The Truth Beneath the Rose

Memories

As they followed behind their Elven escort, Nevaeh began to grow anxious. Time seemed to drag on and the walk to Lord Elrond's study felt longer than it actually was. Not only for Nevaeh, but the Dwarves as well. They had no idea what to expect or how this would end. They did know that they would die to keep the girl safe. They drew close to a lone open door at the end of a long hallway. No one liked how the room was so secluded. Should anything happen, the company would not know to come to their aid. Tensions among the three of them ran high. Lindir came to a halt. Peeking inside the room, they saw it was large and well lit. There were books and scrolls on shelves all around the room. There were even some stacked on the floor. Lord Elrond was reading something on a table. There were papers scattering all over it. His study was at the edge of the city, his balcony overlooked the river and luscious valleys. It was very serene. Naveah's heart raced when she notice another Elf in the room. It was a woman; she stood near the open wall of Lord Elrond's study. She was dressed in silver. Her hair glowed golden in the light of the setting sun. "My Lord, my Lady." Lindir bowed, causing Lord Elrond and the She-Elf to look their way.

"Ah, welcome." He greeted, calm and warm. "Thank you, Lindir." Their guide then took his leave. "Please, come in." Lord Elrond gestured to a chair. The three filed into the room. First was Thorin, then Nevaeh, then Dwalin. "If you'd like, I can have more chairs brought in for the two of you." He offered.

"That won't be necessary. We prefer to stand." Thorin answered.

"Very well." The Elven Lord nodded. "Nevaeh," He said calmly. "You may sit if you wish." He knew it was best not to be too assertive with her. Judging from her arrival, he knew that any unconscious notion might trigger fear in her. Nevaeh stared at the unfamiliar Elf. Lord Elrond noticed her uneasiness. "Nevaeh, this is Lady Galadriel." He told her. "The Lady of Light. She wishes to be present. She means no harm." She sat down, stiff and slow.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Thorin whispered to Nevaeh. "You don't have to."

"I'll be fine." She assured him, although, she was sure of that at all.

"I'm sure you know what I am going to ask you." Lord Elrond began.

"Vaguely." She replied.

"Perhaps it is best to simply jump into the questions and we can build upon them." He suggested.

"Alright. Shoot." She said.

"How old are you?" He asked.

"Fifty-four." She answered.

"Where are you from?"

"Bree." Thorin looked down at her.

"Were you born or made?"

She shot him a bewildered look. "What?"

"Were you born or made?" He repeated.

"No, I heard what you said. I'm not deaf. What do you mean 'born?'" Everyone was confused at this point. "You mean, we can breed?"

"Of course. Vampires can be bred or they can be made. Did your maker never tell you this?" He was surprised. If she did not even know this, how oblivious could she be?

"Not exactly." She mumbled.

"Who is your maker?" He asked. She didn't answer, just stared at the floor, biting her cheeks. "Do you know?" Her silence was confirmation enough. She knew nothing. "Can you tell me what you do know?"

After a long silence, she inhaled deeply. "I just woke up like this. I was alone."

"Very unusual." Lord Elrond pondered. "Your maker must have been very careless, leaving you to fend for yourself."