Chapter 1
c. Year 700 of the Second Age
The dark haired Elf paced to and fro in the stately office. Rich, plush draperies and shimmering jewels laid all around him, yet he still seemed perplexed as he strode back and forth across a well worn floor; and anxious, anxiety lined his ageless face. He paused now and then, glancing out the window, as if waiting for someone to appear outside in the courtyard below. He sighed irritably, before commencing to pace again.
" Ereinion?"
He stilled his pacing, turning with a pained look. He finally took heavy steps towards her, placing a kiss on her cheek in a brotherly fashion.
" Is there any word? Any news? Anything?" He asked with a hint of desperation.
She shook her head, placing a hand on his forearm.
" I am afraid Halmir is lost."
Ereinion turned away, brushing gentle fingers over his desk. He traced the wood as he walked round to his chair. He closed his eyes, sitting down and covering his face with his hands before rubbing them together. He put up a hand, sensing she was about to speak.
" You can give me no words of comfort, Galadriel."
Galadriel walked towards him, kneeling by his chair.
" I know my brother's son was your herald and good friend, but you must accept the facts. He is dead." She rose. " As to replacing him, I advise against letting the job pass to Orodlin."
Ereinion sent her an incredulous look.
" I am not thinking of a replacement, Galadriel." He rose, towering over her. " I will not fall to grief until I have seen his dead body, then I will mourn and move on." He titled his head slightly. " Forget not who is king…" He trailed off, going to the window with a sudden haste.
A silver haired Elf rode with all speed into the courtyard, jumping off and hauling a light haired Elf in front of him of towards the healing houses. Ereinion rushed down the stairs, towards the healing rooms. Galadriel followed, only a step behind him.
*Precious Eru, do not let him be dead.
By the time the two got down the stairs and through the crowd, a young black haired healer was already bent beside the bloodied and pale man. Galadriel went to the rider's (her husband's) side, watching him work from over his shoulder.
" How is he, Celeborn?" She asked softly.
Celeborn shook his head, not bothering to answer. The situation was clear simply by looking at the shallowly breathing and deathly pale Elf. Ereinion crossed his arms, not fond of Celeborn's answer.
" Peredhil?"
Elrond did not even glance up from his steady, yet frantic motions, gesturing that the King kneel beside him. Ereinion complied, leaning in anxiously to hear the verdict. Elrond finally desisted his attempts to curb the flowing blood and shook his head.
" He has a half-hour, if that."
Ereinion looked down, pressing his lips together hotly and closing his eyes. He looked up, taking his cousin's hand comfortingly.
" Halmir?"
The eldest son of Orodreth opened his eyes weakly.
" Ereinion." He breathed weakly.
Ereinion's eyes darkened in pain at the pathetic state of his competent herald. Ereinion searched his friend's eyes.
" What happened, Halmir? Who did this?"
Halmir licked his dry lips, his breath coming in short gasps.
" Attacked…" The words faded into nothingness overshadowed by a dying breath.
Elrond shook his head sadly, leaning over and gently closing the Elf's eyes. He glanced at Ereinion who was attentively waiting for the deceased to speak. Elrond blinked slowly, the scene all too familiar to him.
" Ereinion." Elrond smoothly began to pry the King's fingers from Halmir's cold hand. " Let go. He is dead."
Ereinion stared a moment, before looking at Elrond with unbelieving eyes.
" You are wrong."
Elrond shook his head with eyes full of pity.
" I am afraid not, Ereinion. He has fled to Mandos."
Ereinion covered his eyes with a hand before standing and pushing by to leave the room. Elrond rose as if to follow, but Galadriel stopped him.
" Let him be. You know he will not wish to be bothered for a while."
~*~
Ereinion launched rocks at the waves with unrequited fury. His chest burned from the icy air chafing his lungs; and his throwing arm shook with exertion, yet he made no motion to return to the brightly lit halls behind him. A hand captured his, causing the stone to tumble to the ground with a dull plop.
" I brought you some dinner."
Ereinion waved it away, bending to pick up the rock.
" Not hungry, thank you."
" Ereinion Gil-galad, you will not treat me like one of your giggling maids."
He turned with a defeated sigh. His shoulders sagged with the weight of the world; and for an Elf he looked unnaturally…old. She set aside the plate, moving forward to cup his face gently.
" Forgive my sharpness, Ereinion. I will leave you to your grief. I remember what it is like."
She began to move away. He suddenly felt the need to not be alone. He clasped her wrist gently, causing her to look up quickly.
" Celebhiril, stay." He whispered.
She turned to face him, beckoning him to her arms. He took a few unsteady steps, before burying his face into her shoulder and holding her tightly. She clung to him, gently brushing his hair and whispering soft words as the King finally cried.
~*~
Ereinion stood, watching with wet eyes as the flames licked away at the body. Celebhiril's hand clutched his, his only strength at this moment of failure. Ereinion's eyes fell on Halmir's brother, Orodlin. The caramel haired Elf watched with an indifferent expression before sighing with boredom. Fury burnt within Ereinion and he tightened his grip on Celebhiril's hand to keep him from any act he would regret later.
*He never cared about Halmir. Halmir would have given his life for Orodlin; and Orodlin cannot even pay him this small respect.
Orodlin's eyes met Ereinion for a fleeting second and there was no concealing what the son of Orodreth felt for his king. Hatred shone in gray eyes, a dark flame bent on consuming all within its grasp.
~*~
Ereinion glanced up when Elrond entered. Elrond paused making sure Ereinion knew he was there. Ereinion motioned him forward.
" Yes?"
Elrond winced slightly at the sharp tone.
" Galadriel sent me to see if you needed any help with anything. She is irritated with me because I just proved her wrong; and we all know how much she likes that."
Ereinion shook his head.
" The time is yours."
Elrond nodded, turning to leave. It was then Ereinion noted how thin and gangly his advisor had become.
" Elrond?"
Elrond turned, his cheeks hollow and sunken in a bit. Ereinion ran his eyes over the Elf again.
" Are you eating?"
Elrond shrugged.
" Does it matter?"
Ereinion rose.
" It does indeed, Elrond." Ereinion put a hand on the half-Elvin's shoulder. " You miss Elros?"
Elrond wrenched his shoulder away.
" Do not taunt me, my lord, with his remembrance."
Ereinion shook his head.
" I do not taunt you. I-"
Celeborn stuck a head in at this most inopportune moment.
" Ereinion, there is a messenger from Círdan's realm awaiting an audience with you."
Ereinion sighed as Elrond began to leave. A brilliant idea popped into Ereinion's head.
" Elrond, get in here and sit down."
Elrond turned with an uncertain expression.
" Pardon?"
Ereinion crossed his arms.
" Surely you will not pass up an opportunity to learn."
Elrond grudgingly took a seat. Ereinion nodded to himself.
*Elrond as my herald. I believe that position fits him.