Hi! Yes, I am finally back. I appologize for the year lond absence, but my muses went on vacation (okay strike) and they still have not fully returned. But, they did send me this lovely postcard. I will warn you it is has not been beta read. I would feel bad to just drop it into April's lap since it's been so long. But, if you are still interested I still need someone. And, hopefully the updates will come quicker. I've fallen into my old writing mood and I am excited. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed it and missed it. Sorry, I will stop rambling now and on to the story.

The defenses would not hold. Glorfindel had long realized that, but he continued to fight. He had to give Lady Idril and her son the chance to escape into the tunnels that had been designed for just such a purpose. Out of the corner of his eye Glorfindel saw an elf dressed in brilliant green and gold rush away from the battle and back toward the center of the city. "Ecthelion! Where are you going?" he called out even as he turned to face yet another attack.

"I have to check on them," Ecthelion called over his shoulder. "They may not be able to find their way!"

"Check on who?" Glorfindel called out in confusion, but the Lord of the Fountain had already vanished into the crowd. Glorfindel had little choice but to turn back to the battle and face yet another of their endless opponents. They had to ensure that all that could escape would be able to. When this was all over he would find Ecthelion and ask where he had gone off to. Then, an unnatural twilight fell upon the city.

Glorfindel sat up in bed panting. Glad that the dream was over he swung his legs over the side of the bed. He knew what would happen next. What followed was forever etched into his memory. Ecthelion would fall in battle and then he would as well. He had tried not to dwell on the past since his rebirth. There was nothing he could do to change what had occurred. To remember all that he had lost that day was just an exercise in futility. Glorfindel shook his head to clear it of such depressing thoughts.

Glorfindel stood up and crossed the room. With a shaking hand he poured himself a glass of water. He would have much preferred alcohol, but he would be holding training sessions early the next morning. And, he seriously doubted he would be able to stop at one glass.

He crossed over to his balcony doors and swung them open. What he truly needed was fresh air. Stepping across his threshold he looked to his left and for a moment felt his heart leap. From his balcony he could see into almost the entirety Erestor's office.

Erestor was hunched over his paperwork, unaware that he was being watched. Even something as important as a welcome home feast for Lady Arwen would not stop him from completing his daily work. He didn't mind the early mornings and the late nights. Since Lorwen had moved out a decade ago there was no one there to greet him at night and to see him off in the morning.

"Erestor, if you do not come away from that desk I shall go on this picnic without you."

Erestor looked up half expecting his wife to be standing in the doorway with a picnic basket in her hand. "Please, not tonight," Erestor pleaded with no one in particular. He didn't want to relive this particular memory.

"Sabariel, I have to finish this report," Erestor responded in mock irritation. "Whatever surprise you have for me can surely wait for another ten minutes."

"Fine," she responded with a pout. "But, if you work any slower I will have other company." She gave him that mysterious smile that begged him to ask who.

"And who would that be?" Erestor asked falling for the ploy.

"Our child," she responded in an almost off-handed manner.

"We don't have a child..." Erestor trailed off and looked at his wife. Truly looked at her for the first time in a few weeks. She was even more radiant than usual and there was that mysterious gleam in her eyes. "Are you saying that you are...?" He couldn't finish the sentence for fear that it was not true.

"Yes," Sabariel nodded happily. Erestor stood and crossed the room in five long strides. He wrapped his wife in a tight embrace and almost immediately loosened his grip and placed his hand on her stomach apologetically. "It's okay. I don't think you can hurt the baby by hugging me," she said giggling.

"Faelon, will you finish up here?" Erestor called into his assistant's office. "I am taking my family on a picnic." Without waiting for an answer the counselor took his wife's arm in one hand and the basket in another and led her out.

Erestor stood abruptly and pushed his chair back. The memory of that day was so vivid he had to stop himself from dashing into the hall to look for his wife. In the first few weeks after the accident he would often wander the halls thinking she would be just around the next corner or in the next room. He had long ceased traveling the halls at night and scaring whatever unsuspecting servant came upon him. But, just sometimes, like tonight, a memory would take hold and it was all he could do not to leave the room.

Sighing, Erestor knew there was no way he could continue working. Stretching, Erestor went around the room putting out the lamps and candles. Stepping into the hallway he barely bit back a curse when he saw Faelon stumbling along the corridor. The younger elf had obviously had too much to drink. "Good evening, Faelon," Erestor greeted as civilly as he could. He was in no mood to deal with any love lorn suitors tonight.

Glorfindel moved along his balcony until he could no longer see Erestor. The dark-haired elf must be headed for bed, he mused. Sighing, he turned and headed back inside. He barely glanced at his bed before reaching for his robe. Maybe a glass of warm milk would help him find rest for whatever remained of the night.

"What are you doing wandering the halls at this time of night?" Erestor asked when Faelon did not immediately return his greeting. As a matter of fact the younger elf just stared at Erestor without speaking. There was something unsettling in his chocolate eyes and it sent a shiver up the counselor's spine.

Then without a word, Faelon turned and stumbled back in the direction in which he had appeared. "That was...weird," Erestor said quietly before heading toward his own room. He was willing to chalk the younger elf's behavior up to too much wine and not enough rest.

As soon as he turned the corner Faelon stopped staggering and resumed a more normal gait. He had not expected the counselor to be in his office at such a late hour, but it was of little consequence, he could always get into the office unobserved latter. And, he had throughly enjoyed unnerving the usually unflappable Erestor.

Faelon let a small feral grin grace his features as his hand brushed the paper wrapped package in his pocket. It was only a matter of time before Erestor would be his. Erestor would forgive him for everything he had done and would have to do.

Everything? Faelon let his smile slip when that treacherous voice spoke. He thought he had been successful in silencing his conscience a long time ago. "Everything," he assured that one part of him that had remained undeniably sane.

Me again. I will have reviewer responses in the next chapter which will be next week hopefully. And Faelon's plan and the depth of his insanity will be revealed. It will be a long one so you have been warned. Otherwise, please review. Flames of the constructive nature are welcomed.