Orophin's POV
I drug her roughly all the way to the healer's talan. I received many stares, though I did not care. She followed fearfully, but somehow managed to stay on her feet. We continued down the white hall and I shoved her into the room where Rumil lay. She landed on her knees and stared at my brother for a long moment before getting to her feet. She walked slowly toward him and bent her head, bringing her hands to her eyes as the tears started to flow again. "Rumil… I am so sorry." She whispered.
As I watched and listened to her, it took great self-control not to comment on that remark. But then I noticed the tip of her ear peaking out from her hair. She was an elf. Traitor. I would use that against her when I could. If I had it my way, she would be locked in darkness for all eternity for her crimes.
Sheaowyn's POV
"What have I done?" I asked myself quietly as I dropped into the chair next to Rumil's bed. "Rumil, please." I begged, reaching out and touching his pale cheek. I saw Orophin flinch out of the corner of my eye. "Rumil, I had to, do you not see? I never wanted this to happen!" I wailed. Before I knew what I was doing, my head was on his chest, and I was sobbing uncontrollably.
Rumil's POV
I heard it all. Orophin's anger, Anliriel's short speech. I heard it, but did not respond. I couldn't. I could hardly breathe. I did not want to go back to the world where pain was so common. Where a person could break another's heart, another's spirit and body, without a single regret. But I had regret. I was leaving Orophin. And Haldir. I was leaving them to the pain of losing a loved one. I wanted desperately to help comfort them. But I just could not. I was ready. It was my time to go. But just when I was about to let go, I heard her. Sheaowyn, the one who started my pain. She spoke to me. She, too, was full of regret. I could not help but stall my departure. To listen to her. In the small part of my conscious that remained, I felt her against my chest. I felt her tears. Crying. Crying had always pulled me from my happiness, from my depression, from my life. Tears signaled distress, and I had long ago made it my job to soothe other's distress. But could I now? When I was so close to peace? No, I could not. Not for long. But my heart was changed. I had to go back, if for no other reason than for my brothers, and to see to Sheaowyn's freedom. I had promised her that. And if I left, my promise would not be carried out. I must go back. And I willed it with all my being…
