Erestor gazed one last time at the bed that had held him captive for three days and turning on his heal wandered into the garden room and out of one of the doors that led out into the healing house gardens.

Finuial had given him leave to speak that morning, provided that it did not pain him to do so. And Erestor was glad, he felt that overall he spent far too much time in the healing house, both as a patient and as a student.

The next time the tower bell sounded he was to make his way to Gil-Galad's study to recount the events that had led to him being admitted into the healing house, and he was keen to gather his thoughts before that time came. He took a seat upon a bench within an alcove that had pillars framing a sea view and turned his back on the healing house. Gazing out at the calm ocean he considered the decision he had to make.

Unbidden, the memory of a dream he had had the previous night came to him. He and Glorfindel had been lounging by the small lake just outside the city walls; they went there often during the summer. Erestor primarily to read in the sun, Glorfindel to swim, though even Erestor had been known to swim on occasion when the water was warm and his friend insistent. The dream had made him feel safe and warm and Erestor could imagine himself purring, even in his sleep.

After a time though, the dream had changed and the castle guards had come, their expressions cold and dangerous. With harsh words they had dragged Glorfindel forcibly from the waters and onto the lakeside. Erestor had not understood what was happening and had pleaded with the guards to stop, but they ignored his pleas, intent as they were on their task. With one of the guard's knives at his neck Glorfindel was bound, and he was forced to his knees. Erestor found himself unable to move and could only watch as one of the guards drew his sword and made to strike a fatal blow, Erestor tried to scream, to do something, anything, but he was like a statue and unable to aid. As the sword fell Glorfindel vanished. The guards had seemed unconcerned, and one that Erestor knew well had even embraced him and told him that now he was safe.

Erestor shuddered at the thought.

When the guards had dispersed and he was left alone by the lakeside, the skies had darkened and he had become very cold. He had woken with a start then; Finuial had been at his side, stroking his hair, trying to calm him. The healer had asked him to recount the dream, but he could not. He had lain awake for the rest of the night and even now, he was no closer to figuring out what it was that Lórien was trying to tell him, only that if he got it wrong, he would lose his friend forever.

The tower bell sounded clearly across the castle and Erestor rose with a sigh.


When Erestor entered Gil-Galad's study, Corupeth was just leaving and he smiled at the young elf reassuringly as he left.

"Come in Erestor and please shut the door behind you," Gil-Galad said as he rose from behind the desk. He ushered Erestor into one of the comfortable chairs by the fireplace.

"How are you feeling?"

"I am well enough, My Lord," Erestor fidgeted uncharacteristically betraying his nervousness as he studied the flowering plant that sat where the fire would have been.

Gil-Galad smiled, "relax Erestor, you have done nothing wrong, but it is important that I understand what happened to you, your wounds were serious."

Erestor nodded in understanding, "it was an accident."

Gil-Galad sat back in his chair and observed the elfling before him, waiting for him to continue. After a time it was clear to the High King that Erestor was tongue-tied and nervous. He appeared very small and very young to Gil-Galad at that moment and he wondered what could have happened to bring forth this Erestor of old, it had been a year or more since the elfling had betrayed such insecurity.

"Erestor you are going to have to elaborate for me, and you must not worry about anybody getting into trouble."

Erestor looked directly into Gil-Galad's eyes and his own narrowed, he knew that the Elf Lord was lying, and he also understood at last what it was that Lórien had been trying to tell him.

He took a deep breath and spoke, "My Lord, as I am sure you are aware, Glorfindel was somewhat inebriated that night."

Gil-Galad nodded.

"The guard outside the door brought him in and laid him upon his bed, while I collected what I would need from the bathing chamber. When the guard left us, I entered Glorfindel's room to find him quite awake. He had that hunting knife of his in his hand and was moving it about, in what I can only assume are practise moves. I sat upon the side of the bed to help him get ready to retire and he insisted on showing me a special move he had learned. That is all I remember, My Lord. I assume he must have misjudged the move, I am really not certain, but in any case it was an accident."

Erestor barely paused for breath during his speech and while it seemed plausible enough to Gil-Galad, there was something not quite right about this description, especially when coupled with Erestor's behaviour since he had entered the study.

"Did he threaten you in any way?" Gil-Galad's brow furrowed slightly, determined to get to the bottom of this matter.

"Threaten? Nay, My Lord he did not!" Erestor spluttered his answer though there was considerable force behind his words.

Gil-Galad nodded looking thoughtful. "I want to believe your words Erestor, but I think you have not revealed everything, why is that?"

Erestor straightened up, looking quite affronted and glared, "My Lord, these are the events as I recall them, I am not withholding anything, and I am insulted that you think that I would!"

Gil-Galad sighed, "I am sorry Erestor, but you do understand that I needed to be sure? By any other light your injuries would suggest an attempted kinslaying."


A/N, Apologies for the delay in getting a new chapter up, things have been manic since I got back

Shadow Tsunami, thank you for your comments, no offence taken :o), Glorfindel of Balar is the reincarnation of Glorfindel of Gondolin, while I am certain that Gil-Galad was reincarnated after his death I suspect he was reincarnated into Valinor and not Arda.

Roguish Smile, LOL thanks

Crecy, Thank you for the cookies :o)

Asha Dreamweaver, patience, patience, all will be revealed soon :o)