Aegnor slowly paced the length of the great hall. A fortnight has passed since they had come to Doriath but they had not been permitted to cross within the borders till three days ago. And once in they were made to wait in the great halls of Menegroth at the king's leisure. Finrod had warned that this may the case when they arrived and had advised patience for their part. It will not be easy for the king to accept so many new great princes and lords in his realm. Patience was key.

Aegnor had to admit that Menegroth was could quite impressive. The Noldo in him could not help but admire the skill involved, made all the more impressive being done by Moriquendi. Their ability to shape the stone could almost be on par with more than a few students of Aulë. The room he stood in was a display of opulence. Gold and mithril winked and glittered along the walls lining statues and figures carved within the stone walls, looking as if it had been woven within. Rich murals were draped along the walkways, many telling the story of the King and his Queen. Or perhaps the Queen and her King was more appropriate since it seemed it was her favor that was necessary to be granted an audience.

Aegnor silently chided his arrogance. The face that they had not only survived but thrived here in the wilds for as long and as well as they have with the constant threat and evils of Morgoth was no small feat. He has led the people well, even without the guidance of the Ainur. But then, they did have the gift of their Queen to guide them properly as well. It was more than likely the Queen was the reason they were far more refined than their Laiquendi cousins.

And she was a sight to behold.

Aegnor had only been in her presence for a brief time when they first came to the hall, but it was something he would remember. It had been said that out of all the Maia who dwelt in the gardens of Lorien, there were none as fair as Melian. Upon seeing her, Aegnor knew this to be true. She taught the nightingale their song and may have even inspired Yavanna herself. She had stood on the dais above them next to Thingol, her hand lay lightly atop his as they approached. Long midnight black hair fell about her shoulders, framing delicate features and skin paler that moonlight on the water. But it was her eyes that struck at Aegnor the most, for he could see the light of Aman within. An ancient wisdom and infinite knowledge. A light that not even the King had.

It was not till the doors of the great hall slowly closed with a great thud, separating him from his brother and the Queen's gaze that he realized he had noticed nothing else. Now, with the great gilded doors shuttered between him and his brother, it seemed to him that her gaze had held a coldness as well. A calculating coldness, one that studied, weighed and measured.

Aegnor shook his head and pushed back the wave of paranoia. It was something he found himself doing a lot as of late. Ever since they had arrived. Ever since the crossing. He fought the urge to shiver and turned his attention back to the door. Besides it was not fair for him to judge the Queen so harshly. All of the Maia were a bit quirky in their own strange way. Was it really that surprising that she was not that different?

The thick wooden doors stood tall and imposing before him. Angrod had been in there for quite a while. Although it was hard to tell the time within these halls. Aegnor had to admit that being within the ground and away from the sky was more than just a little disconcerting. He could not help but wonder if he would be stranded out here, waiting for an indeterminate amount of time, much like how Thingol's people had waited for him all those ages ago.

Aegnor had just set himself down on one of the ornate gold benches that lined the hall when the doors began to slowly swing open. Angrod walked through the great doors and over to where Aegnor was now standing.

"It is done. Let us be off," he said, never breaking his stride.

Aegnor spared a quick glance back at the doors as they closed once more before walking quickly after his brother.

"Well?" he asked once he had caught up. "What was said?"

"We have been given leave to dwell in Hithlum and Dorthonion and the lands east of Doriath that are still empty and wild. But no lord of the Noldor may claim dominion over any of the peoples that are already living there nor restrain their freedoms in anyway."

"That is quite generous … right?" Aegnor hesitated. Something in Angrod's expression troubled him.

"None are allowed entry to Doriath save those he deems as guest or in great need. He is the Lord of Beleriand and we are to acknowledge that."

"Understandable," Aegnor said with a nod, "and still quite generous considering all that has happened …"

As they came to the Grand Entrance to the Great Hall, Angrod came to an abrupt halt. Aegnor stumbled slightly to avoid running into his brother.

