They waited close to the infirmary, but still outside in open space so they won't disturb working healers. Besides, sturdy guards would not let them enter. There were not many guards in the infirmary, but sometimes it happened that someone needed to be removed from the buidling by force and it was their job to do so. Those warriors belonged to the ranks of the Royal Guards and there were always few of them around the infirmary.

Oropher glanced at his soldiers one after another. Alagos took on himself to take care of their young soldiers. Halloth, Amrun and Tinnu have never seen so severly injured elf. Of course, they saw broken bones, bleeding wounds, brushes and many others, some of those they even experienced on themselves, but those were mostly accidents during trainings. What just happened was entirely different situation. All of this happened too quick to, but undoubtedly they almost saw Faron loosing his life. If that happened during the fight in open field, then it could have been said that it was a soldier's fate. But it was another elf who did it to their friend, in the area where they worked everyday, in the city they called home - it was probably the most devastating thing among all of it.

Nelledir was talking silently to Saida. As experienced as the elleth was, neither she saw an elf so close to death. Saida started her soldier's career in more peaceful times – the Girdle protected Doriath and sightings of hostile forces were rare. She saw horrible wounds and mutilations, but death was something he has never witnessed. But Saida, although clearly concerned, handled the situation well. She was much older and she saw enough in her soldier's life to get through this on her own. Brutally, it could be said that it was high time for her to experience such a thing.

Oropher was much more concerned about Tinnu, Amrun and Halloth. Since he bid them to come to the infirmary they were silent as they have never been before, bu they could be hardly blamed. Each of them was deeply lost in their own thoughts and most likely, Oropher will need to have a word with them.

Orthon leaned on the wall of the infirmary with arms crossed on chest and he was quiet, but focused and he looked around, fixing eyes on anyone who would dare to come closer and disturb their peace.

And then there was Taranir. He was sitting on the bench, silent like he was never before and clearly his mind wandered somewhere far as his brown eyes were not focused. Oropher wondered if he should disturb him. Maybe it would be wiser to leave his friend to his own thoughts. Or maybe a wiser thing to do would be to take Taranir away from those thoughts. It was hard to guess what was on his mind, but surely a worry about Faron crossed a realisation that his own father did this. Eregon committed unforgivable crime and he almost killed an elf, Faron who was their brother in arms and dear friend. Such a thing must be hard to swallow for Taranir – that his own father almost killed his friend.

Oropher finally decided to join Taranir and he sat beside his friend on the bench. Only then Taranir focused a bit, but he was still silent and Oropher remained quiet for a moment as well.

'Your sister is in my office.' he said. 'You should take her and go home.'

'Why would she come here?' Taranir asked as he turned to Oropher sending him a bit questioning gaze

'She was looking for you...I believe she will tell you everything herself.'

'She is alright there and I...I need to be here.' Taranir said and Oropher nodded at those words. Taranir needed to wait and hear on his own that Faron will be fine.

This strange aura of guilt sticked to Taranir like honey. It's something he should not feel at all. No one will blame him for what happened and no one will ever hold it against him. And yet, it will be so hard for Taranir to leave it behind.

Oropher looked around and breathed out heavily. His heart still pounded unnaturaly hard and he suspected that it will remain like this for a while. Once more he thought about Egnaspen and his unusual presence. Oropher never cared to think about it, but now he could say that the old general was not of their kin – he was not one of the Edhil. He was not sure about it, but most likely Egnaspen belonged to the Golodhrim. And everything slowly started to fall into place.

Then all of sudden he focused up on a sound of hooves that were getting closer. A brown horse galloped slowly to the area of the infirmary and Oropher recognised the steed immediately - it was Eryn, his father's horse, and a rider was no one other but Erthor himself. He didn't saddle the horse which meant he was in a hurry to get here and also Erthor had elegant dark brown coat on himself with red fur of the fox around the collar and all of it matched his robes. Surely his father left some meeting or a Council debate.

Oropher rose up from the bench and caressed Taranir's back in support before he went to meet his father who stopped his horse some distance away and dismounted.

Erthor immediately looked all over him and Oropher followed. He didn't care to look at his uniform before, but there it was – a wide stain of red on his upper waist and chest, few marks here and there and his sleeves were dirty as well. Sand glued to the blood when Egnaspen pushed him to the groud. Frankly speaking, he looked like a mess.

'It's...not my blood.' he said and Erthor have not commented it further, only breathed out.

