Oropher walked down the corridor of the wooden building heading to his office which was placed at the end of the hallway. In front of Egnaspen's office, in the wall's shadow stood Aglaron with one soldier standing guard near him. Young Aglaron stood straight and calm, but his face was somber enough for Oropher to know that Egnaspen have not treated lightly the last incident they had with Arvellon.

Oropher entered his office and Arvellon standing before the desk turned to face him. A bruise on his face already gained colours and it will be quite a time before it will dissapear completely. Arvellon just like Aglaron didn't have a face of a scolded cub, which meant they acknowledged their mistake and will face the consequences. That alone was already a good sign.

He blindly pushed the door closed after himself and it bumped loudly while Oropher made his way behind the desk and sat on his armchair.

'Congratulations, cousin. I bet your duel was worth the effort.' he said leaning both elbows on the chair supports and watching the standing elf before him.

'It would have been if only you had not stopped it!' Arvellon said and his fists clentched probably before he realized it.

'Duels are strickly forbidden in the army. You should be well aware of that.' Oropher said, but Arvellon watched him with angry eyes clearly preventing himself from saying too much and Oropher wondered if he should provoke him.

Maybe it will make for the better if Arvellon would speak his mind in anger. His cousin rarely allowed himself to be lead by rage which was strick opposite to his older brother Amdir or even himself. Amdir praised his freedom more than anything and till the end he didn't let anyone to bind him into the chain of command. Oropher was different – maybe thanks to his father who always showed him support which Amdir never experienced from Edwethon. Crushing the difficulties, Egnaspen managed to hammer duty into Oropher's head – duty to his people, to his family and devotion to Doriath. Those were obligations Oropher finally accepted and those duties allowed him to become who he was now.

Before Arvellon managed to speak again he took the lead.

'I hope general Egnaspen gave you strict orders.'

'He did.' Arvellon said 'We will stand guard at the Hall's Gate until we will be relieved of this duty.'

The Hall's Gate was located at the Throne Room a bit hidden from sight with as hidden pathway from the outside of Menegroth's walls. The wide corridor, hollowed long ago when the city was build, lead straightly before the Thrones of the King and Queen. It was the least used gateway and truth be told, it was used only once when the messangers came informing that the Enemy gathered for war. Standing guard at the Hall's Gate was considered to be the most dull station in all of Menegroth and Oropher was not able to count the time he spent there himself.

'Good. Maybe it will teach you something.' Oropher said wondering when Arvellon will finally speak his mind. His cousin clearly damped something down in himself and Oropher had only hints of what it could be.

Finally there was a glint in Arvellon's eyes and a thick rope seemed to snap before him, but still it was not what Oropher expected. Arvellon was reserved even in his anger and Oropher didn't know if it was for the better or worse.

'None of it would happen if only-!'

'And what you wanted to achieve with this duel, my dear cousin? Self-proclaimed respect? A promotion?' Oropher asked getting up and he slowly strolled through his office, not looking at Arvellon 'Do you believe it would have changed anything?'

'Yes! It would have changed many things!' Arvellon said fiercely, his eyes followed his older cousin around the office 'I had enough of Aglaron and only I had a spine to duel him! It would have set things straight between us, once and for all!'

'Worth of admiration.' Oropher said 'This fits well with giving example we spoke about not long ago.'

'You are the one to say it?!' Arvellon lashed out at him 'You were nothing better if not worse! Many look up to you wishing to follow your steps! Why should I be any different-?!'

'What do you know of it, Arvellon?' Oropher growled and he rounded his cousin holding him under the iron of his eyes 'Do your really believe I stormed into the army and all backed before me like grass on the wind? My disobedience was not taken lightly and yours won't be as well!'

'You defeated your rival in combat and I wished to do the same! I hear about it not once!' Arvellon answered with the same ferocity 'You dared to stand against Egnaspen, against Mablung! And yet you scold me for one foolish leap? Leave me to my problems and let me handle them as I wish!'

Oropher stopped his tracks before Arvellon and stared at him with hands on his back. Arvellon stood as tall as him and there was a furious grimace on his face and clear sharpness in gold eyes, but he still lacked the stricking determination and Oropher easily overwhelmed him with his own will.

'I am your commander and I won't let you handle anything as you wish!' Oropher said chilling the air with his voice 'You are a soldier, who broke the law and you will face your punishment. Maybe then you will think about your soldiers, who will suffer because of this as well!'

Arvellon was a bit taken aback with this as he clearly didn't think about this. As Oropher suspected, he didn't think of the long distant consequences as well.

