Gil-Galad noted with approval the increased military presence in the corridors surrounding the Great Hall; such a show of strength would surely do no harm, though he sincerely hoped it would not be necessary to use it.

As he approached the hall, two guards stepped forward to open the door, the heavy wood groaning in protest. The High King paused, adjusted the formal robes he had thrown over his usual attire, and strode with sure steps into the hall, the doors sighing shut behind him.

The dark panelled room was an intimidating and impressive location, used rarely in the everyday coming and goings of the castle, and briefly Gil-Galad wondered if it would, in fact, work to his advantage.

"Lord Maedhros."

A tall dark haired elf stepped from the shadows and walked in a confident manner to where the High King was standing by the top table. The elf stopped within a few paces of him and bowed, "Sire"

The High King nodded once in acknowledgement, "You wish to speak with me?"

"I do," was the only answer and he wondered absently if Maedhros was also able to feel the tension between them. Though he had of course seen paintings of this elf he was surprised by the other elf's beauty, he was quite fair in a dark way, and his whole countenance exuded power, the fall of his robes hid his hands, any stranger would not think anything amiss.

Maedhros was eying him in turn, and just before the silence between them stretched to an uncomfortable length he spoke once more, "you favour your father in looks."

"Thank you, shall we sit for a time before we are joined by my charges."


Glorfindel leant against the entrance to the hall chatting easily with the guard there. He appeared entirely at ease, in direct contrast to the rest of the castle's inhabitants, who seemed positively on edge.

He smiled broadly to see Erestor walking towards him, struggling to dress in formal robes as he walked. As soon as the elfling was within reach he pulled him into an alcove and made quick work of adjusting his robes.

Erestor glared at him.

"Did you speak to Master Corupeth?"

Erestor frowned, "Nay I have not seen him, what is going on Fin? I met a maid in the dining hall and she told me to fetch a formal robe and come here at once. That is all I know, but the entire castle seems to be in an uproar, what is going on? And all these guards," Erestor motioned towards the five that he could see, "Anyone would think we were expecting the seven sons of Fëanor!"

"Nay, just the one."

Erestor gave an exasperated sigh and replied wryly, "Very funny Fin!"

Completely ignoring the elfling's comment Glorfindel took his arm and walked towards the entrance to the hall. "Listen to me Erestor, we must enter, and Corupeth said that I should tell you to see to the needs of the king and land, I sincerely hope that means more to you than it does to me."

Erestor appeared to straighten up at his words, and Glorfindel smiled at him fondly, "Are you ready?"

The advisor nodded once and the two elves entered the hall.

Gil-Galad was glad to see the two elves enter, and he rose to his feet automatically, his guest doing likewise. Nothing of any import had been discussed while the two elder elves had been alone in the hall, and the High King still had no idea as to the Fëanorion's purpose. He turned his thoughts back to the approaching elves as Glorfindel came to a halt before them. Erestor stood behind him, entirely concealed by the Golden elf's larger form.

The High King half turned towards Maedhros and spoke, "May I present, Glorfindel of Gondolin, The Captain of my Guard." Gil-Galad was curious to see the Elf Lord's reaction to the introductions so continued to watch him carefully.

As Glorfindel bowed the Fëanorion's hitherto expressionless face became wide-eyed and pale. Gil-Galad reacted instinctively, placing a hand upon his guest's upper arm as if to steady him.

"Elurín?" the word came out of Maedhros's mouth as a strained whisper, yet somehow it echoed about the hall as if it had been shouted.

Gil-Galad's eyes narrowed, as he considered the implication of that one word, and in a definite action of disapproval he removed his steadying hand from the Fëanorion's arm.

"Step aside Glorfindel." The High King commanded. He could see that he did not wish to but after a moment the captain did as he was bid.

Erestor wasted no time in moving forward, so that he stood right in front of Maedhros with just the table between them, his posture one of pride and inner strength. His eyes were void of all emotion and his voice when he spoke was laced with ice.

"My name is Erestor, and I shall call you, Kinslayer."

The silence in the hall was deafening as the elfling and Elf Lord stared at one another.

Breaking the spell, Gil-Galad spoke. "Glorfindel, take Erestor to his rooms and ensure he does not leave them."

The captain nodded once and taking Erestor's arm, led the young elf from the room.

Maedhros seemed to sway on his feet as the two elves left the room reaching for the table automatically to steady him. "I thought I had seen a ghost," he muttered breathlessly. Shaking his head as if to clear it, he turned towards the High King, "Where is the other one, where is Eluréd?"

Gil-Galad's face was carefully devoid of all expression as he observed the Noldo before him, and his voice when he spoke seemed harder somehow than it had been before. "Why don't you tell me?"

The Fëanorion fell heavily into his chair, and rubbed his temples, the guilt he had once felt over his actions bubbling to the surface again.

"Are you certain that the elf you have just seen is Elurín, Son of Dior? I must know that you are certain."

Maedhros laughed bitterly as he fixed Gil-Galad with a questioning glance, before asking calmly "Do you think me a monster?" he shook his head absently, "Nay, do not answer that, I am well aware of what others think of me, and do not need it confirmed. You did not know his identity, did you? How marvellous that a Sinda prince should be raised by a Noldor King, somehow that seems fitting, though it surprises me that he would allow it."

Before Gil-Galad could formulate an answer, the side door opened interrupting his train of thought. Various kitchen staff entered laden down with food, Corupeth trailed in their wake no doubt to check upon the proceedings. Instead of addressing his guest, Gil-Galad spun around to address the servants,

"Take the food back to the kitchens, Lord Maedhros and I will not be sharing a meal."

Corupeth approached, frowning, "Sire?"

Drawing his councillor to one side, Gil-Galad ordered him to clear the hall at once, and informed him they would speak later. His advisor met the Fëanorion's seemingly amused eyes with a steely gaze of his own, and Maedhros tipped his head in mock deference. Seething, Corupeth did as he was bid.

Alone again, Gil-Galad moved to sit at the head of table before speaking again. "You will answer my question."