'I met Arvellon along the way, he said where to find you.' Erthor said as he shook his head, almost angrily throwing away a bit of silver-white hair that fell down his arm. He was clearly concerned and nervous, all of which told Oropher that he already knew what happened. 'Please, don't say something similar to ''I told you''.'

'Right now, I'm more interested in possibilities to end him.' Oropher said savagely, but he didn't elaborate further ideas that flourished in his mind.

'None of the propositions you have in mind is possible.' Erthor said patting him arm calmly, but Oropher stared at his father adamant about his right, but Erthor continued with much more serious tone that bordered on sorrow. 'Never before...something like this happened in Menegroth, in Doriath. The King was agitated when the world reached us. We already knew the matter with Edwethon so I rushed here and he stayed behind to talk with the King. In confidence.'

'It will change nothing now.' Oropher said a bit bitterly, but Erthor shook his head.

'You were right. Something awful went out of it. And I regret that there was nothing I have done about it.' he said. 'But if this elf did such a thing imagine what he is capable of doing. It would be a bit more understandable if he did that to protect someone or in delf-defense, but he did it completly unprovoked.' Erthor shook his head at own thoughts. It was no time to conseder such things and he came back on the right track. 'He is still a danger, but not for long.'

Oropher casted his father a questioning gaze. Surely, now something will be done about Eregon and he was curious what this would be. He only hoped the punishment would be equal to the crime. And in a moment Erthor continued.

'There will be no Tribunal, Elwë will pass the judgment himself.' he said. 'It's hard to predict what it will be, but this elf won't be executed. He may be set to exile, but for sure he won't set foot into Menegroth again.'

'The exile is the only righteous judment!' Oropher said immediately. 'If he won't be how you intend to watch if he won't get into the city-?' Oropher continued immediately having in mind all the reasons it won't work, but Erthor interrupted him.

'When our House wants something done it will be as we wish.' he said. 'This elf won't appear in the city ever again. I assure you that.'

Oropher breathed out as he combed fingers through his tangled hair. He will have to trust his father with this and step aside.

'Now, tell me what happened.' Erthor said more softly. 'Have you seen it? Why this elf would attack Faron, did they even know each other?'

'No, they didn't. Eregon didn't plan to attack Faron, he didn't even see where he would strike him.' Oropher said. 'As you know I arrested Eregon and send him to the custody of the Royal Guards, but they set him free.' he said bitterly and lone thought about this woke up his anger anew, but he breathed out and continued. 'I went to speak with Saelon and when I was back I noticed Eregon in the crowd. It was by chance, pure luck.'

'Was he threating anyone?'

'He blended in the crowd and gained no attention, but I saw he had a knife in hand. It's nothing unusual in here to have a weapon, so no one payed attention. All the more that nobody knew him.' Oropher said. 'I rushed my horse to stop Eregon, bu you can say that Faron get in the way. He was not prepared for any attack, he didn't know Eregon had a weapon and all the more what he was planning. And Eregon struck Faron with a knife almost blindly.'

'Why was he even on the fields? Why you wanted to stop him?' Erthor asked and Oropher took in breath sharply. What he will say next was even painful to think about and it barely left his throat, but it was a thing he had to share with his father and he had no wish to hide it.

'He was after Taranir.' Oropher said finally, quiet enough to be sure that no one will hear. 'I saw him going towards Taranir with a knife in hand. I remember I was so scared what he will do to Taranir that I didn't even think that he may do something to me. I just wanted to stop him.'

Erthor cought his elbow in support and he was silent for a long moment watching Oropher with sudden expression of sorrow.

'That quite changes everything.' he said with voice that mirrored his sadness.

'He wanted to hurt his own son. How am I supposed to say it to Taranir?'

'I don't think you should.' Erthor said quietly. 'He suffered enough. His family as well. They don't need to know about it.'

'I can't lie to him.' Oropher said, but Erthor patted him arm.

'Oropher, from your own experience you should know that some elves don't wish to know certain things.' Erthor said and then sighted delicately. 'But...from my own experience I know it's hard to sense it. Surely it will be something that will burden him. I don't know how he will take it.'

'Taranir is strong and I will be there for him. He wll have us and his family as well.' Oropher said and then changed subject. 'What of Eregon?'

'He was taken to the custody...where he received medical help.' Erthor said. 'Orthon as always didn't hold back.'

'He will remain there this time, I hope.' Oropher said with stern voice that was not directed anyhow at his father, but at this cursed Saelon.

