Title: Silver Shadows

Author: Forest

Pairings: Orophin/OFC, Galadriel/OMC

Rating: PG13

Genre: Angst / Drama

WARNING: Violence, Character deaths

Beta: Shelly

Cast: Haldir, Orophin, Rúmil, Celeborn, Galadriel, Erestor, Elrond, Glorfindel, Elladan, Elrohir, OCs

Disclaimer: I own no-one from The Lord Of The Rings. All the characters and place names displayed belong to JRR Tolkien except Saeden, Galaril and Tarwë who are from my own imagination and therefore are the only ones I lay claim to. I do not intend to, nor am I making any financial gain from the writing of this story.

Feedback: Yes please! We aspiring authors thrive on the stuff.

Timeline: AU (to allow for some leeway as regards the practises and ceremonies etc of the elves.)

Summary: (Loosely based on the story of "Hamlet".) When a tragedy befalls the elves of Lorien, there seems to be little hope for a full recovery. However, through a dramatic chain of events, Rúmil finds himself in an unthinkable situation which forces him to become torn between his oath of wreaking revenge and his deep reluctance to spill elven blood.

Lady of Light:Thanks very much indeed for your constructive review, especially regarding description and the "show us" concept. – it helped immensely! hug

Big IMPORTANT Note:

It has recently come to my notice that the name of Tarwë has been used in another story: "Elanor's Revenge" by Julie and Fianna. Just to clarify, the Tarwë in this is a different elf entirely and is in no way conncected whatsoever to J&F's "Tarwë".

Chapter 4

Sleep at last overcame Rúmil. He quite suddenly found himself standing alone amidst a clearing, surrounded densely by trees. Their silver and mahogany trunks seemed to him to stretch on into the heavens. All around him he could hear voices calling his name…

'Rúmil, Ai! Rúmil!' they called out, each one sounding distant and whispering.

And then, amongst the sound of the wind and voices, there came another, more clear, powerful and urgent.

'Help me, Rúmil!' it cried. 'Saes! Help me!'

Panicked, Rúmil ran toward the voice, the whispers still assaulting his ears and the wind whistled shrilly all around him as his heart hammered painfully in his chest. Then the elf stumbled upon a queer scene. Lord Celeborn sat in his chair at his desk upon the leafy forest floor. Rúmil watched in silence as a second figure, hooded and carrying a thick scroll and goblet, wandered into the clearing. Without speaking a single word, he handed the goblet to Celeborn; and Rúmil, realising all too late what was about to happen, screamed out for Celeborn to halt.

But the elven lord paid no heed to Rúmil's anguished cries and took a lengthy draught from the goblet. Rúmil looked on in horror as even in Celeborn's grasp, the goblet burst into flames and crumbled as ashes to the ground. The elven lord suddenly gave a sharp intake of breath and clasped a hand to his chest, his breathing coming in short rasping gasps. Unexpectedly, he whipped around to face Rúmil, his face a mixture of terror and surprise, mouth gaping and arms outstretched in a desperate plea to Rúmil to save him.

The young elf ran forward and grasped Celeborn's hands tight in his own. But as he did so, Celeborn's face quickly changed before his eyes and became the face of Galaril, who began to laugh wildly at Rúmil. His laugh gradually became high and cold, more manical and deranged and he appeared to grown in stature, finally towering over the poor frightened elf. Then, bending low, he scooped up the ashes that lay at his feet and at once, they morphed into a gleaming circlet which Galaril placed proudly upon his on brow. He threw back his head and laughed triumphantly, his grey eyes gleaming madly.

Rúmil cried out to him to stop but his own voice echoed small and weak in his ears and he knew all was lost…

With a start, Rúmil sat bolt upright in his bed, rivers of ice cold sweat pouring all over his trembling body. His clothes clung to him and his breath came quick and short, his chest seeming to tighten painfully with each desperate intake of new air. Peeling off his drenched clothes, he clambered under the covers, shivering all over with terror as both the dream and the ghastly reality of it all replayed over and over in his mind. The images did not leave him until, overcome with the exhaustion of his own wretched tears, sleep once more welcomed the elf into its embrace, this time offering a restless but dreamless slumber.

'Are you certain this will work?'

'Positive, brother. No need to fret!'

Elladan still looked more than a little sceptical. 'Yes,' he replied slowly, 'but ever since last time, Erestor has been on his guard more than ever.'

