this chapter contains a certain Lorien elf..
CHAPTER 12
Orophin stood in the doorway, watching Erestor and Thranduil grieve for their beloved. He could not believe that elves had done this. He slowly stepped forward, laying a hand on Erestor's shoulder.
"Has he stirred?"
Erestor shook his head.
"Not once this week."
Orophin looked at Thranduil, who seemed so lost now that Saelbeth seemed lost to them.
"King Thranduil?"
Thranduil did not raise his head.
"Yes?"
Orophin could not help but feel the pain in his heart for bothe of Saelbeth's lovers.
"Could you not bind to him? Both you and Erestor?"
Thranduil raised his head, looking at Orophin.
"Why the both of us?"
"Thranduil.."Erestor said sternly.
Thranduil glared at Erestor.
"Do not 'Thranduil'me, Erestor. We would have found him in time if you not had been so afraid to face Hadereth!"
"I was not afraid!"Erestor growled, "How dare you accuse me of this!"
Orophin backed away as both the King and the Chief Advisor of Elrond stood, yelling at one another.
"I know not why he loves you Erestor! This is your fault!"
Erestor's eyes glowed in anger.
"If that if what you think, perhaps I should not be here when he wakes!"
Thranduil crossed his arms across his chest.
"Only you would do such a cowardly thing Erestor! "
Erestor walked around Saelbeth's bed and stood in front of Thranduil.
"I would have taken his place Thranduil! I would have let them have me! You would not have! You would have let them have him or me if they wanted!"
Erestor knew he had crossed a line. His suspicions were proven true when Thranduil smacked him across the face. Orophin's eyes widened in shock at what had just transpired. Erestor pressed a hand to his cheek. When he raised his head, he had expected to see Thranduil glaring at him. He was wrong. He raised his head slowly and found tears streaming down Thranduil's cheeks.
"Erestor, forgive me. I.."
Erestor pulled Thranduil into his arms.
"Hush Thranduil nin. All is well."
Orophin heard a low moan come from the bed and judging about their gaze, Erestor and Thranduil had heard it as well. All three of them smiled at what they saw. Saelbeth was awake.
TBC...