'This one foolish leap, as you called it yoursef, crossed your way to another promotion! You both with Aglaron should be grateful to not be depromoted!' Oropher said boring into his cousin unforgiving eyes 'Maybe we should ask your soldiers if you are an example to follow? What do you say now, cousin? Do you thing that a soldier should earn his place like you did, or myself long time ago? Do you think a Prince should behave like this?!'

Arvellon's grimace was uncertain now and his determination that boiled in him moments ago now started to fade. He was silent only staring at his cousin.

'Me and Amdir were enough thorns in the side of our fathers and with our actions we brought disgrace on our House. You never did and I hope you won't.' Oropher said 'You keep saying to follow my steps, but each decision taken that way is against your nature and you won't walk far like this.'

Arvellon looked up at him with sudden sore expression, but Oropher's eyes were not sympathetic. His cousin was kind-hearted since birth and Oropher wished him to forge it into strength to gain respect so his soldiers would be loyal to him above all else. Arvellon could be everything Oropher wished him to be – a general the King's army deserved.

'Hopefully, you will have much time to think of this at your guard's duty. And I truly hope you will get your priorities straight this time. Something Amdir never managed to do.'

Arvellon was taken a bit abash by the mention of his older brother. Arvellon and Amdir have never truly met and never bonded as brothers should have. Amdir left Menegroth when Arvellon was but a small child and he was as good as a stranger to Arvellon. Maybe Oropher should not have mentioned of Amdir.

'Think of my words and then of everything you want to achieve. And don't listen to your fellow soldiers. Ask our Elders of my glorious promotions through the army and then think if you wish the same for yourself.' Oropher said much more calmly 'Now go to your duty, soldier.'

Arvellon made a full salute and then left the office to the corridor where Aglaron was still waiting with the guarding soldier, who was probably responsible to escort them to their new station. Oropher watched them leave in silence and once they were out of sight he walked back behind the desk, but instead of sitting down on the armchair, he watched the training troops through the window.

He lost himself in his thoughts and there was a frown on his forehead. The conversation with Arvellon has not gone as he wished. There was still more he wanted to say his cousin and what he had said was formed in wrong words. He will have to meet Arvellon again, but maybe next time they will speak as brothers with no military ranks between them.

Oropher grumbled displeased and left his office. Arvellon was in hard situation. Giving that their uncle Galadhon was such respected figure among the soldiers and also valued strategist, there were expetations placed on anyone who walked in his steps, even it was not said aloud. Everyone silently watched how good Galadhon's successor can grow and if he can be any better. With his temperament, Oropher easily proved he can be everything they expected and even more. Amdir, who trained with marchwardens, also showed what he was made of. And now, Arvellon must also prove to be as good as them – everyone waited with curiosity if Arvellon will be anything like his older brother and cousin.

Oropher feared Arvellon will be stuck in their shadows – constantly compared and judged. Now, at the beginning of his way Arvellon may seem weaker than Oropher and Amdir had been at his age. He was sure there were some who thought this way and he hoped Arvellon have not taken those words into heart.

He briefly observed the training swordsmen. He should train with Arvellon, as they used to in the past. His cousin wished to master the art of wielding two swords and Oropher agreed to teach him. Only few warriors in Menegroth had patience and stubborness to teach themselves this craft – Oropher, Taranir and Mablung were three of them and some said that Elwe also was to be counted among those warriors.

On the other side of the military area Oropher noticed Amrun, Tinnu and Halloth. They were clothed in obligatory army uniform, though they clearly unbuckled them to feel a bit loosed up. They had bows and quivers in hands and they were heading to archery range. It seemed they recovered well enough from their previous training and Oropher checked if they cleaned the stable they had destroyed before – it didn't shine as much as he wished, but he accepted their finished work and let them rest as much as they could and then send them to perform their other duties.

Intrigued, Oropher followed them passing by a division of spearsmen who trained their balance and accuracy. Each of the soldiers had an apple on his head and the only thing they had to do was to not let it fall from their heads through all the time of their training. Oropher wished to start such training with Amrun, Tinnu and Halloth, but after speaking with Taranir they decided that the young warriors were not yet ready for it.

A cavalry division of the Wolf passed by him if fast trott, but Oropher was focused on his soldiers who already fired first arrows. The results were good, but not excellent – all arrows met their targets close to the center. Oropher observed them stringing their bows in few more shots and he immediately noticed few inaccuracies and errors that needed correction. As much as he praised their iniciative, he feared that by training alone they will soldify their mistakes – something Oropher had done in his youth as well and it was hard for him to later make this up.

He moved from his place and approached his soldiers, who took their second quivers and prepared for second round.

'Amrun.' he called and the elf immediately lossened the string and turned to him. 'Look how you stand, you have no balance. Feet a bit wider, knees lower.'