'Infuriatingly so,' agreed Elrohir with a short nod and a grin, then, gesturing at the delicate silver flute in his hands, he added, 'however, if he can guess that this is the culprit, by Eru, he deserves to catch us!'

Elladan chuckled. 'Alright, but it would be prudent I believe for us to be wary and watchful also.'

It was the middle of the day and high above the trees the sun was at her height in the cloudless sky. The Peredhil twins crept stealthily right up to the door of Erestor's quarters and, after motioning to his twin to be silent, Elrohir bent down and peered through the keyhole.

'Yes, he's in there' he whispered to Elladan before getting to his feet.

But before the mischievous elf could extract the flute from his tunic pocket, there came upon the wind one of the voices they most dreaded.

'Ah. Elrohir, Elladan! What a pleasant surprise indeed.'

Rolling their eyes, the twins turned slowly on the spot and as they had predicted, they found themselves face to face with a very suspicious and yet highly amused looking Glorfindel.

'Now, what would two young elves such as yourselves be doing creeping and loitering around here?' Glorfindel said.

Elrohir succeeded in looking spectacularly affronted. 'Creeping? Loitering? My dear Glorfindel, we were doing nothing of the kind.'

'Indeed?' Glorfindel didn't look remotely convinced. 'Then pray enlighten me. What were you doing exactly?'

'Looking for you!' Elladan piped up, earning himself a surprised glance from his brother which Elrohir hastily rearranged into an agreeing nod.

'Yes,' Elrohir continued, 'we were looking for you, Glorfindel … because … ah …'

'We wanted to ask you if you were staying in Lorien for the festival!' finished Elladan with a look of triumph at his quick thinking.

The Balrog slayer looked a little bemused. Why should he not be attending the festival if he had already been residing in Lorien for a week without another reason? But still, he was never wholly sure of the twins' grasp on logic and so nodded good naturedly.

Elrohir smiled. 'That's good news then! After all, it wouldn't be a party without Glorfindel!'

Somehow, Glorfindel managed to look modest. 'Well, thank you indeed,' and then smirked as he caught sight of the shifty expression on Elladan's face, 'you can't fool me though. Come on. Why are you really up here? Yet another taunting for poor Erestor perchance?'

'Oh, give us a little credit. Would we really pull anything untoward away from home?' said Elladan.

'Yes.' Glorfindel replied dryly. 'Yes, I believe you would!'

'I am surprised at you, Glorfindel,' grinned Elrohir, 'I thought you knew us by now!'

'You are correct. I do. This is precisely why I have a good idea of why you're here and also why I advise you now to leave as promptly as you can.'

'Why?' asked Elrohir, raising a brow.

Glorfindel smirked. 'Your father's coming this way.'

With a quick exchange of panicked glances, the twins waved cheekily at the approaching Lord Elrond, shot a glare at Glorfindel, and hastily departed down the nearest stairway.

'Now what?' Elladan hissed as they reached the ground.

Elrohir glanced around and finally, his eyes fell upon a rather sizable piece of shrubbery. 'Come on!' Yanking his brother by the sleeve, he pulled him in amongst the dense (and mercifully thorn-free) foliage and sought out the flute in his pocket.

'Now, brother, we watch and wait!'

As sure as the twins predicted, Erestor eventually did come down the stairs and came the exact way they were lying in wait. Just as the raven haired elf passed by their hiding place, Elrohir put the tiny flute to his lips and blew. At once, a shrill whistling filled the air and Erestor turned a puzzled expression on his face. The whistling continued and soon, Erestor dug quickly in his ear to try and rid himself of the irritating noise. This was the exactly the sort of cue the twins had been waiting for and no sooner and Erestor touched his ear, the whistling abruptly ceased.

Shaking his head in bewilderment, the advisor continued on his way and the twins, quite pleased at their first success, followed like hidden shadows close behind.

Orophin was having a curious morning. First, he could not find a single one of his tunics; and had searched high and low for them, in trunks, under furniture and finally, he discovered them lying in a heap outside his door. Then, on his way down to breakfast, he noticed that Rúmil was sitting there opposite Haldir and muttering quietly but incoherently to himself, apparently oblivious to all that was going on around him.

'What's up with him?' Orophin asked Haldir as he sat down.

