sorry it took so long. life is a b. gotta say i am liking the idea of an aegnor & carnistir spin off. hope you enjoy. feel free to review

~oOo~

Aegnor looked back once more at Andrea as she slept soundly in his bed. Her rest was peaceful, at least it was now anyway. It had not started that way.

She had been almost delirious in her mumbling, her conscious flitting between the past and the present. Her mind was becoming muddled and confused as the lines of reality became blurred. He could feel it as if it were happening to him and perhaps, in a way, it was. He could see her dreams as vividly as if they were his own. She dreamt of fire and pain, of tears and sorrow.

It had torn Aegnor apart.

And so he touched the bond to settle her mind. Pushing away the memories of her pain and focusing on the weekend they had recently shared. The feel of mouths against skin, the burn and pull of muscle. Images of riding hard through the woods and joy of that moment. The turmoil of her mind began to relent and he could feel her finally begin to fall into deep sleep.

It was shameful, entering her mind in this way, manipulating her thoughts. To do such things to one unawares was a disgrace. But it had been necessary in this instance.

This was a lie of course. A vain and selfish effort to ease his guilt.

He moved quietly through the dark rooms. He had sat up through the night and washed some of her clothing for the morning. He hoped that her class would be casual tomorrow as all she had were the jeans and shirts selected for hiking. But they would be clean at least. He clicked on the coffee maker. She would be waking up soon and he wanted her to have her comforts. Especially since he would not be there when she woke. He grabbed his keys and stepped into the elevator.

He walked out onto the steps of the brownstone and into the dim morning light. He looked up to the windows of his bedroom. If he listened carefully he could hear her breathing, the soft slow inhale and gentle sigh of release. He pushed down the urge to return to that bed and wake her in a way that would be far more satisfying that coffee ever could. The memory of that night played again in his mind.

The softness of her skin contradicted the heat that came from her person. Indeed, Aegnor had felt as if he were playing with fire as he stumbled clumsily around with her that night. He had felt the fool on several occasions as his hands fumbled and shook like some nervous child. Perhaps he should have been concerned at how easily she had taken control. But then her legs had wrapped around him and any and all coherent thought fled rather quickly. It had already been difficult to keep himself from her prior to this, now it was impossible. She was glorious, and when he looked into her eyes he could see his own light entwined with hers within. The bond they now shared only emphasized that. But then, the bond emphasized many things, something he used it to his advantage that following morning and again later that day.

But that was not all that came through.

Her thoughts and emotions came at him relentlessly, sometimes so loud it was as if she were speaking. She did not have the skills or knowledge to mask them, and so they would wash over him in waves. Even Aegnor found himself struggling to navigate. She was able to pick up on his feelings as well, although she did not realize it. He had to be careful. It was not fair to Andrea to have such an intimate awareness of her thoughts and feelings without her knowledge. And it was not fair for her to carry the additional burden of his own emotions along with her own. It was something Aegnor would have to remedy and remedy soon.

He knew he should not have done what he did. He should have stopped it from going any further. Told her everything no matter how insane it would sound. To take another in such a way was a sacrilege, a sin against the purity of the bond. He would pay a price of course. And rightfully so.

But it had been worth it.

It had been a beautiful weekend. Almost perfect. Almost.

Aegnor walked swiftly down the sidewalk, deftly weaving through the early morning crowd starting their commute. In truth it was not that difficult for Aegnor to make his way. Anyone who was coming towards him would simply take one look at the black cloud of anger that was his face and moved quickly in the opposite direction. The wrath of the Eldar had always been a frightful thing to behold.

And he was furious.

He was angry at many things in truth, but since he was not yet ready to face his own faults, it seemed easier to simply blame his cousin. Carnistir. That bastard.

He had been distracted. He was so focused on Andrea, on her staying with him that evening, that he never even picked up on Carnistir's presence. He never even noticed him until he looked past Andrea and into the dark living room and saw him reclining in the large chair, his legs stretched out and his boots on the table. Aegnor had not been able to hide his surprise, something that had pleased Carnistir to no end. He had simply sat there, in Aegnor's chair with that lazy satisfied smile of his, something that had infuriated Aegnor to no end.

Oh he was furious.

A white ball of rage bloomed in his chest as the blood rushed up his neck and into his face, causing it to burn. Had Andrea not been standing between them he would have grabbed Carnistir by his throat and thrown him from the building himself. But Andrea had been standing between them, and so he contained his anger as best he could. But then Carnistir's attention had turned to Andrea and before Aegnor could move her from between them, his cousin was up and across the room. Aegnor had watched as Carnistir had looked into Andrea's eyes, and then he turned his gaze to Aegnor. Carnistir's eyes twinkled with mirth, his smile wicked.

