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."
"I can assure you, my Lord, that Glorfindel has never shown any interest in slaying me," Erestor's eyes began to sparkle with memories, "With the possible exception of when I braided pink ribbons into his horse's mane and tail the evening before his first patrol." Erestor finished seriously though his eyes held an amused sparkle.
Gil-Galad smiled at the recollection, Glorfindel had indeed been furious, but it was anger brought on by nervousness and a desire to do the very best he could on his first patrol, his anger was not truly directed at Erestor, despite what the elfling might think.
"Very well Erestor, if you say that there was no intention, I have no choice but to accept that."
Erestor's brow furrowed, "My Lord, did you truly believe him capable of such an act?"
Gil-Galad observed Erestor for a moment, before pinching the bridge of his nose.
"In all honesty Erestor, I was really not sure."
Erestor's eyes widened, startled by the Elf Lord's confession.
"Glorfindel would never hurt me."
"The Glorfindel of old perhaps, but much has happened in the last few days." Gil-Galad rose and went to the door. He spoke briefly to a passing servant and returned to his seat.
Erestor sat with a slight frown on his face trying to see the truth behind Gil-Galad's words, and when Gil-Galad sat once more he asked, "What has happened?"
"Gondolin has fallen to Morgoth."
Erestor looked shocked, the concern on his face increasing and his eyes questioning.
"The battle occurred upon the Gates of Summer, this has changed much."
"Are there survivors? King Turgon?" Erestor had many questions; a defeat of this size would indeed change much, and his heart broke at the loss.
A soft knock on the door interrupted their discussion and Gil-Galad put his finger to his lips, indicating that Erestor should stay silent.
The servant laid out tea and withdrew from the room without speaking, as Gil-Galad poured cups for them both.
"These events are not yet common knowledge?" Erestor finally asked taking a sip of tea.
"Nay, they are not."
"Is it not possible then that this might be a mistake? Incorrect information?" Erestor was almost certain that Gil-Galad would not speak of this unless he was sure but he was still curious to know more.
"Regrettably, Nay. We are certain, for there is one in the castle now that was there. The information that we have comes from this elf."
Erestor frowned, "That is not possible, even with the heartiest of horses, the journey from the mountains would take at least a month, likely much longer."
Gil-Galad could not help a small smile at that; there was little that could get past this elfling, but his expression soon turned grave once more.
"This elf has come to us via Namo's halls," he said simply.
Erestor gulped down the tea in his mouth, his eyes wide in surprise. Again he frowned, looking thoughtful; Gil-Galad could almost see the activity in the young mind. Finally Erestor caught The High King's gaze and said, "Glorfindel has become Glorfindel of the House of the Golden Flower." It was a statement not a question.
"Aye," Gil-Galad replied without further comment.
"I see;" Erestor muttered rather absentmindedly gazing into his cup.
All was silent for a time and Gil-Galad was beginning to wonder if maybe the young elf had been dealt too harsh a blow this time, "Erestor?" he said softly.
Erestor raised his eyes at the sound of his name; Gil-Galad could see the confused thoughts in his eyes.
"Forgive me, My Lord, I do not mean to ignore you, but these tidings are quite… They are rather surprising."
Erestor paused, his face downcast.
"Erestor?" again, Gil-Galad attempted to bring the young elf out of his thoughts, he felt he would rather the elfling were to rant and rave, as this thoughtful silence worried him.
Finally breaking his silence, Erestor looked up at the Elf Lord, "He will be a great asset to this realm, My Lord. His experiences and long life will serve well."
Gil-Galad had imagined all manner of reactions that Erestor might have had to this news, this reaction was entirely unexpected and pleased him, it was no wonder that at times he imagined that Erestor was full grown, when he displayed such maturity.
"Do you suppose he will even know me?" Erestor could not help but think back over the time he had been here, and of the deep friendship that they had shared.
Gil-Galad's brow furrowed, "Erestor, I am really not certain how much knowledge he has retained, certainly he knows of you but beyond that I am unsure."
"I see." The slight hitch in Erestor's voice alerted Gil-Galad to the emotions that simmered just beneath the surface of Erestor's calm façade and he made a mental note to watch the elfling over the coming weeks, they were bound to be hard on him.
Glorfindel was pacing from one wall to the other and had just reached the door when he heard the knock. The young guard took a step back in surprise as the door swung open even as his arm was still raised in action.
Glorfindel glared at the elf impatiently and waited for him to speak. He noted that he had no recollection of this elf; no doubt the High King had thought it prudent to assign a guard who did not consider him a friend. He thought wryly that in the King's position he would have done the same.
"Was there something that you wanted?" The Golden Lord asked sternly when no speech was forthcoming.
The guard blushed slightly at the Elf Lord's demand, cleared his throat and spoke, "By Lord Gil-Galad's will you are free to come or go as you wish."
Glorfindel smiled then and the young elf gave a curious half smile in return before retreating from the room.
Glorfindel turned on his heal and walked back into his chambers, he snatched up a heavy cloak, then remembering Mithrandir's words he shook his head and laid it back down. Next he picked up the sheathed sword lying on the dresser, he unsheathed it and studied it for a moment. He laughed slightly, "just a toy" he said to himself before sheathing it and laying it back down. Finally he picked up the hunting knife that lay on the bedside table and seeing the scabbard on a chair nearby, quickly fastened it about his waist and sheathed the knife. He took a final look about the room and confident that he had what he needed left the room in search of Erestor.