'I haven't the faintest idea,' replied Haldir shrugging his shoulders but looking worried all the same, 'he's been like that since I first came in here.'

Orophin looked up and stared at his younger brother who was now biting his lip and every so often making a "tsk" sounds, rolling his eyes and resuming muttering closely and seemingly darkly to no one in particular.

'Rúmil?' Orophin said questioningly, 'Rúmil, what is wrong?'

Haldir shook his head as Rúmil made no reply and indeed, gave no sign he had even heard Orophin's voice.

'It's no good,' Haldir said solemnly, 'I've tried talking to him, but he seems to have ventured into his own little world where no one else exists.'

For a while, Orophin watched Rúmil over the rim of his goblet and concern began to grow in his mind. His brother's behaviour was admittedly more than odd … it seemed maddened, detached … deranged even. Finally, he could stand it no longer. Reaching forward, he tapped his brother hard upon the shoulder and raised his voice louder than before.

'Rúmil!' he hissed. 'What in the name of Eru is wrong with you?'

Rúmil looked up at him and for a fleeting, hopeful moment, both Haldir and Orophin believed him to have finally snapped out of his trance-like state. But the young elf just gazed at Orophin, his expression blank and vacant as though he were staring right through him at the wall beyond. Then, with a deep sigh, he looked away, stood and, without a single word or glance to either of them, walked briskly from the hall. All the while he continued murmuring and whispering to himself and shaking his head as though stuck inside a deep and melancholy woe.

Orophin slowly resumed his seat, gazing after the back of his retreating brother.

'Something is definitely amiss here, Haldir,' he said gravely, 'something really is not right at all!'

Haldir nodded in complete agreement. 'Aye, I know. But what is to be done if he will not speak to even us? You saw for yourself just how indifferent he was to our presence.'

Orophin looked thoughtful for a moment before replying. 'I'll consult Tarwë about this – see what she thinks about his behaviour. Besides, I am meant to meet her at the stables for a morning ride after breakfast anyway - Oh, don't look at me like that Haldir. You never know, she may know something, or have seen something that might be a clue to his peculiar behaviour.'

Haldir sighed deeply. 'You are right, brother. I cannot help my own views on Tarwë, but then, as you are betrothed now; I am willing to give you both my blessing. Forgive me, I should not have reacted as such.'

Orophin smiled. 'There is nothing to forgive, brother. To know that we now have your blessing is enough.'

Haldir nodded simply. 'That is well then. You go to Tarwë and I for my part shall seek the counsel of the Lord and Lady, for this matter fills me with a foreboding, Orophin. I cannot say where it sources from, but there was something in Rúmil's behaviour and in his voice that unsettled me much further than just his mere muttering.'

And so, Orophin, true to his promise to Tarwë (and now with the added reason for meeting her on his mind), headed down to the stables. He sat there alone for a while, revelling in the sweet smell of the fresh hay that had been placed there at first light. All around, the horses stood in their stalls, each and every one possessing a magnificent beauty. Coats of dappled grey, of black, pure white, deep mahogany and slightly rouged browns gleamed and shimmered like silk as the sunlight from the open door danced and frolicked across them. The elf found a blissful comfort in being there amongst these glorious beasts, their warm musky smell and the docile and content noises they made. Leaning forward against the door of one of the stalls, he reached out and gently caressed the muzzle of one of the smaller black mares. Feeling the elf's loving touch upon her, she inclined her noble head with a soft sound almost like a purr and smiling, Orophin took to scratching lazily behind one of her ears.

'You're a beautiful lady, aren't you' he cooed to her, his voice like the purest velvet.

The mare looked up at him, her jet eyes shimmering like newly polished precious stones. Here was someone who understood her and loved her; and like all the elves, he had a wondrous gentle hand whose touch she adored. Letting out a soft whinny of appreciation she nuzzled happily into the palm of his hand, causing Orophin to chuckle and smile all the more.

For how long he had waited in the stables, Orophin did not know exactly, though he guessed it might have been just over an hour. Finally, feeling quite perplexed he left his vigil by the black mare's stall and walked out in search of Tarwë. It was not like her to miss a meeting – especially when it had been she who had arranged it in the first place.