"I said nothing of Alqualondë, the exhile, nor the oath."

Aegnor stood there stunned. "That is no small detail brother," he finally said.

Angrod sighed and turned to Aegnor. "That is done and past. We have moved on from that. Maedhros has more than made amends, for their sins and their father's. All griefs are now forgiven, therefore there is no reason to dwell."

Aegnor listened as his brother spoke. He could hear in Angrod's voice that he believed this. And perhaps he was right. Maedhros had abdicated the crown in favor of Fingolfin, waiving his claim in reparations and thanks. A righteous act and proper. And had not Fingolfin himself said no grievance lay between them and that their people were one again?

He supposed that he would just have to make sure there would be no discord. Of couse, if there were to be discord, it would not be from his House or the House of Fingolfin.

No, he would not go into this in the negative before they began. This was to be a new start. They would all have their own realm from which to rule. Certainly that would satisfy even the most unruly of his cousins. Angrod was right. There was no longer a reason to dwell.

"Of course," he replied reassuringly to Angrod. "Of course it is as you say."

Some of the tension in his brother seemed to ease slightly, as if he needed some confirmation that he had indeed done right. Angrod had always been true and wise of heart. This was right.

And yet the eyes of Melian still haunted him.

Andrea set the kitten down in the box. It mewled in protest for several seconds before burying its face against its siblings. She lay the blanket over them for warmth and turned. Agner sat up in the bed clicking away at his laptop. His long legs were stretched out before him, one foot crossed over the other as he typed. He was shirtless, in nothing but his jeans. But that was partly her fault since she was the one who was currently wearing his shirt.

His hair sat mussed atop his head, again something she was responsible for. A lock of hair was casually tucked behind an angled ear. She wondered how she could have ever thought that strange. Had she felt that way at one time? Not that it mattered any more. She could not imagine him any other way. It was all a part of the perfection for her. It was all too easy for her to get lost for hours just staring at him. The line of his jaw, the soft spot at the base of his throat, the gentle rise and fall of his chest. Would she ever tire of it she wondered. No, she would not. It was far more likely that he would tire of her first.

Agner looked up at her, the clicking on the keyboard coming to an abrupt stop. She felt a familiar rush of heat race throughout her body when he looked at her. Her emotions tended to ball up into a tight knot that she would have to tamp down in the back of her head whenever he looked at her that way. Whenever he looked at her in any way, to be honest. She would become so suddenly aware of him at times that she was certain she could find him no matter what the distance was between them.

Agner reached up and slowly closed the laptop before setting it on the side table next to the bed. When that was done, he sat back and rested his hands, fingers laced together across his chest and smiled.

Andrea could feel her face become warm. She had been standing there staring at him as if he were some piece of meat. She really was becoming pathetic. Andrea grinned and hopped onto the bed. She tucked her body up against his and nuzzled her face against his neck as he wrapped an arm around her.

"Careful now," he chuckled and adjusted slightly against her.

"Sorry," she mumbled against his throat. She entangled a leg around his in an attempt to sink even deeper into his warmth.

"Your charges are settled for the night?"

"Mmm," she sighed. His heart set a nice rhythm for her to relax to. She closed her eyes as Agner threaded her hair through his fingers.

"You could just keep them."

"Mmm?"

"The kittens," Agner repeated, "you could just keep them."

"Ah, not likely. Kate isn't really into the idea. Besides, we would have to pay a deposit and all that hassle."

"I see," Agner said as he curled a strand of her hair around his finger. "You could move."

Andrea gave a little laugh. "You make it sound so easy."

"It's not?" Agner asked.

Andrea tilted her head slightly so she could look up at Agner with half lidded eyes. "No it's not. It's not like housing is at a premium around here. And no matter where you go there is some sort of deposit."

"Not here."

Andrea blinked. "Here?"

"Yes here," Agner met Andrea's gaze, "there is no deposit, no security fees, plenty of space. You could have all the kittens you like. No charge."

