Maedhros's brows twitched at the High Kings demand, not used to being spoken to in such a manner, he sighed. "Very well, My Lord."
His gaze passed idly over a tapestry hanging behind the King's head, "Dior's sons were striking looking elflings," he paused again, "hard to forget those faces, he has grown into quite a beauty"
Gil-Galad's lips pursed at the comment, as if it had been an insult. "Tell me your part in this tale."
"King or no, I have no intention of recounting those events for your amusement." Maedhros reached for the flagon of wine and filled his goblet, "Though I wonder now of Eluréd's fate, did you know that I went back for them? That I spent almost a season searching for them?"
Gil-Galad was struck instantly by the look in the Fëanorion's eyes, was he looking for sympathy? Could it be he was looking for understanding?
He rose from his seat to look down on the elf. "What I know, Son of Fëanor is this. You left two defenceless elflings, who had likely seen their parents murdered, alone in a forest to die! I know also that you did not have enough compassion to even leave them with a knife to protect themselves, or to find food. Aye, your tale is dark and terrible indeed, you will find no understanding here."
Maedhros bowed his head at the High Kings words, looking quite repentant; Gil-Galad had not stated anything that hadn't already played through his dreams a hundred times since that fateful day, and though buried deep, his heart still felt the weight of his actions.
"Get up," The High King ordered
At Maedhros's perplexed expression, Gil-Galad continued, "I find I have some pressing personal matters to attend to. You are leaving."
The Fëanorion's eyes widened slightly at that, and for just a moment he looked startled, insecure even, but this look passed in the blink of an eye and the elf seemed to straighten up before rising, "Of course."
"The guards will see you to your ship."
They walked in silence to the doors and out into the bright entrance hall, where a guard stood waiting.
"You have brought grief to me this day," Gil-Galad stated, "Erestor has become like a son to me," he paused, "he will be sent to Arvernien to join his kin at once."
Maedhros's head snapped around at the comment, "Nay!"
Gil-Galad looked puzzled, "Nay? But that is our way; an elfling should be raised by his own kin. And his kin still live, I have kept him here too long in my ignorance, this must be rectified."
Suddenly looking very earnest Maedhros spoke, "You must not send Elurín to Arvernien," he paused before offering his parting words, "Good Day, My Lord" He gave a half bow, and walked to where the guard stood waiting and without pausing walked on, the guards trailing behind him.
Gil-Galad was left standing speechless in his wake, trying to comprehend the meaning of his words.
Glorfindel's fingers gripped Erestor's arm hard, bruising the pale skin, as they marched to their chambers. They were silent, both elves paler than usual and while the golden elf's face was stern set, so the elfling had an air of fear about him.
"You two, with me." Glorfindel ordered, and the two guards addressed fell into step behind the two elves, exchanging confused glances as they moved rapidly through the castle.
Reaching their chambers, Glorfindel bid the two elves stand guard, and without question they took up their posts on either side of the chamber door. Glorfindel was well within the chamber before he released his charge to turn to the door, the sound of the key turning in the lock causing a shiver to travel up Erestor's spine.
Erestor felt strangely empty, as if his blood had stopped flowing, and his heart had stopped beating. He felt numb. For a moment he stood in the centre of the room where Glorfindel had released him, unable to find the will to move. He slowly moved to sit upon the divan, as Glorfindel threw open the closed doors to the bed and bathing chambers, checking each room in turn.
"Am I a prisoner?" Erestor's voice was small and uncertain.
Glorfindel turned to look at him for the first time since they had entered the room, his features carefully schooled, though his eyes sparkled with hurt and distrust.
"I cannot answer that question."
Erestor shivered anew at the business like tone of Glorfindel's voice, noting the lack of warmth and the disappointment. His eyes welled up with tears.
"But we are still friends? Please, I must know."
Glorfindel pursed his lips at the elfling's comment, was it possible that he had the gall to expect comfort from him? Even now, after what had been revealed? He moved to stand before Erestor, looming over his slight form.
"Friends?" he scoffed. "I have no words of comfort to offer you. You lied to me! You have made a mockery of me, of my friendship, and of my love." Glorfindel reached down to cup Erestor's chin, forcing him to meet his eyes. "How can we be friends, when I do not even know your name?" Erestor flinched at the cold determination in the Golden Lord's eyes,
After a short pause he stated with finality "I do not know you."
Releasing Erestor's chin roughly, he turned away in disgust, and Erestor appeared to crumble, tears falling in streams down his face.
"I can bare your company no longer." With his parting words Glorfindel used the key in his hand to open the door and slip out. A few moments later a guard that Erestor did not know entered the room, locking the door securely behind him.
Corupeth looked puzzled, "Why would Maedhros say that he should not be sent to Arvernien to join his sister? It makes no sense."
Gil-Galad stared out of the window his mind still playing with the meaning of it, when a thought came to him and he paled.
"Unless…
Aiya Corupeth! Could it be that they mean to attack Arvernien? And so take back that accursed jewel?
Perhaps Maedhros's conscience would not allow him to knowingly see Erestor in that city to face what is coming, could that be the answer to this riddle?"
A/N Asha Dreamweaver – A cookie for your correct guess :o) I'm sure you now realise why I was unable to answer your earlier questions! It wasn't that I was ignoring them :o)
Crecy and arcrose – I hope these chapters answer your questions
CapriceAnn Hedican-Kocur – LOL, I'm hopelessly absentminded, so I make no promises!
Mistress of Sadikus – Thank you for your comment