Orophin glanced first into her chambers and looking around, he could see plainly that there was no one there and indeed no sign that anyone had been there since the first morning's light. Finally, having exhausted all the places he could think of, Orophin took to wandering under the trees, lost completely in puzzled thought. Unbeknown to him however, his expression caught the attention of Haldir who incidentally was also passing that way in his searching for Rúmil. Over the past days, Haldir had been growing more and more concerned for his younger brother, and his behaviour that morning at breakfast had been, for Haldir, the deciding factor. Something had definitely gone awry in Rúmil's life these past days and Haldir was determined to find out what it was.

But upon seeing Orophin, Haldir stopped to question him. 'Have you seen Rúmil anywhere, Orophin ?' Haldir asked, feeling sure he knew what Orophin's answer would be.

As Haldir expected, Orophin shook his head. 'Nay, I have no. Not since breakfast.'

'The Lord and Lady are grieved to hear of his behaviour and sent me to find him, but I cannot locate him anywhere' replied Haldir with a worried sigh.

'Well, it certainly seems to be a day for disappearances. I for my part cannot find Tarwë.'

Haldir's brow furrowed. 'That is strange you say that for I saw her headed to your chambers no less than an hour ago.'

Orophin stared at him. 'Really? That is strange indeed for as I was sure she said to meet her at the stables.'

'Well, in that case, I suspect you both received mixed messages. Perhaps she is still waiting there for you' Haldir smirked.

'Oh Eru - ' was all that Orophin could manage. And thanking Haldir quickly, he took off at a great speed that only a panicked elf could manage; in the direction of his chambers.

On several occasions, the skulking twins had almost been caught by Erestor. However, thanks to the thick foliage and their quick, silent movements, they had not yet been discovered and their plan appeared to be working out perfectly. Infact, it has been going so swimmingly that they had evolved their game and were now blowing the flute every single time Erestor was spoken to. As a result, the poor scribe appeared no less than utterly paranoid that there was something sincerely wrong with his hearing.

The twins watched with identical predatory smirks as a young ellon appeared around the base of a tree. Although he only greeted Erestor in passing, Elrohir still on precise cue blew the flute. And sure enough, Erestor's hand flew immediately to his ear, earning him a most surprised and concerned look from the ellon.

'Are you quite well?' the elf asked, beginning to approach.

Erestor nodded quickly. 'Aye! Tis only a touch of earache.'

The ellon's expression morphed into one of deep sympathy and then much to Erestor's relief, asked no more questions and went on his way. At that moment, there came an abrupt cough from somewhere behind and in sync, the advisor and twins turned to look in the direction from whence the sound came.

'Fin!' Erestor called out to his friend in warning, 'I beseech you do not speak to me, for I fear my ears are quite unwell!'

Glorfindel raised a brow, though whether it was in concern or amusement was not discernible.

Elladan nudged his brother and shot him a disconcerted look. Neither of the twins liked to be on the receiving end of that expression for it usually ended in them either cleaning the livestock's pens; or extra early lectures with Erestor as a punishment for committing a crime they couldn't remember.

'Unwell you say?' he repeated, approaching Erestor and coming dangerously close to the twins' hiding place. 'In what way?'

'Every time someone speaks to me, I seem to get this inexplicable ringing in my ears. High in pitch and I cannot think of any other reason than an ailment in my hearing. Oh Fin! What if – what if I am truly going deaf?'

It took all Glorfindel's strength to stop himself from snorting in mirth. It really was quite adorable sometimes how naïve Erestor truly was. Somehow, he managed to arrange his face into a thoroughly convinced expression. 'Deaf? You really believe so?'

The twins exchanged shocked glances. Was he, Glorfindel actually falling for it? He was! Indeed, they both were! Grabbing the flute from his brother's grasp and before his brother could stop him, Elladan let fly another long and piercing note.

As had become quite habitual, Erestor once again clapped a hand to his ears whilst Glorfindel's lips twitched against his efforts to contain the smirk that was fighting against his duty as a caring friend. Finally, he gave in and chuckled. 'Dear gullible Erestor' he grinned. 'Please, I beg your pardon if I am mistaken in my estimations here but I do not think a mysterious ailment in your ears is to blame for this phenomenon. Rather, I think it is something a little more mundane, though sadly, a little less curable.'

Then, snickering at the utterly dumbfounded expression on Erestor's face, the Balrog slayer thrust an arm into the bush and yanked out Elladan first and then Elrohir, both now wearing sheepish and yet furious expressions.