"Agner I couldn't live here," Andrea laughed. "I mean, I just can't –"

"Why not?" he interrupted. "It's not as if I am lacking for space. It would be a bit longer trek for you to campus of course but I think it could be managed. You could have your own room if you wish it, although I have to admit I was hoping you would stay in this one."

Andrea could only stare at Agner, his eyes kept her from looking anywhere else. He wanted this. This was no empty offer, he meant what he said. And, in truth, Andrea wanted it as well. She need to be near him would overwhelm her at times. He soothed her, it was as if nothing really matter and it all made sense. It was an absurd thought of course. Things like this did not happen.

Did they?

"I don't know Agner. I mean I would have to buy my way out of my lease. Not to mention losing all of my utilities and security deposit. Not to mention the parking space I rent. And then there is Kate. I mean, what about her? I can't just leave her like that. There is no way she would be able to afford that place on her own."

Agner had simply watched her as she rambled, his bright grey eyes never left her face. But Andrea could feel the subtle change in his demeanor, the slight stiffening of his person. The little ball of emotion in the back of her head seemed to pulse slightly with anxiety. She had not been her intention to hurt him. She sat up, turning her body so that she sat on her knees, facing him on the bed.

"Don't get me wrong Agner. I would love to stay here, with you, in your gorgeous little brownstone. It's just that, well … I just think that I need to have a place of my own. A place I can go, you know, in case we get sick of each other or something." Andrea had laughed as she said that last part but it had only been an attempt to hide the fact that she struggled with the urge to beg he would never get sick of her.

Agner sat up, his bright eyes still locked on hers, he cupped her face in his hands.

"Andrea, I will never grow tired of you." He leaned in and kissed the corners of her mouth. "Keep your place," he kissed both of her cheeks, "and stay here whenever you wish or," he began to leave a trail of kissed down the side of her neck as he pulled her to him, "stay at least six nights of the week."

"Only six?" Andrea said with a low throaty laugh as she allowed Agner to pull her on top of him. It was hard to think while he kissed her into a stupor. He rolled her over him to where they lay facing each other on their sides as he worked his mouth down her neck. She wrestled her thoughts together.

"At least," Agner repeated, his voice low and his breath warm on her skin.

"Hey," Andrea found her body involuntarily arching to his touch, "was that what you wanted to ask me?"

"What?" Agner's voice sounded muffled from where left a line of kisses along her collar bone while his hand traced lazy circles along the inside of Andrea's thigh.

"Moving in with you. When you came over you said you had a favor to ask. Was that it?"

Agner stopped kissing her then as he leaned his head against his hand to look at her where she lay, his hand continued to draw along her legs causing her skin to prickle.

"Ah, no. That was not what I was going to ask," he spoke as if reminded of something tedious that needed doing. "I was going to ask about your cabin."

"The cabin," she practically sighed. The light tracing of his fingers along her skin reducing her coherency by the second.

"Yes. I was wondering if it might be possible to use it, briefly, one weekend."

"Hey, that's a great idea," Andrea suddenly perked up, her eyes going wide. "I could take one of the kittens to the farm. Carolyn has been saying that she needs one for the barn. This is perfect! I'll call her right now."

Andrea moved to jump off the bed only to be halted by Agner's hand on her arm.

"Actually, I need to go alone. Well not alone, but without you. Not because I do not want you there. I do, very much. But I was going to go … with my cousin. Cirian."

Andrea looked at Agner, her brows arching. "Your cousin?"

"We would not be there long. We would hardly be there at all actually. Just more of a stopover really. A sort home base, if you will. You remember I had told you he had asked for my help well … I decided to help him."

"Your cousin," Andrea repeated as she considered Agner thoughtfully. "I think that is a good idea."

"You do?"

"Yes, I do." Andrea layed back down on her side and looked at him. "I mean, you hardly ever talk about your family, even though I know you miss them. And now, after however long you just happen to run into your cousin. Maybe this was meant to be. And while I am not so sure if this cousin is the best one to reconnect with, I still think you should reconnect." She reached up and tucked a lock of hair behind his ear. "You miss your family, don't you?"

