A knock on the chamber door broke the tension that had formed in the room and Glorfindel rose from the floor.
"Enter" Mithrandir called.
Gil-Galad entered carrying a long thin bundle, his eyes were quick to search out Glorfindel's, wanting in part to reassure himself of his well being; he noted that the elf seemed not to have changed in outward appearance, but his eyes now held the depth of wisdom that only age can produce.
"Sire" Glorfindel said bowing low.
Gil-Galad looked uncomfortable, being addressed as king for the first time "We know not of King Turgon's fate, I will not be addressed thusly till these tidings are known."
Glorfindel looked confused and glanced questioningly at Mithrandir.
"Tidings have not yet reached Balar," he said simply.
Glorfindel inclined his head in understanding before facing Gil-Galad, "Then I regret to inform you that My Lord, Turgon son of Fingolfin dwells now in Mandos Halls."
"You are certain of this?"
"Sire, I witnessed his fall in the ruins of the tower, I am sorry."
Gil-Galad nodded, sadness in his eyes.
Mithrandir cleared his throat discreetly, when both elves looked at him, he spoke. "I was not aware that you two had met before."
"My uncle sent Lord Glorfindel and members of his house, with tidings for the day of my majority, though I must confess it is hard to see the warrior that I met then as the elfling that has fostered with me these past ten years."
Mithrandir nodded, "Of course, and I am sure Lord Glorfindel will take that adjustment into account in his dealings with those that knew him. Is that bundle that you guard so carefully, for me?"
Gil-Galad smiled, though Glorfindel thought it a little strained. "It is Mithrandir, it was delivered by one of Thorondor's kin."
"I had not expected this so soon." The Istari took the bundle from The High King and stowed it away beneath the chair and out of sight.
Silence reigned in the room for a time, the air thick with grief and unanswered questions. Gil-Galad sat upon the window seat, his head bowed in grief for the passing of his father's brother. Similarly, Glorfindel sat against the headboard of the bed, his mind trying to make sense of all that had occurred. Mithrandir sat quietly, allowing each the time that they needed.
"Your Majesty, how does Erestor fair?" Glorfindel's brow was furrowed; he looked concerned for his friend.
Gil-Galad's eyes flashed in anger at the question, but this emotion was soon hidden behind a stern mask, "I will make a deal with you Glorfindel, I shall inform you of Erestor's condition when you have told me what in Arda happened here last night."
Glorfindel looked down, and twisted the ring about his finger in a nervous gesture before meeting Gil-Galad's eyes once more.
"Sire, I cannot say with any degree of certainty, I remember so little, and that which I do remember seems like a dream. Though from what I recall the knife was in my hand and Erestor was the one hurt, I can be no clearer at this time and will accept whatever fate you wish to give to me."
"Do you admit that you attempted to slay him?"
"Nay Sire, I do not, I am not in the habit of slaying elves at will. I am merely stating that I have nothing to offer in my defence, for in truth I do not know what occurred."
Gil-Galad nodded once, though he was clearly not pleased by Glorfindel's words. "The fate that you mention will be decided by Erestor's words alone then, I am sorry Glorfindel, that you may have been returned to us only to be cast out, but the law of this realm cannot be set aside."
"I understand Sire"
Rosuil rose when Gil-Galad entered the room, the page with whom he had been conversing, looked nervous and laid the pile of papers in his hand upon the desk hastily, before retreating out of the room, bowing as he did so.
Gil-Galad smiled slightly and raised a brow at the differential treatment, ((I should start to get used to it)) he thought with an internal sigh.
Snapping himself out of his thoughts he looked down at the papers that had been placed on the desk. He picked up the top sheet of parchment and looked at Rosuil for some explanation.
Rosuil smiled, "I know, I know, but look at him, how could I deny him when it clearly amuses him so?"
Gil-Galad looked over to where Erestor lay, the bed was covered in papers, and Erestor, though mindful of his injury was propped up on pillows, the quill in his hand moving swiftly and his face the picture of concentration.
Gil-Galad nodded, picked up the pile of papers and made his way over to where Erestor lay. Removing a tome and several pieces of parchment from the chair, he sat.
"You should be resting Erestor, if Master Corupeth needs a helping hand he will have to find another."
Erestor looked up from his work, delved into the pile of papers to his right and finally finding a clear sheet, began scribbling furiously. He handed the sheet to Gil-Galad.
Lord, I gave my word that this report would be completed on the 'morrow. It is urgent.
Gil-Galad smiled slightly but shook his head, "Erestor, Master Corupeth has scribes under his employ that are paid to compile such reports, and the negotiations that this report is for, can proceed without this information if necessary."
Erestor looked hurt.
The Elf Lord sighed, "Young one, your dedication to your studies is admirable but you are healing and need to rest,"
The paper was snatched back and Erestor made a few more marks.
I am resting!
"Ai, you are a strange elfling!" Gil-Galad smiled, Erestor grinned in return, though it clearly pained him to do so. "Nay, I am sorry Erestor but I do not think you should be working on this, besides your are not even training to be a scribe, Corupeth would do better to give this task to one of his apprentices. I want you to rest, when Finuial gives you leave to talk, then you may do a little more."
Again the paper was snatched away.
Gil-Galad took the paper that Erestor held out to him, looked at what was written and put it by the bed, before continuing to gather up the papers that littered the bed. When the last of the papers was gathered up Gil-Galad crossed the room and placed the pile upon the healer's desk, and returned to Erestor's side.
"That is my final word on the matter," Gil-Galad said in answer to the elfling's glare.
Erestor rearranged his pillows, his expression sour.
"Young one?" Erestor's eyes flicked up to meet his. "I'm going to speak, and I just want you to listen, alright?"
Erestor opened his hand and held it out.
"My Lord, that means aye, a fist means, nay." The healer said from the desk, and Gil-Galad nodded slightly in thanks.
"When Master Finuial gives you leave to talk, I will want to speak to you about what happened last night in your chambers. I would ask you not to speak to anyone about it till we have spoken, is that clear?"
Erestor's expression throughout Gil-Galad's speech was blank; there was nothing to be read there. At the end Erestor showed his palm, indicating that he had understood.
A/N CapriceAnn Hedican-Kocur - :o) That sounds about right. Also thank you for your review on Heart's Call as well
Roguish Smile, rosie, Faby, Laughing Cat – All will be revealed in time!
Melannen Amarie – Thank you, I'm glad you approve
Golden Elf – Thank you for your comments, I hope you continue to enjoy the tale
Crecy – Thank you, do I get a cookie for a double update:o)
