Gil-Galad was sitting at his desk, quill in hand as one of the assistant scribes presented various papers for his approval and signature. It was a procedure that he knew well since he had taken up the gauntlet of High King, and though he was assured it was of the greatest import to have these routine matters dealt with in the correct way, he did not care for the increased paperwork at all.
He was just reading through the acquisitions report when Corupeth burst into the room, the door swinging open and hitting the wall in his haste.
"Leave." Corupeth ordered without preamble, the young scribe looked quite taken aback to be spoken to in such an abrupt way. He hastily started to gather up the papers, seeming quite clumsy in his haste.
"Leave them where they lie and go. Shut the door behind you." The scribe cringed at the advisors tone and requiring no further instruction fled the room.
Gil-Galad had leant back in his chair and was observing the advisor's behaviour with interest.
"It is little wonder your assistants fear you my friend if you treat them thusly."
The advisor looked slightly abashed, but the look soon passed and he sat. "We have a situation, Sire"
"A situation?" The High King could not help but smile at Corupeth's earnest tone.
"Lord Maedhros's ship just docked."
If ever there was a comment to wipe the smile from a King's face, this was it, Gil-Galad shifted in his seat, "What does he want?"
"We do not know sire, we received no warning of his arrival and half the island are ready to lynch him before we can find out."
Gil-Galad stood, "Nay, alas we cannot allow him to be lynched, but more than that I will not give Maedhros and his men an excuse to harm any on this island, Guards!"
The door opened immediately and a guard stepped in.
"Sire, I took the liberty of speaking to Lord Glorfindel and he has sent the men that he deemed necessary down to the docks to 'escort' our guests to the castle."
Gil-Galad nodded once and fixed his eyes on the guard, "That will be all."
The guard bowed in reply and slipped out of the door.
Gil-Galad paced about the room looking agitated.
"Aiya Corupeth! What has brought him here? The sons of Fëanor are not known for their fealty, nor do they seek out my advice on any matters of Lordship, I do not like this, I do not like this at all."
"I honestly do not know, but you will have to meet with him, though I urge you not to make any decisions without consulting your advisors first."
Gil-Galad sighed, "You are correct, I will have to meet with him, and I will heed your words, how do you suggest we proceed."
A soft knock interrupted their words and Corupeth went to the door, after just a few minutes, he shut the door and returned to his seat. Gil-Galad looked at him questioningly.
"My assistant tells me that Lord Maedhros is being escorted to the castle alone."
"Is that not a little strange?"
"Aye it is unexpected; it would perhaps indicate that he has a personal matter that he wishes to discuss with you."
Gil-Galad frowned, "I do not think that I wish to be consulted about anything that is personal to the sons of Fëanor, how do you suggest we proceed?"
"It is almost time for the midday meal; I would suggest a casual meeting over food and a flagon of your best wine. I do not think it appropriate for me to join you; though I will be at hand should you need me."
Gil-Galad looked thoughtful, "Very well, at least that will not cause delay and with luck I can persuade him to leave by the evening meal! Glorfindel and Erestor were due to meet me for the midday meal today, would you pass on my apologies to them."
"My Lord, it might be advantageous to have them join you. Aye, I think that is what should be done, they will distract in part. Erestor can be my eyes; that young elf misses little and he may be able to see what you do not. And Lord Glorfindel will serve well as protection."
Gil-Galad was shaking his head; "I am loath to get the young ones involved in this, particularly Erestor. I do not think it necessary."
"Sire, I advise you to heed my words, you need them."
Gil-Galad looked at his advisor; some part of him knew that the elf was right, though he hated to admit it. "Very well Corupeth, if you instruct Erestor in what must be done, I will speak with Glorfindel."
Glorfindel sheathed his sword, and slipped a small dagger into his boot. He had talked to the High King and though normally he would have been happy to wander about the castle unarmed, with such 'guests' in attendance he would take no chances. He tried not to think about what would happen should he be faced with the prospect of killing another elf in order to defend his King and Erestor. He shook his head in bemusement at the route his thoughts had taken, for he knew that he would do whatever was necessary to keep them safe.
He left his office with sure steps, taking the long way to the Great Hall where they would be dining.
"Lord Glorfindel!"
The captain spun about at the sound of his name being called with some urgency. He paused before walking back towards Gil-Galad's advisor, who was a vision of flying silver hair and dark robes as he strode to meet him.
"Master Corupeth?"
Glorfindel had seen the advisor negotiate with angry dwarfs and had even seen him bargain with a knife to his throat, but never had he seen this elf even close to flustered, or off-balance, but now he was certain that the advisor was both of those things and more. "How can I help?" he asked calmly.
"Lord Glorfindel, I was not able to locate Erestor, for all I know he knows nothing of what has occurred."
Glorfindel frowned slightly, "I see. Our guest will have to wait a little longer for our presence in that case, while we locate him, unless you think I could go alone and save him the discomfort of this task."
"Alas, he is needed; King Gil-Galad may have need for immediate counsel." Glorfindel nodded, wishing it was not so.
"My Lord you should go on to the Great Hall, I have placed a maid in the family dining room to send him on to the Great Hall when he arrives for the midday meal, there is no sense in us running about the castle when we have so little time. I will go, and hope to talk to him on the way, if I should miss him, you will need to speak with him."
Glorfindel raised a brow, "And what should I tell him?"
"Tell him to see to the needs of the King and land."
The captain frowned, "Is that all? Is that all the advice you would give an assistant advisor who is coming face to face with an elf that is millennia old and one of questionable honour at that!"
The advisor smiled slightly, "He has all the skill he needs, captain, you should not fear for him and there is more in my advice than you understand. I must go; I would ask you to guard them with your life captain."
Glorfindel nodded once as the advisor swept down the corridor.
A/N
CapriceAnn Hedican-Kocur, Crecy and arcrose – Apologies for taking so long to update here, I clean forgot! Thank you for your comments :o)