He knew. Of course he would know. He had looked into her eyes and saw Aegnor's own light within. Carnistir's voice whispered gleefully through Aegnor's mind.

"You did it! You actually did it! You completed the bond with her you naughty little monkey!"

"Get out of my mind Carnistir," Aegnor's voice hissed back.

"Oh certainly", his voice giggled in reply, "I would simply love to have this conversation out loud …"

"Damn you Carnistir, if you –" Aegnor did not finish his thought for Andrea's voice spoke up between them and Carnistir smile widened.

"A moment if you please," Carnistir's voice cooed through Aegnor's mind as he turned to Andrea.

"Yes my darling," he had purred, "cousins."

For Aegnor, that was the final straw. He gave a quick apology to Andrea as he grabbed Carnistir by the arm and whisked him across the room.

"What the hell do you want?" Aegnor growled in quenya, desperately trying to keep his voice from raising to a shout.

"Why, simply trying to get to know my new in-law Aegnor," Carnistir blinked innocently, his quenya smooth and innocuous, "like any dutiful relation would."

"I am not in the mood for your games Carnistir," Aegnor snapped. "If there is a purpose to your breaking into my home then I suggest you get to it, otherwise leave."

"You know," Carnistir sniffed, "usually after one creates the bond they tend to be much less … tense. But then, you have been waiting an unusually long time …"

"That's it –" Aegnor grabbed his arm once more, this time with the intention of getting him to the elevator.

"Wait, wait," Carnistir protested, his hands raised as if in surrender, "I will stop, I promise, please. It just so happens I need your help so … I am sorry. Please."

Aegnor looked at his cousin and his brow furrowed slightly, his mouth pressed in to a thin line. It may have been the first time Aegnor had ever heard that word come out of his cousin's mouth. Please. Carnistir took that as a sign to continue.

"I believe something is stirring, across the sea to the east. I had tracked it once before but it turned out to be more formidable that I had anticipated and the weapons I had were not capable of dispatching it. You had said that you had collected many artifacts and I was hoping that you may have something in your collection that could help …" Carnistir paused and it seemed to Aegnor that he struggled to say the words. "And I was hoping you might join me."

Aegnor blinked. "Join you?"

Carnistir sighed. "As I said, it turned out to be much more formidable than anticipated. We thought, well, Hayley thought that perhaps it would good for me to bring someone else with experience with this sort of thing … not that your last experience ended so well but," Carnistir raised his hands as Aegnor reached for him once more to show him the exit, "this time I happened to agree. So here I am, asking for your … company on this."

Aegnor looked at him, his eyes narrowing. "You need my help."

"I do not need your help." he huffed indignantly. "This is for Hayley's comfort, not mine. It would be a sort of … assistant type of … thing …."

Aegnor did not speak. Carnistir sighed.

"Just think about it. Meet me in the morning for coffee, same place as before. I promise to be civil." Carnistir gave him a wicked grin. "And you know how I good I am about keeping my promises." Carnistir's face slid from mischievous to one of exasperation when Aegnor gave no response. "It was a joke Aegnor."

Aegnor did not think it was funny. He opened his mouth to tell Carnistir just what he could do with the assistant position he was offering him when a single thought suddenly scorched through his mind.

He will break your heart

The thought slammed into Aegnor's very being, causing him to stagger back a step. He looked over to Andrea.

"No," he gasped.

He crossed the room in two swift steps, catching Andrea in his arms as she slumped forward.

Why should you love me, and yet set this gulf between us ….

The words dug into Aegnor's mind, rending their way across the bond, ripping at his consciousness.

"No, no," Aegnor breathed as he wrapped one arm around her waist while the other cradled the back of her head. "Andrea, Andrea look at me," he said, his voice sounded hoarse to his ears as he struggled to control his panic. Her eyes had taken on a faraway look and a single tear slowly trailed down her cheek. An image of woman on her knees, her hands covering her face as she wept came through the bond. "Andreth," he pleaded, "look at me please! I am here."

"Oh dear," a voice drawled lazily from behind him, "is she regressing?"

Aegnor fought back the swell of panic tinged with anger that threatened to lash out. He glanced over his shoulder to see Carnistir leaning casually against the kitchen island as he peeked over Aegnor's shoulder.

"What are you talking about," he growled as he turned his attention back to Andrea.