'Hand it over, boys!' commanded Glorfindel with an air of maddening superiority.

Muttering darkly about spoilsports and extinct senses of humour, the twins turned over their treasured playmate.

'Here is your "ailment", dear Erestor' grinned Glorfindel in triumph, holding up the flute for Erestor's inspection.

Erestor's jaw dropped and he gaped first at the flute, then at Glorfindel and finally, his gaze fell upon the twins who flinched instinctively under his dark scrutiny.

'Why you little sneaks!' he growled through gritted teeth. 'You made me think I'd just aged several millennia before my time!'

The twins murmured an apology staring fixatedly at their feet.

'Hmm' continued Erestor, rolling his eyes and taking the flute from Glorfindel. 'Clever though, I shan't deny it. However next time you use it, please do so on someone I too would enjoy seeing vexed – say, perhaps Haldir or even Glorfindel here!'

Glorfindel gawked at him. 'Hey! In case it escaped your notice, I just helped you out here!'

'Yes, and I thank you most gratefully for it,' replied Erestor, eyes glittering with a spark of black humour, 'however for the countless tricks and pranks you have subjected me to by your own hand, I should dearly like to see you receive a few in return.' With a smirk, he twirled the delicate instrument between his slender fingers and then handed it back to the twins who were speechless with disbelief at their good fortune.

Straightening up, he turned to Glorfindel. 'Come. I said I would assist with the final preparations for the festival and you look as though you could use something to do too.'

With that, he turned to go, but Elrohir called out. 'So…you're not punishing us? No paperwork? No extra lecture…or telling Ada?'

Erestor looked frankly stunned. 'My dear Elrohir why on earth should I want to do that? I would much prefer to enjoy a stress free break here just as much as the next elf. Paperwork for a start being out of the question entirely – I should punish you for even suggesting it!'

And with a final jesting grin at the pair of them, he took off, sable robes swishing behind him and a thoroughly infuriated Glorfindel jabbering non stop at his side.

Orophin finally reached his chambers after being waylaid by several people wanting to talk with him and throwing them off had not been easy, but right now, Orophin did not care if had mortally offended each and everyone of them. Only one thought remained consistent on his mind. He must get to Tarwë and apologise.. He hoped desperately she would not think ill of him for getting the message completely wrong.

Skidding into the room, he looked frantically around for any sign of her. To his trepidation, he found none and so began searching the other smaller rooms.

Nothing.

Thoroughly disheartened, exhausted and feeling absolutely stupid, Orophin sank down at his dining table.

It was then he noticed the note.

Weighted under the pepper pot, the edges flapped pointlessly in the breeze from the open window. Intrigued, Orophin moved the pot and unfolded the note. As he scanned it, he didn't at first believe the words that his eyes were telling him were written crystal clear upon the scrap of parchment.

Orophin

I honestly do not know what I was thinking. But still, I feel sure you shall find a wife who can love you as much as I know you deserve. I, though, do not fit those criteria. Should our paths ever cross again or if I should return, I would love to meet her.

I hope you can forgive me. It was fun while it lasted.

Goodbye, Orophin.

- Tarwë.

Orophin had to reread the note several times before the meaning of the words truly sunk in. However, once they did, two phrases stood out above all else.

'It was fun'

'Goodbye'

Oblivious to the tears trickling down his cheeks and falling heavily, smudging the ink, Orophin realised there was no not a second to lose. He would not lose her. Like a bat out of hell, the young elf bolted out of the door and tore down in the direction of the stables once more his feet slamming hard into the mossy ground beneath his feet. He did not know exactly how, but his instincts told him undoubtedly that that was where she must have gone.

It couldn't end like this. Not after all that had happened.

After all that had been said – all that she'd said.

Upon reaching the stable door, he found that he did not care too much for subtlety or stealth and strode right in, slamming the door behind him causing several of the horses to jump and stare at him in alarm.

'TARWË!' he yelled at the top of his lungs. 'I KNOW YOU'RE IN HERE!'

'Go away, Orophin' came a voice from inside one of the end stalls. 'I've made my feelings clear.'

At her words, Orophin felt a hot surge of anger, but nothing enraged him more than how righteous and calm she suddenly sounded.

