Snow in the Sun

by KarterHelena

In the forgotten lands to the South of Middle-earth, Darken rules over his Fortress. The One Ring has been destroyed, but those of the elves still linger. Determined to finish Sauron's work, Darken sends his wife, Nienor, to steal Elrond's ring. Torn between her loyalty for Darken and her budding love for Elrond, Nienor will face choices that could alter the fate of the world.

30. Chapter 30Butterfly

Chapter 30 Butterflies

'Do you think Glorfindel will return soon?' asked Erestor.

They had been sitting in silence on the stone bench for a while. Erestor had spotted Lord Elrond from afar and approached. After exchanging briefly, Erestor had concluded that the Lord of the valley was not in a talkative mood. He stayed with him though, reading while Elrond was occupied with contemplating the landscape.

'I fear this may be the beginning of a long war.' Elrond said without taking his eyes off the horizon.

'Soon, it will be ten months since they left for battle,' sighed Erestor.

Elrond remained silent. Ten months had passed; a battle was won or lost, troops retreated or advanced, experiencing lulls like the wind. Glorfindel faithfully held the South, aiding men. The orcs had taken Hobbiton and held it captive. Several squads of elves had been sent by Elrond to attempt a breakthrough, but it was not enough. Groups of orcs carrying captive hobbits had been intercepted a bit south of the Misty Mountains. Elrond and the elves of Lorien guarded a strategic passage on their route, but even that was not sufficient. Wars erupted here and there, then calm settled for a while before resuming.

'Look down there, it's Nienor and Ellena,' Erestor noticed. Below, under a gazebo in the middle of a small grove, Nienor and Ellena had settled on a chaise longue. Nienor had taken a book and placed it on her daughter's lap. Erestor saw a hint of a smile forming on Elrond's lips. He smiled too.

'Glorfindel might not agree with me; it's a good thing he's far from us for now,' joked Erestor. 'But I think you did well. Ellena is a remedy in herself for Nienor.'

'They both need each other. Who am I to deny them that right?' Elrond's gaze was gently fixed on them. A light breeze coming up the valley refreshed him, as if carrying the sweet scent of the one below.

'And you?'

'And me?' Elrond turned to Erestor.

Erestor had an enigmatic smile on his face. He closed the book on his lap and stood up. 'Do not deny yourself that priviledge' He bowed and continued on his way.

Once more, Elrond's eyes lingered on them, only to find they had gone away. His heart skipped a beat, awakening a sudden alertness. But there they were, below him. Ellena was now dancing around a bunch of flowers. She looked like a butterfly. Elrond couldn't help but smile at the enchanting and tender scene. Erestor was right, he mused.