I put my legs out of the bed and made another attempt at standing up. The ground was warm and soft under my feet. A slight dizzy feeling hit me and I almost collapsed again, I was so unused to standing. The dizzy feeling passed and I took a couple of shifting steps towards the door. It was like I was one year old again and taking my first faltering steps into the bright world. My legs were shaking, but sheer determination drove me forwards. At last I reached the door, so exhausted I lurched forward and fell squarely into Nuindacilion’s arms.
He smiled down at me.
“It is a pleasure to see you awake again Glirčn. Four long days you have been asleep. But please, take it slowly. You are not fully recovered yet and you are still weak. Give it two or so more days.”
Nuindacilion picked me up, carried me across the room and placed me gently back into my bed. He stood over me, a look of concern clouding his fair face.
“I’m alright Nuindacilion, really.” I said, with all the strength I could muster, which wasn’t much. “I am just not used to walking yet. But I assure you; just being here in this beautiful place strengthens me. Tell me if I am correct in saying that I am in the halls of King Thranduil, ruler of Mirkwood?”
“That you are, Glirčn. And when you have recovered sufficiently, I believe my father would like to see the heroic elf maiden that saved us from certain death at the hands of trolls. But while you are confined to this bed, perhaps you could tell me a little about your origins, and why you were lost in those woods?”
I really didn’t know what to tell Nuindacilion. I doubted if he would believe that I was from another world, and just appeared here by some strange magic. But I couldn’t lie to him either. Something inside my head told me that. I sighed.
“I know little of my origins, who my parents are, or even who I really am. Why I was lost in those woods is simple. I was wandering around aimlessly, when I found your clasp on the ground. I picked it up and was resolved to find its owner, for I knew it must be a treasured possession. And so I found myself in that clearing, with little idea of where I was and what I was going to do when night fell. That was when you found me.” That, at least, was partly the truth. I really didn’t know anything about my parents, having been found on the street when I was four years old by my adopted mother.
Nuindacilion nodded his head, only half believing my story.
“I believe that all will be clear to you about your origins when you see my father,” He said slowly “If my suspicions are correct.”
I nodded, not really understanding those words.
“Will you stay with me until I’m fully recovered?” I asked, hoping, but not expecting Nuindacilion to say yes.
His brilliant green eyes sparkled.
“Of course, my lady. I would like nothing more than to see you get well again.”
My heart skipped a beat, but I hardly knew why. Just being in his company made me feel a whole lot better. I sat up slowly and looked at Nuindacilion. He put his hand on my face and I thrilled at his gentle touch.
“My thanks to you and your brother cannot be expressed in words,” I said to him, fighting back tears. “Even though you do not know me you bring me here and care for me like I was one of your own. I am forever in your debt.”
A smile lit up Nuindacilion’s fair Elven features.
“In the assumption that I do not know you, I believe you are mistaken, for a dream came to me on the night ere I discovered you. ”
“A dream?” I asked in astonishment. “What of? And what has it to do with me?”
“I was riding in the forest in the deep of night,” He recalled, “When I saw a dull glow, dull, but hypnotising. Something was drawing my horse and I towards it. The light slowly grew brighter as I went towards it, and then, as I rounded a corner I saw the most beautiful Elf maiden I had ever set eyes upon, glowing in the starlight. I still remember her incredible beauty. Her long, raven black hair and her startlingly blue eyes. I longed to speak to her, to tell her how brilliant she was, but no words could come out of my mouth. So I held out my hand, hoping beyond hope that she would take it and accompany me to my home. I remember her reaching out her hand to mine, so close she was, but before I could take it she disappeared. The forest was once again dull. Sorrow overwhelmed me as I turned my horse homewards. As I rode a breeze whispered past my ears. I listened hard, and on that breeze I heard one word. Glirčn…”
He paused, took a deep breath and looked searchingly at my astonished face.
“I believe you are the Maiden from my dream. The coincidence is too strong for me to think otherwise. Forgive me for bringing up such a nonsensical subject, I just felt it had to be said.”
“I understand.” I replied. “And I believe you about the dream you had. In fact, I know I was that maiden.”
I proceeded to tell Nuindacilion about my dream. He sat silently with an expression of intense interest on his face as I talked.
“Well,” He said quietly, more to himself than to me “That is most incredible. I must tell Father about this. I’m sure he will find in it great interest. Will you excuse me if I give leave of you for a moment? I will not be long, but if you are in need of anything, just ring the bell on the table next to your bed.”
I nodded. Nuindacilion stood up.
“I will be back soon.” He said as he crossed the room and disappeared through the doorway.