"Regression, backsliding," Carnistir articulated each word as if he were talking to a child, "having a relapse in memories. I told you this would become more recurrent once the bond was made." A vague memory of Carnistir relaying this warning flitted in the back of Aegnor's mind. "Her senses are heightened," Carnistir continued, nonchalantly picking at his nails, "she is especially sensitive to you. Instead of panicking and using the name from another life time, use the bond. Remind her theses are just memories of a life long past."

Aegnor's mind raced. He could feel the bond of course, it practically throbbed with her pain, her memories. He could see her, see Andreth, see the moment her face fell when he told her he was not the one for her. He could see her, as she fell to her knees as he walked away.

"I … I can't," he rasped, struggling to fight with the emotion that stormed through the bond. "I … she … does not know."

Aegnor could feel Carnistir's eyes as they bore into the back of his head.

"What do you mean 'she does not know'."

"I mean she does not know about the bond!" Aegnor snapped. "Everything happened so fast, there was no opportunity. I … she … we just, there just was no time … and I did not tell her …"

Aegnor's voice trailed off and was met with silence.

In the grand scheme of things, the silence that Aegnor met with more than likely did not go any longer than a few seconds. To Aegnor it was an eternity.

And then the laughter began.

"You did not tell her?" Carnistir hooted behind him. "The valiant, dutiful, magnanimous Aikanáro Ambaráto Arafinwëan, did not tell her? And your reasoning is that there was not time? Oh this is too good."

Aegnor did turn around this time and could not help but cringe. Carnistir was doubled over with laughter, one hand holding onto the island while the other pressed to his knee. Had he not been holding onto Andrea he would have thrown him out the window. He opened his mouth to tell Carnistir to leave when he felt a change in the bond, like a fluttering of consciousness.

"Andreth," he whispered absently, his concern returning.

"That is not her name you fool. Gods Aikanáro, you really screwed the proverbial pooch on this one," Carnistir sneered behind him.

Aegnor wanted to tell his cousin exactly where he could do with himself. He wanted to get up and thrash him solidly around the room. But the realization of just what he had done, the shame he felt at his actions, the awareness of Carnistir being right to mock him crashed down around him.

"Will you just go," was all he could muster.

Perhaps Carnistir could sense the undisputed victory and Aegnor's surrender to defeat because he stopped his gloating.

"I am only trying to help," he sighed, his voice cool. "She will be fine. I, however, will need and answer soon. You know how to reach me."

And with that, he left Aegnor to pick up the pieces.

Aegnor's footsteps faltered for a second as he rounded the corner and made his way down the next block. There were just so many pieces to pick up.

He had no one to blame other than himself. He would love to blame what happened to Andrea last night on Carnistir of course. Had he not been there then perhaps nothing would have happened. At least not so soon anyway. But Aegnor knew it would have happened eventually. And, according to his cousin it could be only the beginning. He had meant to tell her. He wanted to tell her with all of his heart, with all that he was, as pathetic as that is at the moment. But broaching the subject had become far more complicated after the weekend. Not that it had not already been so. How does one tell another that they are a centuries old being whose people had left the land ages ago while he made the choice to return from a self-imposed exile in hell to wander the earth?

Aegnor came to a stop in front of the alley to Freemans. Carnistir's motorcycle was already parked outside. Aegnor made his way down the alley and walked through the door.

The clinking of silverware and glass echoed through the empty café as the one or two employees who were responsible for the morning prep went about their business. A quick scan revealed Carnistir at the back of the room lounging at a table, idly stirring one of the two cups of coffee before him. One of the employees, a younger man with his hair pulled back in a bun, made to stop Aegnor at the door till Carnistir called out.

"It's alright Michael, he's with me."

Michael with the bun gave Aegnor a cursory nod and went about his business. Aegnor walked to the table and took the seat across from Carnistir. Carnistir said nothing as Aegnor took his seat. He simply stopped stirring his coffee, tapping the spoon twice on the rim before setting it off to the side as he sipped delicately from his cup. To anyone else, Carnistir's face would reveal nothing. To anyone else, they would simply see the banal expression that Carnistir had mastered in their youth. But Aegnor knew better. Aegnor could see so much more. And as he looked into his cousin's eyes, eyes that never left Aegnor's as he sat down, he could see them almost crackle with glee. The muscle in Aegnor's jaw twitched as he concentrated on maintaining control.

Carnistir set down his coffee with a satisfied sigh and leaned back into his seat, a slow smug smile crept across his face as he blinked lazily at Aegnor. This is punishment Aegnor realized. This is his punishment sent from the Valar for what he had done. It seemed fitting considering there was nothing more torturous than having to deal with his cousin. Still, there were matters that needed to be addresses before purgatory began.

