Title: By Sunlight and Moonlight

Author: Elvensong

Summary: Glorfindel wishes to know more about the elusive advisor to Elrond and in so doing gets caught up in his story and his curse.

A/N: I am off from work now all week! Major excitement for me and I am hoping to get some serious writing done in that time. Please forgive the length; hopefully I can make it up to you by not having you wait too long for the next chapter.

Chapter Twelve

That evening I sat in her garden thinking about what the next day would bring. I had no idea what to expect from the witch in the stone fortress or exactly what I must do to complete my task. It was a complex puzzle and my preference would be the simple sword fight and killing of the foe. Not here, there was so much more going on here than what I could possibly grasp and for a proud warrior like myself that was a very bold statement.

Having not moved from my position I could not see but only hear Erestor walk up behind me. His steps were quiet but sure, he knew more than I the position we were in.

"I am glad you have found you're way here, Glorfindel." He said, "Ranyla knows much about this magic and how one might defeat it. I grow a little hopeful and it has been a great while since I have had cause for hope."

Turning in my chair, I smiled at him, "I am glad for that. I do not know what the morrow may bring but at least we have this time and this night to prepare."

He took the chair next to me and graced me with a shy smile. "Yes."

We sat together in silence. Our hostess had gone into town to speak with some friends in these arts and we were left to sit and think.

Erestor broke the silence. "Glorfindel?"

"Aye, my friend."

"I would ask of you my one favor that you swore to me you would keep."

I looked at him and found he was staring deeply into my eyes. My thoughts wondered to what he might ask of me.

"What is it?"

He paused, as if looking for the right words. "I would ask that if this attempt fails. If the curse is not lifted and my fate is remaining locked in darkness that you," his eyes pleaded with mine, "kill the horse."

"What!" I practically yelled, shattering the moment.

"I cannot take this any longer, Glorfindel. I am a prisoner, though my prison is darker than anything the physical world could contemplate. Please do as I say."

"I will not!" I stood up, "I am a soldier, not a kinslayer."

He stood and reached out, taking my hands into his, "It would not be kinslaying. It would be freeing a suffering creature of its misery."

I still shook my head, but I knew it would not dissuade him and he continued, "Please understand. In this shell of existence, fading is not even an often. Every day would stop the process and send it into retreat. I have tried, Glorfindel, believe me."

He came closer to me, "It would be the kindest thing you could ever do for any living thing. For me, it would be as if I had fallen asleep and never woke up. My release finally granted to me. I could not bear it if tomorrow evening you told me we had failed and there was no solution, no escape, left to me."

"Please do not ask this of me."

"You gave me your word, Glorfindel of Gondolin, and an elf of honor must keep it above all."

I lowered my head. He was right. I had to help him. To keep my oath as I had sworn.

I whispered my words, almost as if that would make them disappear, "I will keep my word."

"Thank you." He spoke and leaned forward pressing his forehead to mine.

Chimes rang at the door and signaled our friend returning from her meeting. The dark elf quickly went inside.

I stepped into the parlor of her house. Erestor was already sitting with her and she was warming some water on the fire.

"Tea, Master Elf?" She asked.

"Please." I responded.

"I am happy for you, Erestor," Ranyla said, "You have found a place where you can build a live. Be happy and accepted for who you are." She looked to me and I knew this woman had a great ability to see underneath a person's exterior. "You should never give that up without a fight."

She knew his thoughts, this woman, this mortal woman, could almost read his mind.

"I have been fighting, my friend, every day of my life." Erestor replied.

She said nothing to respond to that, she knew she had made her point and no more words would be of any aid. They did not deter him, he said nothing more on the matter but left my oath in place not releasing me from my solemn and grave duty. There was so much more riding on this quest now. Erestor's very life hung in the balance.

The next morning dawned with a warm and humid breeze. I had stayed in the guestroom but Erestor preferred to be outdoors. When I offered to join him I was met with a quick and polite no saying he wished to be alone. I could not refuse him his request.

When I came outside the first rays of morning light were peaking through the trees and the stallion was on his side lying on the grass. He seemed to be simply enjoying the still morning as much as I was and did not even lift his head to my presence. Could I kill him if the moment came to it? Did I have the power? Was honor enough to drive my hand? I did not know, but for his sake, I hoped so.

"Come inside, Glorfindel." Ranyla said with her calming voice. "You will eat breakfast. Something tells me you will need all your strength this day."

I followed her inside. Together we are a breakfast of cereals, bread and fruits. She took a bowl of fruit salad and went outside to let the horse eat it all. He stood at the sight of the bowl and enjoyed his treat.

An almost subdued air was about him and to this day I cannot explain what feelings hovered about him.

After washing up I put on the best and brightest clothes I brought with. They were made of silver thread with gold highlights. Some say they brought out my eyes and made my hair shine even brighter, but I did not think of that. I just wanted to make a vain attempt to match the majesty of my partner in this journey. Midday was the hour of fruition, according to the writings Ranyla had studied and soon we found ourselves preparing for confrontation. No time would be wasted now. Not when our goal was so close, we, the stallion and I, could feel it within our sight and within our grasp.

Upon entering the garden to gather my friend for the final leg of our adventure I saw him by the small shack on the edge of the lawn. He turned when I entered and walked up to me with something in his mouth.

Snorting quietly, he nodded and shoved it into my hand. I took it and stared at what he had given me and then looked at him for some sign of confirmation in his eyes.

Now, if you know horses, I don't need to tell you that they are smarter than most give them credit for. They are cleverer and more spirited. Each has a special personality if you are willing to look them in the eye and see it and this horse I could read like an old book.

What I held in my hands was a bridle.

TBC