Nerwen the Green and the Search for the Entwives #wattys2019

Chapter XXV: Back to Lothlorien

Chapter XXV: Back to Lothlórien

It was time to contact again her Mistress.

A few days had passed since the encounter with Treebeard, and other conversations, which had completed the picture of the story concerning the disappearance of the Entwives, had followed the first one. By now, Nerwen was persuaded that they had fled during the terrible war, when the Last Alliance between Elves and Men had overthrown Sauron's armies, at the end of the Second Age, and that they had gone as far as possible, somewhere into the east. The only clue she had, was the great red mountain range she had glimpsed at, once in the Mirror of Galadriel and twice through her Second Sight.

Mindful of the previous time, before proceeding the Maia had some energy food prepared, in this case some acacia honey, fetched by her generous and attentive host, and walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, and the always excellent lembas.

Nerwen laid back on her mattress in the Ent-house; she had warned Treebeard about what she was going to do, so that he wouldn't worry about her staying motionless like dead. She closed her eyes and visualised a door, beyond which she imagined Yavanna waiting. She knocked and a few moments later the door opened; her Mistress appeared on the threshold, smiling at her affectionately. They embraced, while around them the garden of Yavanna's palace in Valimar appeared.

Nerwen, my dearest, I am so happy to see you, the Valië said, sitting her on a near wooden bench, placed in front of a pond surrounded by large lilac flowers.

I, too, am happy to see you, Yavanna, the Maia said, I wanted to update you, because I have some news.

Tell me, Yavanna exhorted her.

Therefore, Nerwen reported her the departure from Rivendell, the inconclusive stopover at Rhosgobel in the hope to find Radagast, the assault of the werewolves and the providential intervention of Beorn; the news that in Middle-earth Skin-changers still existed surprised Yavanna agreeably, as Nerwen had been, too. Her account went on with the arrival at Lothlórien and Galadriel's and Celeborn's welcome, and the poignant encounter with her niece Arwen, perfect living image of Lúthien.

Does she really look so alike her?, Yavanna asked, more stunned than doubtful of her disciple's words.

She does, Nerwen confirmed, except for the eyes, blue instead of grey-green.

Melian never truly accepted the destiny her daughter has chosen for herself, the Valië considered, Mayhap, knowing about Arwen, she will find a little comfort.

The Maia felt a twinge in her chest and she realised that perhaps Arwen's fate would be similar to Lúthien's. Melian's daughter had chosen a mortal life to be with her beloved Beren; and Arwen could make the same choice for the love of Aragorn. The future wasn't decided yet, but the way she had seen them – partners for life – left little doubt.

I don't know, she said gloomily, My Second Sight revealed that Arwen seems to be destined to repeat Lúthien's case: she, too, could be lost for the Eldar and choose the Fate of Men for the love of a mortal. Perhaps it's better not telling anything to Melian, so her grief won't be renewed.

Yavanna pondered on what her disciple had said.

You are right, she agreed in the end, better save her this sorrow.

After a short pause, Nerwen went on, telling her Mistress about the White Council and Galadriel's anxieties, and about her Mirror and what she had seen in it. Involuntarily, she thought of Beriadir, too, and Yavanna smiled.