'Elthríel listened with rapt attention as Finrod, laying on his back and staring at the clear sky above him, spoke about the beauty of the Trees of Valinor. He rarely spoke to her now, not that he had ever made a habit to talk with her, but this was...
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Months passed, and Finrod did not speak one word to Elthríel save to civilly inquire of her health and well-being every now and then. Elthríel marked his silence and withdrew from the more public life of those living in Nargothrond. It hurt, deeply, but she assumed it was for the best. She did not want to cause any awkwardness for his part and besides, it was easier to stay out of Amtharel's way in that respect.
So she became a shadow once more, walking in the shadows and observing all that took place in silence.
Finrod was quiet, though, with everyone, not just her. Oft times she observed him to be very deeply in thought, but what he was so earnestly contemplating, she could only guess.
Fortunately, her dreams had not come again during that time, for which she was grateful. She could not have born them again.
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The wind was fitful but warm that day. Elthríel had busied herself with reading books in the library, curled up in a corner. Being quite small, she was hidden from almost everyone who entered. Save one...
Finrod opened the door and stepped inside, searching. Once his eyes lit upon her, he asked softly, "Are you free at the moment?"
"Aye," she replied, puzzled.
"Come." It was a simple command, but she did not question the motives behind it.
Rising, she followed him as he led her to the stables where two horses were waiting, saddled. He mounted one and beckoned her to do the same.
Without asking, she followed him out of the gates of Nargothrond and into the forest. They did not stop until they had reached a wide clearing of rolling, grassy hills. There Finrod turned the horses loose to graze while he reclined on the grass, Elthríel following without question.
Elthríel listened with rapt attention as Finrod, laying on his back and staring at the clear sky above him, spoke about the beauty of the Trees of Valinor. He rarely spoke to her now—not that he had ever made a habit to talk with her—but this was the first time she had ever hear him talk about the days in Valinor, now seeming so long ago. She had never heard him speak of those days with anyone.