'He was arrested under authority of King Elwë. He may remain there till the end of the days if the King wishes it.' Erthor said, but then he sighted. 'Which won't happen, but nevertheless Elu won't show kindness in his judgment.'

Before Oropher managed to say something he heard a call from Alagos that made him turn immediately.

'Oropher!'

Elhador walked out of the infirmary. His sleeves were rolled up and he was cleaning his hands with a towel, but Oropher looked closely at his face, but there were no signs of anxiousness and there was no worry mixed with sorrow. Oropher saw elves, fellow warriors and healers who were forced to pass grieving news about someone's passing, but Elhador didn't look at all like one of them and he felt as if a huge rock fell off his heart.

Oropher glanced at his father and they both moved, approaching the healer who was circled by soldiers and when they were all around Elhador started to speak.

'He is well enough and he will recover fully in time.' he said. 'But he will remain in the infirmary until I say so and then he will go home. He won't perform duties till at least next season, maybe some paperwork or briefings, but nothing more.'

All of them clearly breathed out in relief, patting themselves on arms and briefly embracing. Faron will be alright, their worries ended.

'I am more than glad.' Erthor said standing near Oropher. 'I will head back and inform the King. I will also discribe what occured.' he glanced at Oropher and his soldiers around. 'Take care of each other.'

Oropher watched his father go for a moment before he turned his attention back to his soldiers.

'Saida, go inform Tirnel about what happened. Faron needs his family around.' he said and the elleth nodded already going away. 'Alagos, Orthon take care of your own regiments. Nelledir check Faron's ranks, take Halloth, Amrun and Tinnu with you. Let's try to go back to our routine as much as we can.' he said, but after quick reflection he continued. 'Do what's necessary and go home. Delegate your officers to take care of other matters.'

They all nodded and slowly started to disperse, their minds coming back on the right tracks. All of their nerviousness and insecurity disappeared almost immediately upon hearing that Faron will recover and free time and rest will make them feel even better.

Oropher turned to Taranir and patted his arm bringing him back once more from his musings.

'Go home, Taranir. Take your sister and go, I will take care of everything.' he said softly. 'Send for me if you need anything. Or visit me in the Palace, I mean it. You are always welcome at my place.'

'I think I should spend some time with my family. They should know...what happened.' Taranir said and shook his head. 'Why would he even do that? He didn't know Faron, why he would attack him?'

Taranir stopped there and sighted deeply, combing fingers through his hair. Oropher watched him for a bit fighting with thoughts to say it now or rather wait a bit, all the more that he had his father's words in mind.

'Don't think about it now.' he said interrupting any more thoughts that crossed Taranir's mind. 'But I would like to speak with you later, when you are ready. Not now.' he said immediately. 'Now, take care of your sister and about yourself. And remember what we promised each other.'

For once Taranir didn't complain or argued, but nodded at his words.

'I remember well. I will probably visit you in the Palace.' he said and when Oropher patted his arm encouragingly he moved from his place and started to slowly walk towards the wooden building of commanders where Linel was waiting.

For a moment Oropher watched him go. As worried as he was about Taranir, he knew that his friend needed time with his family and he didn't intend to bother them. One thing though made him feel more at peace – Eregon won't intrude in their lives ever again.

Then he turned and entered the infirmary where Elhador walked in before. The healer was near Faron checking bandages once more and one assistant prepared some incenses and stones that should ease the breathing. But seeing him walking closer, Elhador left Faron side and approached him.

'I may have told the truth.' he started at once. 'But I may not have said all of it.'

'What do you mean?' Oropher said, frowning immediately at his words, but Elhador rised his hands in calming gesture.

'It's not what you think.' he said. 'Faron will be fine, he will recover well enough, but I am not sure he will be as effective as he was.'

'Go on.'

'Knife damaged a lot of muscles. And it was very long, almost piercing him all the way through. This elf didn't back down with his strength.' he said with sudden stern voice that calmed in a moment. 'I am not sure his left hand will be as functional, there may occur some muscle weakness and you know what it means.'

'He won't use bow ever again.' Oropher said or more sighted and Elhador nodded.

'Indeed.' he said in thought, but then shook his head. 'But it's nothing certain. We will see once he will wake up and until then we will keep, you can say, training his hand.'

'Do what you can.' Oropher said and at this moment a breathless elleth entered the infirmary. Her dark hair were gathered into single thick braid that fell down her arm. Her white dress didn't suit the place at all.

