By mid-winter, Geliriel and Amrod were seen in each other's company almost constantly. It was rare that they were apart, and usually when Amrod's brother Amras came to visit. During those visits, Amrod's demeanor would turn very serious and agitated. Geliriel often asked what was wrong, but he wouldn't tell her. She decided not to press the matter and left it alone. Her mind was quite frequently occupied with her child. There would be only a little more time before her son would come into the world. Glinneth and Orainwen were convinced she'd deliver by early spring.

Thus it was when Amrod and Geliriel were sitting in front of her fire one night. They were bundled in blankets and had contented themselves with holding each other in silence. Amrod's demeanor had not changed in the least since his brother left that morning. Geliriel did not know what else to do except lend her quiet support when he seemed to need it most. She had come to love him as life itself, moods and all. Even if she were very curious about why he was acting in this manner, she still did not ask. She was returning his patience with her own. He would tell her when the time was right for him to do so.

It was as if he could not stand the silence any more, when he gently pulled away from her and stood up. She watched as he began to pace in front of the fire. Several times he'd stop and turn to look at her with his troubled thought mirrored in his eyes. He'd start to say something, then think better of it and pace some more. It took a long while before he seemed to gather the courage to say what it was that was on his mind. He sat down in front of her and spoke.

"I'm sure you've noticed the frequent visits of my brother," he said without preamble.

"Yes." she replied simply. 'It won't do to say any more, he's troubled enough already.' she thought.

"I need to tell you something about my past. I know you've seen the change in my attitude, even as I've tried to hide it." He reached out and took her hands in his.

"Long ago, before we left Valinor in the West, my father created three great jewels, called the Silmarils, in which he captured the light of the Trees within them. Morgoth coveted the jewels. He stole them from my father's stronghold, and took them to Angband."

Geliriel couldn't help but gasp at the mention of Angband. Amrod held onto her hands when she would've pulled them away. There was more, she could see it in his eyes. She relaxed and nodded, letting him know she was listening.

"My father would not rest until they were returned to him. He swore an oath so great and terrible, in the name of Iluvatar. It is an oath that none should break and if it wasn't kept, then Everlasting Dark will fall upon the oath takers. My brothers and I also swore that oath. Then, with many following, we left Valinor.

Many, many years have passed since we took that oath, but it still stands. A few months ago, it was learned that one of the Silmarils had passed into Doriath. My brothers have been devising a way to go and take back what is rightfully ours. Amras and I are hoping for it to be peaceful, but we don't know if that is to be."

At the mention of Doriath, Geliriel suddenly thought of her mother. She had not seen her mother since her flight from Menegroth. She did not know if her mother survived at all. She let go of Amrod's hands and got up. She wrung her hands together and walked around the room. Amrod misunderstood her actions, fearing the worst, and stood up as well.

"Geliriel, do you understand what I'm saying? We must go to Doriath. We must regain the Silmaril. If we do not, the Everlasting Dark will fall upon us. In these last days, my mood has become darker, and it has even caused some pain to not go and get that jewel." He was desperate for her understanding. He wanted her to say something, anything, that would assure him that she understood and still loved him. He couldn't bear thinking that she might reject and leave him.

While she paced, she felt a slight twinge in her belly. She turned from Amrod so he would not see her discomfort or worry. She instinctively placed her hands upon her child and silently apologized. After the feeling passed, she composed herself and turned around, leaving her hand where it was. She went to the sofa and sat on it. Her head was bowed, and she did not look at Amrod.

"Geliriel? My love?"

"When do you leave?" she asked quietly after a long silence.

"In three weeks. My brothers will be coming here before we go to Doriath. I have to make the cottage ready..."

"No." she interrupted. She looked up at him.

"No? What do you mean, no?"

"I want the cottage. I'll be out of the way in the cottage. Besides, there's more room for them here than in there."

"What of your rooms here?"

"They will be made ready for whichever brother chooses to stay here. I'll have my things moved to the cottage."

"Are you sure?"

"Quite sure. I'll bring Berior, Glinneth, and Orainwen with me." She put a smile on for him. "Don't worry. We'll be fine living there."

He did not look reassured, but she would not be persuaded to stay in the manor while his brothers were here. She adored Amras and Maglor, but could not stand to be near Celegorm. She had yet to meet Maedhros, Caranthir or Curufin, but she didn't care to. Not now, anyway.

Amrod walked over to the sofa and sat beside her, once again taking her hands in his. He searched her face for any indication of the understanding he so desperately wanted. He looked in her eyes, hoping to see her love for him still remained. When neither was apparent, he silently despaired.

"Is there anything else you want of me?" he said after a sorrow-laden sigh. He looked down at his hands, which still held onto hers.

"Find my mother?" she asked, a note of pleading in her voice. "I miss her terribly, and I want her here with me when the baby comes."

"I will do my best. Do you remember her name?"

She thought long and hard, searching the memories she had of her mother. Tears began to fall down her face. He reached up to take her face in his hands. He wiped each tear away as it fell. 'My love for her will never diminish,' he swore to himself. 'Even if she should never love me again, I will always love her.'

"My love, if you don't remember..." he began.

"Araseth!" she said loudly. "Her name is Araseth! She has auburn hair, like mine. Her eyes are golden brown. She will most likely be with the healers in Menegroth. Please, Amrod, find her for me?"

"I will. Is there something I can give her so that she would not doubt me?"

Geliriel got up slowly, but went as fast as she could to her jewelry box in the bedroom. She went through it hastily, looking for the one thing her mother would know instantly. Finding the necklace, she returned to the sitting room. She placed the necklace in Amrod's hand. He looked at her and held up the silver chain. From it dangled two leaf charms. One silver, one gold. He recognized it as the necklace she was wearing when she was brought to him. The same necklace that she was given by her own mother.

He stood up and placed it around his neck. He then put it under his shirt. He knew well that if any of his brothers saw it, they'd ask for a reason. He would keep this mission a secret. They didn't need to know that he'd have another task other than the Silmaril. He swore to himself that finding Geliriel's mother was more important than the jewels he swore an oath to regain. He could not forsake his oath, but he would find the mother of the woman he loved more than anything else in the world.