Chapter 15 All apologies

'Did you summon me, Elrond? '

Glorfindel stood militarily straight, his gaze fixed on the horizon. It was the first time since the wedding that he found himself face to face and alone with Elrond. His military and solemn stiffness did not reveal his discomfort.

'Glorfindel, please have a seat,' he gestured to the chair in front of him. 'How are you?'

Glorfindel complied and took a seat. At Elrond's question, he looked up, meeting his Lord's gaze; it was hard to tell which one of them was more uneasy.

'Very well,' stammered Glorfindel. He cleared his throat, 'is there anything I can do for you?'

'Yes, but first, I must offer you my most humble and sincere apologies.'

'Pardon me?'

Elrond shook his head, 'I was harsh with you when you were right.'

Glorfindel stared at him, trying to read the meaning of what he was saying.

'It's about Nienor...' Elrond spoke in a low voice, 'I know where she comes from.' He took out a map and spread it out in front of Glorfindel. 'I guess somewhere here, north of the mountain range. There are indeed writings about a group that immigrated south centuries ago. Little is known because they remained isolated among themselves for a long time. There is hardly any record, nothing is known about their way of life or the extent of their strength. We know just as little about their political inclinations. In my opinion, it's a small city barely larger than Imladriss built there, on this peninsula. There is a vast desert, and the terrain is conducive if they want to stay hidden and quiet. Plus, you would have to cross Mordor or Gondor to reach them.'

Glorfindel remained silent, analyzing the map as well. He ran his finger over the worn parchment, tracing an imaginary path from the peninsula to Imladriss. 'She's far from home,' Glorfindel murmured to himself.

Elrond nodded.

'And why coming all the way here precisely? She could have sought help from the elves of Mirkwood or Lothlórien.'

'It's almost impossible to reach Mirkwood without being somewhat prepared and experienced. As for Lothlórien... I don't know...'

'It's strange,' exclaimed Glorfindel incredulously, 'why Imladriss?'

'I don't know. All she wanted was probably to put as much distance as possible between her and the one she's fleeing from.'

Glorfindel held his chin between his thumb and index finger, 'Hmm, and what do you want me to do?'

'Take a few men with you and go down there. Be discreet; I need to know more about this potential enemy.'

Glorfindel seemed to reflect, 'This all happened too quickly, if I may, my Lord. N…Lady Nienor was a stranger, I do believe you love her and so does she, but… Why did she wait to be married to reveal all this?'

'You are right about the feeling I have for her. I never remarried since Celebrian and now, Nienor… I am a lord, I could not tarry my reputation or hers on anyways. I do respect her. But it was foolish, I should have waited.' He sighed, 'so, will you do that for me, please?'

Glorfindel hesitated a moment then he nodded, 'count on me,' he said with determination. 'What else have you learned?'

'His name is Darken.'

'The one she's fleeing from? »

'Yes,' Elrond answered and stood up. He went to the balcony and leaned against the railing.

'Why?'

Elrond pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. Elrond had told Nienor that all of this would remain a secret. He had already said enough to Glorfindel, but he had had no choice.

'Let's give her a little more time. I don't want to rush her now.'

'Very well,' said Glorfindel. 'I will leave this evening, then. Goodbye, Elrond.'

'Goodbye, melon.'