The elf did as he said and drawn the arrow once more. Amrun was a good archer, he had keen eye and reflex and Oropher hoped to master him in this specialty.

'Elbow higher, don't tilt your head as much.'

Amrun let go of his arrow and it met its target closely to the middle. Most of his arrows landed there with few impacted in the middle. Oropher nodded with content. He didn't have to worry about Amrun.

He turned to Halloth on another lane who just fired his arrow. Halloth as well was a good archer and Oropher had no worries that he will master the bow in near future. Halloth stringed his bow to another shot and Oropher nudged his arm.

'Elbow lower. Don't tense your arms so much.' he said and watched Halloth's shoulders hung loose a bit. 'Hold the arrow more steadily.'

Halloth focused to improve his stance and waited for a bit to let the arrow fly. As for now, Oropher didn't hasten them to take quicker shots as they still needed to memorise their right reactions which for Oropher was much more important.

'Boss, is it true you can pierce an arrow in the shield with a second one?' Halloth asked turning to him.

'Many soldiers can do it. It's nothing fancy.' Oropher said walking pass Halloth 'One day you will do it yourself.'

Halloth brightened up at his words and Oropher looked briefly at Amrun to check his stance, but then he turned and looked at Tinnu who struggled with his bow. The typical flatbow used in the army of Menegroth didn't serve him well and Tinnu had problems to hold the weapon well enough. Oropher looked all over him immediately seeing stiff moves while stringing an arrow and how tightly Tinnu was holding a bow. By the way he turned his body too much and shoulders were too close to each other. No matter how many times Tinnu was corrected he made this same mistakes and this time as well Oropher pointed out all his remarks.

Tinnu fired his arrow and it met the target somewhere to the side – Tinnu again shaken his bow at the end of the move. Oropher not once asked Faron to train with Tinnu, but it seemed to have no effect and he couldn't let Tinnu to not master even one type of the bow.

'Take another one.'

Oropher again patiently corrected any flaws in Tinnu's stance. Maybe short recurved bow would be better for young soldier, though Faron said that a typical recurved bor would not have been a good choice for Tinnu. Faron said he also tried with compound bow and angular composite bow, but it didn't went too well – with each of them Tinnu had the same problem with drawing an arrow. Oropher sighted quietly. He will have to speak with Faron again concerning Tinnu, maybe he will even ask his uncle about this.

'Don't worry, Tinnu. We will train this through.' he said knowing that the young elf tried his best and putting him down won't have any effect. 'Finish this quiver and gather your arrows. I don't want you to learn your mistakes.'

'Boss, I have been wondering' Halloth said before Oropher left them 'I've been wondering if you would not train with us horseback archery?'

Oropher looked at him and considered this. Usually, it was Faron, who tought them archery as he was himself one of the best archers in whole Menegroth and some even wondered if Faron could outshot Beleg himself. Faron was not a Sindarin elf as many thought – he was a Green Elf who came with Denethor over the moutains and he also participated in the First Battle in which their King perished in valiant fight. After the war, when the Green Elves decided to stay in Ossiriand instead travelling to safe ground of Doriath, Faron with small group of his kindred made a decision to resettle and place themselves under safe care of King Elu Thingol. Oropher saw in Faron's eyes that he longed for grasslands and free sky of the wilderness, but he sacrificed this for the sake of his family and he never regretted as he said it once himself.

However, these times Oropher gave Faron free hand and he only performed duties that must be done. The reason was simple – as the only one of his elite soldiers, Faron had his own family to take care of. His delicate wife was epitome of beauty with eyes like stars and hair dark like midnight sky. Tirnel was her name, the star gazer, with voice like velvet. They had twins – a boy Túon and a girl Sídhil, that both inherited their mother's dark hair. Recently, their third child was born – their youngest daughter, Inwel, who was all like Faron and no one could deny it. Faron rarely found time for anything other between his most important duties and his family. Oropher never blamed him and tried to lighten up his duties as he could. He didn't bring Faron on patrols if he didn't have to and didn't weight him with more orders and duties than absolutely necessary.

That left Oropher with choice to either leave Amrun, Tinnu and Halloth to Saida or Alagos. He knew Alagos won't show enough patience and Saida won't catch all mistakes they would make. She was a great warrior herself, but there would be a long way ahead nefore her before she would be able to teach other warriors properly. Oropher would not hesitate to place Saida as a tutor if Amrun, Tinnu and Halloth would need a basic training, but all three of them needed a way more observant eye, especially Tinnu.

Nelledir and Orthon were out of discussion as neither of them was a good teacher and Oropher doubted Taranir would find a bit of time for this training as well.

