Numinous // LOTR

chapter four

With the fellowship formed it was not long before Gloin took his leave, winter loomed heavy overhead and before long the mountain pass of Imladris would be snowed over, treacherous and impassable it was not a journey one would willingly undertake.

It was a sad day to bid him adieu. Both Gimli and Rekena did not part from him easily but it eased their minds when he reassured them that he would not be travelling alone, for Bilbo, his great and old friend, had decided he wished to revisit the lonely mountain and pay his respects to the King and those he had journeyed with in the company of Thorin Okenshield.

Unexpected to all, especially to her, Rekena had made a friend of her own. Atyalassë was an elf of star light hair and few words it seemed, which was perhaps why Rekena managed to get along with her. The same ethereal air hung around her as it did the others, but she spoke plainly.

Unlike any other elf Rekena had met Atyalassë seemed to keep her hair short, but her flowing clothes, pointy ears and natural elegance clearly marked her as elven. She had become a confidant and companion as Rekena prepared to leave Rivendell with the rest of the fellowship and in turn had helped Rekena learn much.

The night had settled over Rivendell and seeking peace and respite Rekena went in search of the bath house, a good soak and some quiet would do her soul good and allow her to clear her mind. Only a few more nights remained until the fellowship would depart the sanctuary of Rivendell and begin their journey.

Her simple robe was easily shed as she slid into the grand bath. The water was warm and soothing and with it slipped away her worries. Her mind was plagued with many thoughts and as she suspected the warm water help ease her nerves, despite her discomfort everything at Rivendell seemed to have a healing quality to it – she felt at ease at this place she had never been and that itself put her on edge. It wasn't in her character to feel settled unless it was deep within the heart of mountain surrounded by her kin – certainly not within this strange elf lord's halls.

A small scuffle pricked her ears – she was not alone.

"I was told I would find some peace here." Rekena muttered, turning to face the intruder, covering herself.

"Fear not." Atyalassë smiled. "You needn't cover yourself; it is only me. Your body is a temple you should find pride in it – not seek to hide."

"Is that an elven proverb or your own view on life?" Rekena settled back in the water at peace with her presence.

"Does it matter?"

"What do you want Atyalassë?"

"Company, that is all."

"You are in one of the great elven strongholds and you seek my time?"

"You are by far the most interesting person here." She walked over to where Rekena had left her robe and retrieved something from the bundled fabric. Raising it up to the dwindling light she chuckled. "Great elven stronghold and you still carry this to take a bath."

"One can never be too careful." Rekena scowled.

"I came to say your presence is requested, out on the fields behind the great hall."

"At this hour – last light has passed, what is my presence needed for?"

"I did not think to ask."

"Of course not." Rekena shook her head. "And who is it that summons me?"

"That is beside the point," said Atyalassë. "I brought you some clothes so you would not have to go back to your room."

"The impatience of elves astounds me."

Atyalassë offered her no reply but merely left the clothes by her dagger and robe before walking off into the night. Dipping her head below the water one more time, soaking up the warmth Rekena sighed, time to go and meet the mystery behind the great halls.