'You call this "clear"?' he cried, wrenching the note from his pocket and shaking it violently in mid air. 'Leaving a note? Is that how you end it every time, Tarwë, eh? String some poor trusting sap along and then thrust him into sudden oblivion with a damned note?'

He had reached the end stall now and inside beside her horse, Tarwë glowered up at him. 'How dare you!' she hissed, her voice low and accusing. 'You don't think it was hard for me? To write that – it was the last thing I wanted to do -!'

'So why do it?' Orophin cut furiously across her. 'Come on Tarwë! Give me a blinding good reason and Eru, I may even be fool enough to believe you.'

'I realised it a few hours after you proposed, Orophin,' Tarwë continued, her face completely devoid of any emotion, 'I realised that not matter how hard I try, I just don't love you.'

With a bellow of fury; Orophin slammed his palm upon the stall door and shook the note in her face. 'That much I'd figured out for myself,' he snarled, 'But why say "yes" mmm? Why agree to marry me if, Eru damn you, you didn't mean a word of it!'

'I thought I did … at the time,' she replied, appearing to be choosing her words extremely carefully, 'but I realised I behaved rashly and I couldn't face you so I told you in the only other way I could think of – believe me when I say I only did it … because I didn't want to hurt you.'

'Oh! This just keeps getting better and better!' he yelled. 'Didn't want to hurt me? Well, what did you honestly think this would do to me? Did you think I would be grateful? That I should fall at your feet and kiss them in honour of your pure self sacrifice for my own good? That I'd be pleased you'd saved me before I blindly bound myself to you for all eternity?'

'No, of course not' she muttered, turning away from his to continue readying her horse.

Orophin watched her for a moment, seething, and finally he spoke again, his voice a touch steadier, but quieter and laced with a hint of danger.

'So what now? You're running away? Leaving Lorien for new and distant lands and exotic pleasures? And all on your own too – Tarwë, I am impressed. You're growing up at last! Still, you remain a coward, Tarwë – and if I am correct in my assumptions, you shall likely remain a lonely coward. For who would accompany you? They all knew about you. Knew about what were would do to me. Haldir was right - they were all right. But I am the only one who was blinded to you and the only one who never saw you for what you reall - '

At that moment, the stable door banged open and an ellon ran in, dressed in complete riding gear. At first, he appeared no to notice Orophin standing there for he said :

'Tarwë, hurry! Or he shall surely find you and we shan't ever be able to leave!'

Orophin stared in horror, apparently lost for words.

'YOU!' he managed to splutter out.

It was Saeden.

Time seemed to stand stock still as they simply stared at one another, each not quite believing what he was witnessing, and Orophin fancied he saw a flicker of fear ripple briefly across Saeden's suddenly drained face.

'It's not what you think' Saeden said finally.

'Oh, really?' said Orophin dryly, raising a delicate brow. 'Then please do enlighten me. I do love a good story – especially the ones about betrayal … and envy … and cowardice. They're Tarwë's favourites, are they not, darling?' he shot a mock smile of adoration at the elleth standing obstinately beside him.

'Well, Tarwë is leaving Lorien and she asked me to go with her … as company on the journey, you know?' said Saeden almost pleadingly.

'Pitiful' said Orophin, shaking his head. 'You couldn't come up with something a little more spicy than that, my friend? However, I do not doubt that she is in need of a companion on a journey as long as the one she is planning to undertake. The poor elleth – it seems she cannot go for very long periods without bedding someone!'

Tarwë started but Orophin silenced with a sharp glance. 'You hush!' Then, turning to Saeden, he continued, feigning sorrow. 'Personally, I believe she has a problem. Perhaps when you are on your travels you could seek out medical attention for her. She certainly needs it badly - for more than her carnal obsessions.'

Saeden sighed deeply, biting his lip but before he could say anything in rebuttal, Orophin threw his hands up in despair.

'Oh, you know what? You are thoroughly welcome to her, Saeden! I hope you'll be very happy together. Eru knows you deserve each other, you really do!' he finished with a sarcastic smile and short bow to the pair of them.

Then, turning on his heel, he began to walk towards the door. But as soon as Saeden's back was turned, Orophin rushed back and giving a cry of white hot fury he leapt at him, sending them both crashing violently to the hay strew floor.