'Very well. Meet me here when the Wolf and the Bear would pass each other.'

Just as he said it a breathless elf stopped before him and Oropher turned to see what he wanted, thus he didn't see clearly cheerful face of Halloth. The young elf before him wore a simple clothes of the House assistant and Oropher was sure he saw this elf few times before around his family apartments.

'My Lord!' the elf called 'Lord Galadhon has send me for you! It's time, my Lord!'

'Time? Time for what?' Oropher repeated with a frown, but then it clicked and he gasped softly 'It's time!'

Oropher passed by the elf forgetting about anything else, but then getting hold on himself, he turned to his soldiers.

'Amrun, to go Taranir and tell him we will meet later!' he said 'Halloth tell Alagos to do the briefing of the captains that was scheduled at Stag's shining! Tinnu get Nelledir and Orthon to talk with Taranir, they will know what's this about!'

Without other words or waiting for their confirmation he stormed out of the military area and went straightly to the apartments of his House walking so fast he almost run. Galathil must be flying off the handle being this stressed and Oropher felt a biting tension getting to him as well.

He remembered well how Faron was stressed before the birth of his youngest child, though he still showed up to perform his duties. It finally ended up with Oropher banishing him from the training fields and forbading him to appear anywhere near the military area until he would be ordered to come back to his duties. Oropher kept Faron away for long – the full spring blossomed and Oropher took Faron's duties concerning his regiment and using the opportunity he showed Amrun, Tinnu and Halloth what this was about. And when spring ended and Tulip constellation appeared on the sky announcing summer, Faron appeared at the door of his office with a tiny bundle in his arms happy as any father would have been. Little Inwel had Faron's eyes and Oropher was truly touched by his friend's blessing. To his surprise it was Alagos and Saida who fussed the most over the child, but even Orthon showed his interest in Faron's daughter. Oropher guessed the things were different when the child belonged to your friend and not a stranger.

It was Celeborn who Oropher saw as first. His older cousin was leaning on the wall staring in the painting in front of him and he tapped his foot nervously. Oropher greeted Celeborn who breathed out seeing him.

'How are they?' Oropher asked in a low tone still a bit bushed by almost running through the corridors and sword at his waist didn't make it any easier.

'It's a long time now, but they say it's alright so far.' Celeborn said and then glanced at his brother once 'But you can probably imagine how tensed Galathil is.'

Oropher looked at his cousin, who walked back and forth along the corridor sometimes trying to stop himself from doing so only to find out he was not able to.

'Aunt Arradis is with Faineth.' Celeborn said. 'And can you believe at this momemt my father is studying a lineage of some horse?'

Among this tension only Galadhon seemed to be haven of calm sititng on the armchair and reading a sizable tome he had in hand. But even being for a short moment there, Oropher noticed that Galadhon read a single page way too slowly. Erthor and Edwethon were not present and Oropher assumed the House assistant must have troubles into getting to guarded Council meeting.

Oropher patted Celeborn's shoulder and approached Galathil, embracing him with arm and trying to give him a little comfort.

'I'm sure it's alright.' he said and Galthil sighted deeply.

'I know. That's what they keep saying.' he said gazing from time to time at the door where Faineth was struggling to bear their child.

'Don't worry, my son. Everything is alright.' Galadhon said empasisng right words. He turned the page of his book.

'Come, sit down.' Oropher said, but before he lead his cousin to the armchair near Galadhon a muffled but still a shiering cry was heard from apartment they waited in front of.

As one they held their breaths and stared into the still closed door. Celeborn unsticked himself from the wall he leaned on and Galadhon stood from his armchair.

At last the door opened and few maidens came out of the room and finally Arradis walked out and graced them with reasurring and clearly happy smile.

'Please, Galathil. Your wife and daughter are waiting.' she said and stepped aside leaving the door open.

It was Celeborn who delicately nudged his brother, who stood aghast like a pillar od salt. But after a prod from Celebron, Galathil moved from his place and soon he dissapeared into the room and an Arradis walked after him.

Oropher stared after him and he and Celeborn looked at each other, clearly sensing those same mix of emotions boiling in them. They moved closer to the room's entrance, but they didn't even walk few steps when Galadhon stopped them both by placing a heavy hands on their arms.

'What a quiet child. It's not crying anymore.' he said with a delicate smile and Oropher realized that indeed, the child stopped crying a good while ago. 'I was lucky as well with Erthor and Edwethon. Neither of you cried all too much.'

'Really?' Celeborn said as if he didn't fully believe.