"Yes," he whispered.

"Then go," she whispered back. It was her turn now to kiss him. A light, feathery brushing of her lips against his as she spoke. "Help out your cousin and find your family again." She traced her finger along his lips and across the line of his jaw. "Just make sure you don't trash the place and," Andrea grinned, "no girls."

Agner turned his face into her palm and planted a kiss in its curvature. "Only you. There will only ever be you."

Andrea felt her body react to his mouth against her palm. He had that way about him. The most banal of gestures could provoke a reaction. He meant what he said of course. She knew he meant every word with every ounce of her being, but as to how or why she could not say. It was difficult to understand. Almost as difficult as understanding just what made her so special to him.

Agner pulled her to him suddenly and rolled, taking Andrea with him until she lay full under him. His eyes burned with that fire that she had come to know so well. The one that threatened to consume her.

"Why do you continue to believe yourself unworthy?" Agner asked, his voice a low whisper.

An annoying trick of his, knowing just what she was thinking. Her hand wandered up his shoulder and up his neck till it rested at the back of his head, twining her fingers in his hair. A familiar heat began to simmer restlessly in her veins.

"Oh I'm worthy alright," her own voice a low purr. "I just never knew I could be worthy of the most wonderful man ever."

Agner blinked and his eyes became dark. "Andrea, there is something I need to tell you …"

But as Agner spoke, Andrea shifted as well. Her thighs opened so that Agner sank against her. He gasped and stilled as they both became aware of his body's reaction to her. Andrea smiled. He may be able to read her well but she still had her own little tricks as well. She began to track kisses up his neck to his ear and then along his jaw as her fingers traced his ribs.

"Andrea …" Agner gasped. He groaned low in his throat as her mouth captured his.

Yes. She certainly had her own little tricks. She grasped him them pulling him in so deep within that neither of them knew where one ends and the other begins.

Aegnor had risen that morning with Andrea as she left for campus. He had offered to take her but she insisted on the subway, finding the time it took on the train an opportunity to relax before the hustle of the day. She could sit, listen to her music and read. It was easy to lose one's self on the commute. Something she did not mind.

He had kissed her goodbye, promising to see after the kittens as she promised to return that evening. After a quick stop at her place to retrieve a few things first. It would be a lie to say that Aegnor was not disappointed at her choice not to move in with him. But then, he supposed it made sense as well. Andrea was not pressed by time in the same manner than he was. A funny thing to say about one who is immortal, but time moved differently for Aegnor. For her, she had her entire life ahead of her but for him it was a mere blink in time. His need to maximize every moment was making him desperate. While he may have found the spirit of Andreth within Andrea, Andrea was still a woman of this time. Capable of prioritizing her life and needs accordingly with her independence. He had to tread carefully. This was not a woman who needed his protection. Indeed, push her hard enough and this could become a woman who did not need him.

The very thought chilled him to the bone.

He had to talk to her and it had to be soon. If only her methods of distraction were not so … effective.

He walked across living area of his apartment to where the cardboard box sat. Midmorning sunlight poured through the windows and into the box where three little fat mewling kittens scrambled over each other in their attempt to get out. Not quite big enough to climb out and yet not small enough to remain cooped up in a box with a blanket. Aegnor reached down and grabbed the black and white one, - Ralph was it? -, by the scruff of the neck and studied him.

"What on earth do you have?"

Aegnor looked up to see Carnistir already halfway through is window. He scowled at his cousin.

"I have a proper entrance you know," he huffed a bit too peevishly for his taste.

"You have an elevator, a private one I might add. One that I do not have a key too. Are you planning to give me one?"

"No," Aegnor flatly replied.

"Then I do what I must," Carnistir shrugged. He climbed the rest of the way in and closed the window behind him. "Besides, I did tell you to start locking these things. The city can be dangerous Aegnor, heavens know who might be walking the streets."

