Finuial watched as Glorfindel administered the herbal tea that he had prescribed the elfling. The golden haired elf had sat with the injured elf almost constantly from the moment he had slipped into sleep and had insisted on caring for him. He had even taken to sleeping in the neighbouring bed in the healing house, to remain close.

The master healer had to admit he was surprised by the devotion Glorfindel was showing, he had treated him often in the past and had come to think of him as somewhat bold and irresponsible, he wondered if perhaps he had misjudged the elfling.

The dark haired elfling was also something of a surprise; it baffled the healers that he was still alive. Finuial wondered at the strength of this young one to resist the pull of Mandos.

Nearly a week had now passed since Rosuil had brought him to the healing house and he still spent most of his time in a healing sleep, though he stirred at times when he was being fed, he had not yet regained enough awareness to be able to speak to them.

The healer knew he would be glad to finally know this young one's identity as the wildest rumours were circulating about the castle, the most outrageous of which was that he was Lord Gil-Galad's own illegitimate son! This rumour was of course absurd, for it was well known the Elf Lord preferred males.

Thankfully, apart from the odd minor injury the dark haired elfling was the only patient in the healing house, and so was receiving the dedicated care of the three resident healers.

Physically the elfling was doing well, he had gained a little weight, though not yet enough to be considered healthy. The cuts bruises and scrapes were mostly healed; though the warg bite would likely take many years to heal, and it was likely the elf would always carry the scar.

((Nay)) Finuial thought ((there is another reason why he is reluctant to wake for there was now no physical reason))

Now that Glorfindel had given the darkling elf his tea, Finuial felt it was safe to leave the young ones alone for a moment while he collected some herbs from the basement area of the castle, he wanted to mix more of the most commonly administered salves while it was quiet, as such opportunities were rare.

Glorfindel watched the healer leave before turning his attention back to the darkling elf.


Without warning, the elfling cried out in anguish and twisted and turned in his sleep as if fighting off an unseen advisory. Glorfindel moved quickly to the side of the bed and pulled the smaller elf into his arms to comfort him.

The elfling tensed at the contact and Glorfindel found himself having to defend himself against the elfling's blows, a particularly powerful and desperate blow caught Glorfindel's eye and the golden haired elf now seriously attempted to restrain the disturbed elfling. When his attempts proved less than successful, he resorted to the only thing he could think of, and firmly commanded the elf to wake.

Dark eyes full of fear and confusion fixed on him, and the elfling backed away from him desperately until his back came to rest against the headboard and he could retreat no further.

"Calm yourself" Glorfindel said softly "You were having a nightmare."

He didn't understand, one moment he had been fighting off the dark haired soldiers, as he had done many times since his nightmare had begun, and now he was being spoken to in a comforting manner by an elf with the most beautiful golden hair! His mind could not comprehend, ((where was he? Was he safe? Who was this golden haired elf? Was he still dreaming? )) A myriad of questions flashed through his mind, making him feel quite dizzy, but he forced himself to look at the older elf; who was speaking again.

"I am called Glorfindel"

The elfling made a small startled noise and frowned. Glorfindel waited, as it seemed the darkling elf was about to speak.

His voice came out in a hoarse whisper. Glorfindel smiled indulgently "I think perhaps some water might help", and he helped the elf to take a drink. He was now seated next to the elfling and it appeared that he was becoming used to his presence, this pleased Glorfindel immensely.

"Of Gondolin?" the elfling's voice was still barely audible and Glorfindel had to strain to hear his words.

"Nay" Glorfindel replied, "of Balar"

The elfling's frown deepened. Elves' names were unique, except in rare cases when an elfling was named after one who had died. He knew for sure that Glorfindel of Gondolin was not dead, so Glorfindel of Gondolin must have been named after this elf.

"I am dead then" the elfling said in defeat, screwing his eyes shut.

((Forgive me brother, for I have failed you))

Tears seeped out from behind the darkling elf's eyelids and Glorfindel was desperate to reassure the elf.

He gently reached out and cupped the elfling's chin in his hand and lifted his face, "Open your eyes, young one" he urged.

The darkling elf reluctantly opened his eyes to find himself looking directly into the perfectly blue eyes of the golden haired elf; eyes that hid nothing and that were easy to trust. A stray tear rolled down his cheek, and Glorfindel wiped it away with one of his fingers.

"You are not dead, young one, you are in the healing house of Balar"

The elfling frowned "are you not dead? You share a name with one who lives"

Glorfindel frowned, surprised that the conversation had taken this turn so soon, "It is complicated, we can talk more of this when you are well, but please believe me when I say that you, and I live"

He watched the dark haired elf carefully; he could see that he was becoming tired, but that he seemed to accept his answer.

"What is your name, young one?" he finally remembered to ask, how could he not have thought to ask this question before!

Glorfindel's question took him off guard and he once again felt terrified and scanned the room for an escape route. He knew he must be careful, his life was still in danger, and he had a promise to keep. He knew he could never reveal his true identity to any and he was too tired to deal with this now.

Glorfindel was becoming concerned, the elfling had become silent and looked scared again, "Are you well?" he asked softly.

The elfling fixed determined eyes upon him and replied "I must get to the sea"

Glorfindel smiled, knowing that this was a plea he could grant, "Look" he replied as he pushed back the shutters from the window. Glorfindel helped the darkling elf to rise to his knees and watched as he placed his forearms on the sill. The elfling's eyes widened considerably as he surveyed the scene. The day was dull, the ocean choppy and it crashed against the shoreline with great force.

His eyes still wide in surprise, he turned to Glorfindel. "I don't understand". A persistent voice inside his head urged him to be careful and to find out more about his situation before revealing any more, and a barely stifled yawn gave him reason to fall silent. "I am tired Glorfindel"

"Of course you are!" Glorfindel said in alarm, feeling guilty for having exhausted the elfling, and helped him to lie down again.

"Will you stay?" the smaller elf asked, looking up at Glorfindel with impossibly large eyes.

Glorfindel felt his heart flutter at the sight, and replied reassuringly "I will be here when you wake again, rest now"

The elfling sighed contently and his eyes slipped closed.