'Really. I remember when Galathil and Oropher were born we placed them in one cradle. You were both so small and Galthil already had a tuft of hair.' Galadhon smiled to his memories 'You were both so quiet that one could forget you were even there! That was until Amdir and Celeborn decided to take a good look at you. And I bet one of them did something that caused you both cry.'

'How could you make us cry?' Oropher asked as he glanced at his cousin, but Celeborn shrugged his arms.

'I am sure it was Amdir.'

Soon enough Arradis came out of the room again. There was no disturbance to be felt aroud her. Only a knowing smile graced her lips and hapiness mingled in her eyes – it seemed she saw many fortunes of parents being blessed with a child, including herself – the days of birth of her two sons was the most memorable experience of her long life.

'He asks for you to join.'

Celeborn and Oropher let Galadhon went in as first and they stayed behind at the doorway. Galathil was at Faineth's side holding her hand and she was leaning on a bedrest clearly tires, but undeniably happy. There was a small bundle in her arms wrapped in soft blanket.

Galadhon patted Galathil's arm, looking at him with deep pride. Then he kissed his daughter-in-law tenderly before he finally looked down at his granddaughter.

'Can you believe it? Galathil has a child.' Celeborn said quietly 'I am so proud of him.'

Oropher didn't answer. He leaned on a door frame and observed the scene before him. Faineth delicately rised her daughter and Galadhon took the child in his arms. There was such fondness in his smile and great tenderness, that it was hard to believe there were some who were able to reject their grandchildren.

'Let's join them.' Celeborn said and they entered the room passing by Galadhon and Arradis, who gazed with delight at the child that was still in Galadhon's arms.

First they approached Faineth and sat at both sides of her bed. She smiled at them and exhaustion mirrored in her eyes, though happiness was there as well.

'I am glad you are all here with me.' she said quietly 'I am glad our daughter will have such wonderful family.'

'Nimloth.' Galathil said, who stood above Oropher 'Our little daughter.'

Nimloth, White Blossom. Oropher smiled at the accuracy of the child's name and he wondered if she inherited the shade of silver hair as her father.

'Do you think anyone will pry them away from the child?' Celeborn asked conspirationaly with a low tone glancing at their Elders and Oropher and Galathil laughed a bit.

'They don't even pay attention to us.' Galathil said and he bent down to kiss Faineth tenderly in the head.

'Let them.' she said with a delicate smile 'It's a day a happiness for us all.'

Oropher yet again was thankful to all the stars that Faineth and Galathil found each other. They were wonderful couple and their daughter will be blessed with loving home. Oropher knew Nimloth inherited all the best she could from their parents.

Just then a fast steps were heard on the corridor and Oropher turned to see who was coming, but instead Erthor and Edwethon it was a royal guard who appeared in his sight. Frowning a bit, he excused himself and approached the elf who waited at him at the corridor.

'Forgive me, my Lord.' the elf said keeping his voice low 'Your presence is requested in the Throne Room.'

Oropher grimaced clearly irritated. Couldn't they find a better time for their tedious talkings?

'Say that I will arrive late. Or find my second in command to be present there.' he said 'I belong with my family now.'

'It was a King himself who sent for you, my Lord.' the guard said 'All the generals are there as well and the matter is urgent for they speak alone.'

Everything was urgent when the King sent personally for you. Out of all the time he could have spoke to him, he must have chosen this exact moment. Oropher growled under his nose angered and he stared for a bit at the wooden floor, sudden regret feeling his heart. He looked at his family he swore to protect. His duty and will binded him to do everything to make them safe and now this same duty was prying him away from them.

'Lord Oropher will arrive to the Throne Room.' Galathil said and Oropher looked up startled for he was so lost in own thoughts he didn't hear his cousin approach. The guard nodded and left, knowing that it would be no use to wait for the general.

Galathil patted his shoulder, but this gesture brought no comfort to Oropher. He knew no one will hold him in blame, just as Edwethon and Erthor had their duties and couldn't be here, now it was Oropher who had his own obligations that forced him to leave much earlier than he wished. And even worse, Oropher felt as if he was betraying his family.

Oropher won't prelong his leave. He embraced Galathil and the gesture was immediately returned.

'I am so happy for you.' he said 'You are going to be a wonderful father any child could wish for.'

'Don't forget that you, Celeborn and Arvellon are uncles now.' Galathil said 'For Nimloth you will be always better than her old parents.'

'Don't be so pessimistic.' Oropher said and he held Galathil at the arm's length now 'Now go back to them. It's your day to celebrate.'

Oropher one last time looked inside the room. Little Nimloth was now held by Celeborn and she woke up to agitation around and reached her tiny hands around making quiet sounds. Then Oropher turned and left them to celebrate without him.