15

"I see. It certainly suits you. You were always so very artistic. Although…there are no such things as swords here in the West…" He commented, looking back down at her drawings. She gave a weak chuckle, still refusing to look up at him, though he didn't seem to notice or care. Glorfindel reached behind himself and retrieved something from his pocket before putting it down in front of her. When she glanced up, she was surprised to see it was a drawing of her own likeness. Though it wasn't anything spectacular or amazing, it did bring a fond smile to Miriya's face as she gazed down at it.

She lifted her eyes to meet Glorfindel's, her smile fading ever so slightly. She had almost forgotten just how handsome and wonderful Glorfindel really was…she missed seeing his warm and gentle smiles, the way his voice sounded when he sang, his soft kisses, his comforting arms…and the way he laughed. Miriya shook her head in annoyance and turned away from him, burying her face into her hands, trying desperately to fight off tears. How could she miss these things when they were right in front of her…how could she forget them…when they made everything worth having? Why did things have to go wrong all the time. Things would have worked out perfectly if only she hadn't chosen Aragorn's side in the final battle. If only she had chosen Erebor rather than Gondor. If only…

"Miriya?" She heard Glorfindel say gently. She bit her lip slightly as she struggled to keep herself composed, knowing that Glorfindel would likely try to comfort her. She couldn't allow that. She deserved to be left alone and cry in peace if that's what it would take to avoid any further emotional pain and loss. Even still, Glorfindel gently placed his hand onto her shoulder. Miriya jumped slightly, but quickly calmed down when she felt Glorfindel patting her back soothingly. Her eyes watered slightly but, instead of allowing them to fall, she clenched her teeth together tightly, willing the tears away.

"I'm fine…" She muttered through gritted teeth. It hurt too much to admit aloud. "Don't worry about it." She added. Glorfindel frowned slightly, seemingly unconvinced by her words, and continued patting her back, trying to offer her some form of comfort. After a couple minutes passed, however, she was able to calm down enough to stand up straight once more and regain the composure necessary to look at Glorfindel in the eye.

"I'm alright now…" Miriya reassured him softly, giving him a small reassuring smile.

"Are you sure? You know…it doesn't have to be that hard. Just give yourself some time." Glorfindel suggested, frowning slightly as he observed her. Miriya blinked in response. Did he want her to stop training completely? Had the others told him about what had happened earlier during the quest to find the ring? Was that why he wanted her to stay at Rivendell? Miriya suddenly tensed slightly, unable to hold back the guilt that swelled within her as she remembered that Glorfindel knew about the situation with Fíli and Kíli. She bit her lower lip anxiously, averting her eyes. Glorfindel sighed loudly, running a hand through his hair.

"Miriya…" He whispered, making Miriya's heart clench. His tone was low, serious and almost disappointed, which caused even more guilt to bubble up within her. What could she do? Should she lie? Tell him she had nothing to say about it? Say nothing, and continue her daily routine? Or, maybe, she could tell him the truth? No, that wouldn't work either. She knew that there was a high chance that Glorfindel would believe her and then she would be punished even more. The thought scared Miriya more than anything, but she knew she had no choice. She couldn't stay silent, she simply couldn't. She took a deep breath.

"Yes…I was hoping…that you'd ask…about Fíli and Kíli." She confessed quietly. Glorfindel paused momentarily as he stared at her in confusion and, upon noticing her discomfort, he smiled softly at her and took her hands, interlocking his fingers with hers and smiling gently.

"Do you wish to talk about them?" He asked her, rubbing her hands gently, calming her down.

"Not yet…but soon." Miriya murmured softly, gazing downwards briefly. Glorfindel nodded, understanding that she needed some more time to figure out exactly what to say to him. "When we return home, I'll share with you everything about what happened, about why I was captured…all those thoughts…those feelings. Please, let me deal with this myself…for now." She begged him quietly.

"Alright." He agreed quietly. "