'Saida told me what happened!' she said immediately approaching them with fast pace. 'Where is he-?'

Tirnel barely managed to finish when as soon as she approached Oropher and Elhador she saw Faron, still unconcious, laying on the bedding with thick layer of bandages around his chest.

'Oh, Faron!' Tirnel gasped and within a moment she was at Faron's side delicately caressing his face and head, running eyes all over his still pale face. When she settled down, she sat on the side of his bedding clutching hand in her own. Only then she turned to face Elhador and Oropher. 'Just tell me that he will be alright.'

'He will be.' Elhador said with full confidence. 'He may have some problems with left hand, but it's nothing certain. And he will be alright.'

Tirnel sighted with mix of relief and disbelief. She rised Faron's hand she held in her own and kissed it, then reached out and put some of his hair behind ear.

'Saida told me a horrible thing. That he was attacked by another elf.' she said as she looked up, this time on Oropher. 'Who would have done such a thing? And why?'

'We don't know this yet.' Oropher said approaching her, knowing well that he was lying. He took a nearby chair and sat close to her. 'The elf who did it was captured and he will be senteced for his crime.'

'It's hard to believe he did that on purpose.' she said and Oropher clearly saw in her eyes this desperate hope to believe in good will. 'Maybe he is sick, who knows, maybe even a shadow nested inside him and poisoned his heart. Maybe he just needs help, maybe there is no need to sentence him.'

Oropher dropped his head a bit. Maybe he should learn such gentleness. To forgive rather than seek revenge. Tirnel was willing to seek help for Eregon even when she didn't know him, while Oropher wished for him the worst possible punishment. He firmly believed that wrongs done to his family were not to be forgiven and woe to the one who will do such a thing.

'I don't know what will happen to him.' he said which was a truth in good part. 'Don't worry yourself about this elf.'

He is not worth it – he wished to say it, but prevented himself in the end. He wondered if Tirnel would still think as she was had he told her all the story about Eregon. On the other hand, maybe it was for the better that she didn't know.

'Don't stay for too long here. He has great care.' Oropher said softly as he got up and embraced Tirnel briefly with arm. She send him a grateful smile in an answer and then looked back on Faron. Oropher in turn left her, leaving her alone with her husband.

Elhador followed him to the door, to give Tirnel a moment of privacy and when Oropher walked out of the building he turned to Elhador.

'Let me know if anything happened. And when he wakes up.'

'Of course.' Elhador said. 'Eventually, he will, but we have to be patient.'

Oropher nodded at those words and sighted deeply turning from the healer and leaving his side. He slowly made his way to the wooden building where he had to finally meet with Mablung. When he walked down the corridor and passed his office he noticed that Linel and Taranir were gone, probably already near their home. Good for them and Oropher hoped that his other soldiers took to heart his words that they should go home as well.

After briefly knocking at Mablung's door he entered and his commander looked up at him and got up immediately.

'I bet you heard what happened.' Oropher said and Mablung prevented a snort.

'Hard not to hear. Besides, Egnaspen came to me.' he said and then eyed Oropher. 'How is Faron?'

'Still unconcious, but he will be fine. Elhador said so.' he said. 'I send the rest of my division home, senior officers of the regiments will take care of everything.'

'You should go as well. There is nothing of much importance to take care of and officers will have everything in check. Divisions send to the settlements can wait.' Mablung said and then he looked all over Oropher. 'Go rest and get yourself in order. You have blood all over you.'

Oropher sighted. Once more he forgot how terribly soiled his uniform was. Without saying anything more he nodded to his commander and turned to walk out of the office. If he will be in luck, maybe Edwethon or Erthor would be somewhere in the apartments so he will have a chance to ask about the King's decision and maybe they would even know when Eregon will be judged.

His walk to the Palace was not long and, giving the situation that occured not that long ago and about which everyone knew about, no one payed all too much attention to his bloodied uniform. But he was not in luck and neither Erthor or Edwethon were in the apartments. Truly, it seemed that no one was there as the rooms he passed by were entirely empty. So he went to his own room and closed the door after he walked in.

He threw the belt with sword on the armchair and when he walked to the bedroom he took off his completly soiled and dirty uniform and threw it into the corner. Only his tall boots were for any good.

After a quick bath Oropher put on himself clean light clothes and lied down on his bedding, briefly covering himself with blanket. Among all other different thoughts, the most important was that Faron will be alright and this put him enough at peace that he managed to fall asleep.