Blinded by his anger, all Orophin saw was red. His fists, clenched and as solid as small boulders pummelled relentlessly at the trapped elf's face and though Saeden was fighting furiously back, Orophin was completely numb to his own physical pain and instead only concentrated on hurting as much of Saeden as he could possibly reach.

Screaming in terror, Tarwë stood frozen to the spot, her hands over her mouth as the two grown elves fought like rutting deer, each forgetting their long-time friendship in the blistering heat of the moment.

Blood pouring from his nose and bruises beginning to show up all over his face, chest and neck, Saeden flipped Orophin onto his back and struck him a heavy blow across the face as through trying to bring him to his senses, and taking the split second opportunity, he pinned Orophin's hands down. Though Orophin yelled and struggled, Saeden's grip was iron tight and finally Orophin contented himself for a time by simply glaring up at him, his chest heaving and breath coming short and rasped.

'Listen to me,' Saeden panted, staring at Orophin, 'please, just hear me out!'

'What makes you think … I care about anything … your treacherous mouth wishes to speak?' spat Orophin.

'Because you would have killed me otherwise,' said Saeden, nodding briefly at the dagger in Orophin's belt.

'Nothing's worth a kinslaying,' said Orophin suddenly appearing sorrowful and regaining some stability. 'Not even this' he added quietly; looking away.

'Tarwë told me she had already told you to your face and that you seemed relatively at ease with it. She said you knew about her and me now, and that you - that you understood.'

'And you believed her?'

Saeden nodded.

'Then you're as much of a fool as me,' said Orophin. 'At least we still have one thing in common.'

And he laughed.

Seeing Orophin's apparent mirth, Saeden, though confused at first, joined in a little with a quiet chuckle, gradually growing in volume when it appeared Orophin was truly laughing for real.

Then, out of nowhere, Orophin abruptly ceased all his seemingly merriment and he shot like lightning to his feet. Grabbing Saeden by the collar, he thrust him as hard as he could into the nearby wall, causing the elf to cry out in terrible pain as his head made contact with solid oak.

'Steal my fiancé, would you? Run away with her, would you? Lie through your teeth?' Orophin shook Saeden so severely that the blood pounded in his head and a trickle of blood oozed out from under his silver hair.

Seizing a moment of Orophin's slight fatigue, Saeden forced him round against the wall, twisting his friend's hands behind his back and holding them fast.

'I'll follow you!' he hissed, 'You'll never get away with this!'

'I already have, Orophin,' said Saeden softly, but without any malice in his voice. 'Truly, I am so sorry for all the hurt that has been caused, but you'll see in the end it will be better this way'

'Really now? Well, you won't get far. As I said, I shall follow you. All the way to Aman and back if I must!'

Saeden's grip tightened on Orophin's wrists. 'Please, don't make me do it!' he sighed.

'You wouldn't' Orophin said, beginning to feel a twinge of fear in his heart.

'As I said, don't make me' continued Saeden, his grip tightening further still.

'You're all talk, Saeden. I will follow you and Tarwë and there is nothing you or anyone can do to stop me!'

At his words, an ear splitting crack resounded around the stable, followed by a tumultuous howl of pain.

As Orophin tumbled to the floor in a heap, clutching at his broken wrist, Saeden backed away quickly. 'Forgive me, Orophin' he said quietly, looking utterly appalled.

There came the sound of horse hooves and Tarwë rode back through the stable and as she passed, Saeden leapt up behind her. As they rode out of the stable, Saeden looked back around, his face a mixture of anger and utter sorrow.

'Forgive me!' he cried.

'NEVER!' Orophin screamed back, tears of pain and strife tumbling down his grazed and bruised face. Glaring after them, his face contorted again the harrowing pain and clutching his wrist ever tighter to his chest, he rocked back and forth on his knees, shivering and stammering in his anguish. For one final time, the friends' eyes met – locked together in a sudden mutual despair.

And then they were gone.

Orophin listened hopelessly to the sound of the disappearing hooves as though they were the sound of his beating heart. Thumping and yet dying, being ripped apart and the pieces blown far away upon a strong wind as the noise grew fainter and more distant. Finally, they faded completely and as he crawled the short distance to the wall, carefully cradling his wrist and steadily inhaling the sweet smell of the horses as though it was a drug that would ease his pain. Collapsing against a stall door, Orophin curled up into a tight ball and wept openly, his tears falling and drenching the straw upon which he lay.