"Do not ever enter my home uninvited again Carnistir," Aegnor growled quietly in Quenya. "The next time I will not be so welcoming."

A look of feigned contrition came over Carnistir's face. "Oh, of course, forgive me. But you must know I would never have done such a thing if it were not a matter of utmost urgency. Which reminds me," he clicked his tongue as he picking up his coffee once more, "you really should lock your windows Aegnor. Anyone could get in there and you have so many nice things. Have you ever considered an alarm?" He blinked innocuously at Aegnor over his cup.

Aegnor's teeth clenched. He refused to let himself be baited. "I will take that under advisement."

"Oh good," Carnistir chirped. "So, what shall we talk about?"

Aegnor leaned back in his own seat as he drummed his fingers on the table. "Really Carnistir, why do you insist on trying to torment me?"

"Oh no," Carnistir barked out a laugh, "you do not require my help with that. You do quite well on your own."

Aegnor could not really argue with that.

"So I have something you need then? Is that not what you said? Some item to help you?"

Carnistir's eyes glinted as he considered Aegnor for a moment. His head tilted to the side, small banal little smirk on his face. He set his coffee on the table and leaned back once more in his chair, lacing his fingers across his chest.

"Very well then," he sighed. "Are you aware you have weapons that were forged by Telchar in your collection?"

"I had my suspicions," Aegnor replied as he poured cream into his own cup as he stirred it idly.

"Well suspect no longer. They are most certainly dwarvish in make and have his mark on them. You even have some Noldorin weapons in that little cache of yours. First age weapons and some, I believe, crafted by Telperinquar."

Aegnor's eyebrows raised slightly at that. "Interesting," he mumbled almost to himself, "it would explain their sustained condition."

"Indeed," Carnistir agreed. "It would most likely take minimal effort on one's part with the proper knowledge to bring them to working condition."

"And I suppose you wish to use one of these?"

"You suppose correctly. One in weapon in particular. One with a black blade."

Aegnor paused with his coffe cup halfway to his lips to look at Carnistir. He knew of which blade his cousin spoke of. He slowly set his coffee back onto the table.

"Not that blade Carnistir. That blade is … tainted."

"Oh I would imagine it is. It was forged by one even blacker than the blade itself. Pure malice that one. Puts me to shame."

"That blade is no joking matter Carnistir. There are times when I am certain it is aware. How did you find it? I had that locked up in a case that was sealed in a safe."

"How could I not find it," Carnistir muttered, "it practically called to me. How do you not hear it? And where did you find it?"

"I ignore it." Aegnor sipped at his coffee. "I found it in the residence of a young captain in Louyang, China. Cao Cao was his formal name, but he was known more commonly as Mengde by those close to him. How he had come in possession of the sword I do not know, but he must have been able to sense some trace of its malevolence for he had it locked away in a case that was covered with symbols and spells to contain it. The incantations did nothing of course, other than to give some comfort for those who possessed it. But I recognized it immediately, without even seeing it, because it called to me in Sindarin." A chill had come over Aegnor at the memory despite the jacket he wore. "It was not difficult to get Mengde to part with it. I believe its enmity may know no bounds." He looked at Carnistir. "I do not know the history of this sword Carnistir, but it must be dark. Surely there is something else that can help you."

"I suppose I could use something else," Carnistir shrugged, "but as I am almost certain I have faces this foe before, I feel that I may need something a little extra this time around."

"This is no ordinary blade," chided Aegnor. "It is not a toy."

"I know," Carnistir sniffed indignantly, "but like will, at times, call to like. And this is no ordinary enemy."

"Just what is this thing you are hunting?"

"Something … ancient. Perhaps not nearly as ancient as you and I, but close. How it has been able to remain is beyond me. Some form of dark magic I'm sure. But I mean to be rid of her this time." Carnistir gave Aegnor a pointed look. "And I could use some help."

"Are you so desperate?" Aegnor practically snorted as he sipped from his cup.

Carnistir shrugged. "This is no ordinary enemy. And you do have some experience with this, or at least you did, once. Hayley is capable but I feel this –"

Aegnor almost spat out his coffee. "You would bring her to something like this," he coughed.

"How could I not bring her," Carnistir affirmed completely nonplussed. "She would not have it otherwise. Oh don't give me that look Aegnor. I do not keep anything from her nor do I force her to do anything she does not wish to do. She is of her own mind and I would not have it any other way. She is not stupid, she knows her limits. She is mortal and is smart enough to know when to run and I do not seek to put her in unnecessary danger. But there have been situations when I might not have made it out without her assistance. Something she has been more than happy to point out to me on numerous occasions."

