read it as if it were a novel, not like someone you know wrote it.

Approx 900 years have passed and Elriel, in human years, (how old she would appear to be) is 17

Elriel ran into the room, her hair flying in all directions. She bounded up onto Celebriel’s bed, a smile streaking across her face.

“Lel inne I osto wo quen, Elceleb.*” (Let us go to the city with Elceleb) At the last word, she ducked her head, Her eyes peering at Celebriel to gauge her reaction. Celebriel, stopped brushing her white hair, she gave Elriel a stern look.

“We are going to the city. Now go find Minnye and tell her to dress you. I have been invited as a special attendant to the lady Elwing. Now run and get dressed.” Celebriel’s brisk tone bounced off Elriel, as she pushed her out of the room. After Elriel had left Celebriel walked to her Large, open window gazing out across the beauteous landscape of Ithilian, her mind resting on her Adoptive mother, Elriel’s real mother, the first Elriel.

“Mother Meldale, Ananta unye seere indoninya. I nienaite nar oine!*”

(Mother I love you, yet my heart knows no rest. These tears are perpetual!)

Tears began slithering down her face, following well worn tracks. She dropped the brush on her bed. Wiping her face she began choosing her dress for the outing to Gondor. The blue was her favourite but too well worn. The red never quite fit, and the purple, well the purple was plain ugly. That left two other dresses both brilliant white.’ Perfect!’ she thought.

‘Well suiting a … woman of my status.’ Her tears forgotten she began to chortle happily.

The crowds were horrible and Elriel was glad for the guards Celebriel Insisted on bringing. The crown prince was to be crowned today, He and his son Carmyn where parading along the streets below, winding their way slowly up to the pinnacle of Minas Tirith. By now the soon-to-be-king and his son where close enough to Elriel’s position that she could see their faces. “Oh how exciting!” she said nearly jumping, in her joy. The Kings Entourage entered into the citadel’s throne room, Lady Elwing, and her troupe of attendant s, followed.

That evening the city’s celebration could be heard clear across the pellenor fields.

In the Citadel’s hall though, the noise was the most Boisterous, Elves and people dancing, eating, talking, and laughing. Elriel had spent most the night dancing with every available partner, whether Elf, dwarf or man. And now all her spinning head wanted was to sit in the cool night air, something she always found peaceful. The balcony above the kings dais was the nearest, most accessible exit, and so it was there that Elriel now sat. She sat on her knees, with her elbows resting on the balcony shelf. She could see straight across to the Anduin River and the outlying cottages covering, though sparsely, the land of Pellenor.

Behind her sitting on the balcony edge nearest the wall was a man, she had not noticed him when she entered and she did not sense him now. Not much could be seen of him, but he could see much of her. Careful so as not to startle her, he arose from his position and walked noisily toward her.

She did not so much a flinch when she noticed him, but instead smiled and pointed at the sky and asked. “Which one is your favourite? I have always Loved Elendill’s the most, he Bids me farewell every morning and Greets me every night, Always shining his brightest for me.” She stood and turned to look at her Companion. He was tall and handsome in the way of men at least. He had dark hair and wise brown eyes.

“Funny, I always thought Elendill shined for me and no one else, now I see it must have been you he favoured, for what are my charms to such a one as yourself?” he paused and then continued.

“I am Benethcared, your humble servant.” He bowed his head to her.

Elriel smiled and curtsied low bowing her head in reverence.

“Manie Esselya*? (What is your name?) I have already told you mine.” Lifting his head, he smiled.

“My name, my lord, Is Elriel Melindo, Adopted sister their greatnesses, the Lord Elceleb and the Lady Celebriel, Prince and Princess of Ithilian.”

His eyes lit up in surprise. “the adopted Daughter Lord Glorfindel? Well let me introduce myself properly then. I am Benethcared Commander of the first legion, son of Carmyn the Captain of Gondor. I myself am a half man.”