elrond, I am...'

'This war was inevitable.'

'Why did you send Glorfindel? You should flee, secure the ring,' said Nienor.

'As I told you, this ring won't serve his purpose. It was not forged by Sauron. He should have known better, unless it is my own ignorance deceives me. Besides, it's because of these rings that men are under attack. I couldn't abandon them.'

'You feel responsible for everyone... Elrond, this kindness will be your downfall.'

'You are probably right.'

Silence fell. Elrond's gaze was lost on the horizon. Nienor took advantage of this moment to appreciate his presence.

'Ellena is well,' murmured Elrond. 'I talk to her about you.'

Tears flooded Nienor's eyes, a smile filled with hope illuminated her face.

'She grows quickly and she makes progress every day, and..." He stopped. His throat had tightened, and it was impossible to get a sound out. He knew he was depriving Nienor of her daughter, worse, he was depriving Ellena of her mother. And his heart tightened. But how could he trust Nienor and leave Ellena to her? What if Nienor disappeared with her, and he never saw them again?

''Elrond, I'm not asking for your forgiveness, but only for the chance to share my truth. I vow not to deceive you this time.' She waited a moment, allowing him time to decide. Observing his silence, she continued, 'Darken has powers that you can't imagine, and he is convinced that his descendants are also endowed with what he calls the 'gift.' Aradan had the gift. I witnessed its potency when he was just a one-year-old child. Darken immediately sought to nurture him in this magic, intending to exploit him in the future.

Darken was one of Sauron's devoted servant providing resources during the war. You've never heard of Darken before for many reasons. They had an agreement, Darken would remain a clandestine alley and help Sauron build his army in secret. And Farewell, Darken's counselor, and a master in magic, veiled Darken's realm. We are a forgotten people, but Sauron did not forgot us when he needed our aid.

The Dark Lord promised him riches and power, everything that Darken ever desired. Now, with Sauron gone, Darken aims to finish what was initiated. He desires Middle-earth for himself. Even though the One Ring has been destroyed, Darken seeks the residual magic within the elven rings; it's an obsession for him. I do not know his plan but Farewell is a formidable conjurer, I would not underestimate him. That's why he decided to send me here to seek Vilya, Elrond. I was attacked as I reached the plains and thrown into the river. I had to earn your trust and extract the ring from you. Darken used Aradan to get what he wanted from me. Did I have a choice?' She fell silent again. Elrond remained motionless like a statue, showing no reaction to anything she said.

'And, in my naivety,' Nienor continued, 'I tried to save you too, all of you. I am a mother before the monster you believe me to be. Aradan's life matters more than my honor, my dignity, even more than my own life. I couldn't bring myself to harm you. I thought I could rectify it alone, as I told you.

I knew Ellena would be safe here, and I know you well enough to believe that you do not harm the innocent. Ellena is innocent. Aradan is innocent. I am the only guilty one here, and I am ready to pay the price. Anyway, I am already paying it: Aradan is probably dead by now.'

Elrond turned his head to look at her.

'Our walks,' Nienor continued, her hand daring to rest on his 'our conversations, and the promise I made to you on the day I married you, every words were true. Ellena is the living testament.'

'Nienor...' he sighed. 'You should have told me everything from the start. We would have found a way to help you, save Aradan too, and perhaps avert a war.'

'Darken is obstinate, impervious to reason. And I was frightened and alone.'

'Darken is the only worlds you've ever known, but I am nothing like him. You have never trully been alone. The moment you arrived here, the moment I set eyes on you, Nienor, you were not alone.' An imperceptible smile softened Elrond's serious expression. 'Try to rest,' he said, 'and eat. All is not lost.'

With those words, he left the room.