"That is dangerous Carnistir. Smart enough or no, she could still be killed."

"She is her own woman," he snapped, "and is capable of weighing the risks, as am I. Why do you think I am here now talking to you. I would never put her in danger willingly."

"While I, on the other hand …"

"Are expendable, yes."

Aegnor glared at Carnistir. "Touching."

"I am not the one who started this little tête-á-tête. You asked and I answered, and honestly I might add. I just so happen to agree with you on this one thing. She should not accompany me ever, as far as I am concerned. By all means, feel free to tell her this. I would love to see that conversation go down. But be warned, she is no shrinking violet."

Aegnor thought of the tiny dark haired girl with the purple streaks in her hair. He remembered how she stared unflinchingly into his eyes, her silent challenge had come across clear. He had to agree with that assessment.

"But," Carnistir continued, "as I said, she is smart. And she knows this time her help will not be enough. And that her presence could also be a danger. And so she suggested I talk to you."

Aegnor blinked. "She suggested?"

"Yes," he sniffed. "She seems to think you are … ugh, genuine and can be trusted. She … insisted I at least ask you."

It was Aegnor's turn to smirk. "That must have been painful."

"Yes, since you ask, it was rather unpleasant. But if it keeps her from certain death, I am willing to swallow my pride." Carnistir paused. He looked at Aegnor, the mocking sneer gone, his eyes earnest, open and, if Aegnor did not know better, pleading. "If you do not come, she will insist on going in with me, to meet this thing. And if she does, I do not know if she will come out alive."

Aegnor tapped his fingers on the table as he studied Carnistir. Carnistir waited patiently.

"I would go as an equal …" Aegnor said.

"Of course."

"Not as your assistant …"

"No."

"Or some lacky to do your biding."

"Never."

"And any suggestions I make …"

"Will be given due consideration, you have my word," Carnistir reassured. "But keep in mind, I have been doing this longer than you." He threw his hands in the air when Aegnor shot him a look. "Just throwing that out there," he said innocently.

Aegnor raked his fingers through his hair before rubbing at his chin as he considered Carnistir. With a sigh he dropped his hand into his lap. "Alright. I will go."

"Excellent! We leave in a week."

"A week?" exclaimed Aegnor.

"You need longer? Hmm, I suppose you might be right. When was the last time you took up a sword?"

"Now what does that mean," Aegnor huffed.

"It means, it has been some time since swords were the fashion and I would imagine you are in need of some practice, yes?"

Aegnor grimaced. It has been sometime since he last wielded a weapon.

"That is what I thought," Carnistir smirked. "I suppose we can push the date back a bit for some practice. There is a gym that Hayley spars at that we may be able to access afterhours."

Aegnor rolled his eyes. "Very well."

"Good!" Carnistir beamed. "It's settled then."

Aegnor simply nodded. They sat there in silence, Carnistir was still smiling as Aegnor sipped once more from his now cold coffee. Carnistir leaned forward to rest both elbows on the table, his chin resting in his hands.

"So," he purred, "how's Andrea?"

Aegnor's mouth became a thin line. "She is fine," he relied quietly.

"Oh good. So, will she be joining us then? Hayley will be so excited to have someone other than us big stinky males around. You know, someone she has something in common with. In-laws!"

The mocking chirpy tone to Carnistir's voice caused Aegnor to ball his hands into tight fists and his jaw to clench once more. He immediately regretted agreeing to help. He released a very tightly controlled breath.

"I am not going to have this discussion with you Carnistir. You are not to bring this up at all while on this trip."

"Me? Never!" gasped Carnistir. "I can't make any promises about Hayley though."

Aegnor's eyes went wide. He had not thought of that, the fact that Andrea and Hayley were friends. The possibility of anyone other than Carnistir telling Andrea what had happened had never even crossed his mind. What had Carnistir already told her? Hayley had been able to tell what he was the night he first saw Carnistir at the bar, would she see this as well?

"What have you told her?"

Carnistir waved his hand dismissively. "You needn't worry yourself about me. I have said nothing nor do I intend too. This is your mess to deal with and none of my concern. Although," that wicked smile spread once more across his face, "I would love to know how you are going to explain this one."

Aegnor stood up.

"You are right Carnistir. It is none of your concern." He turned and walked to the door only to be followed by Carnistir's voice sing-songing from behind him.

"I'll call you!"

Aegnor cringed and wondered just what he had agreed too.