Aegnor gave a little snort as he tucked the kitten into the crook of his arm. "We are set to use the cabin if we wish, although I must admit I do not know why. We would be perfectly fine to stay outside in the rough."

"Oh we will," Carnister sighed as he shrugged out of his jacket, "but I must admit that I have become accustomed to the convenience of a readily warm shower. This age has spoiled me that way." He plopped down on the sofa and set his feet up on the table, one large black boot crossed over the other. "Well?"

Aegnor glared at his cousin's feet on his table. "Well what," he snapped back.

If Carnistir was bothered he did not show it. He simply pointed at the tiny black and white kitten.

"It is a kitten Carnistir," Aegnor grumbled as he set little Ralph gently back in the box.

"I can see it is a kitten," Carnistir deadpanned, "what are you doing with it?"

"I am not doing anything with it," Aegnor sighed as he straightened. "Andrea found them. Apparently a stray cat has started hanging around her apartment. For whatever reason it abandoned its kittens and she took them in."

As Aegnor spoke Carnistir's gaze narrowed. He stood up suddenly and crossed over to where Aegnor stood study the box and its occupants.

"How very altruistic of her," he replied.

Aegnor felt a cold chill travel up his spine as his cousin peered intently at the box. "Coincidence?" Aegnor asked, looking at Carnistir.

"I don't know," Carnistir answered after a moment with a shake of his head. "It could be but it would be best, I think, to assume not. This changes things."

The tiny chill Aegnor had felt earlier sparked into dread, building quickly within him. "What do you mean Carnistir," he growled, stepping closer to his cousin. "Is Andrea in some sort of danger now? She should not even be involved. Just what does it change?"

"I said I don't know," Carnistir snapped, "it may be nothing or it could be something. The only thing it changes for me is the time line. We should go now."

"Now?"

"Yes now," Carnistir shot back. "Do you have somewhere else to be? Today at least. Hopefully find what we need and get back as soon as possible."

"And just what are we looking for?" Aegnor demanded.

"We will know when we get there."

Aegnor had been quite put out by Carnistir's overly dramatic and annoyingly cryptic reply, but felt the sooner they were done with this the better.

Andrea had been somewhat surprised at their haste but had told him where he could find a key and reminded him once again that no girls were allowed.

"I have called ahead and let Ms. Carolyn know you would be bringing a kitten by," she had told him after he had come by to see her on campus. "She'll be expecting you."

"Andrea," Aegnor took her hand and pulled her close to him, "when I return, there is something that I really must discuss with you. Something that I need to tell you. It is important."

Aegnor had masked the bond. Not an easy task with how close she was to him but he could not trust his emotions not to betray his fear. He was resolved to tell her the truth of who he is, regardless of the cost. His love for her demanded it be so. To lie to her in this way was heresy of the highest order. The trusting way she looked at him only drove it home all the more.

She had been amused when he had insisted that she stay at his place while he was gone. He told her that Kate was more than welcome to come and stay with her if she would like and if Kate could not then perhaps she could call Carnistir's, no Cirian's, much better half Hayley. Andrea had been surprised to find that Hayley and Cirian were a couple while Aegnor had been surprised he had forgotten to mention it.

They had arrived at the cabin in the late hours of the night, or the wee hours of the morning, depending on how you looked at it. They had taken Carnistir's Land Rover after Carnistir had laughed himself to tears at the sight of Aegnor's Tesla. It was dawn by the time they finished dropping off the belongings Aegnor had brought with him so that Andrea would not think it strange that he was heading into the mountain trails with nothing but a blanket roll. The cool mountain air would not affect him or Carnistir the way it would those of Men. All they truly needed was perhaps a sleeping bag for comfort and provisions for a fire. One would question if they did not see the necessary coats and boots for hiking in the outdoors.

Once the sun was up fully they made their way in the Rover to the Gadsden's to drop off the small orange kitten. Mrs. Gadsden had been surprised to see them so early, but pleasantly invited them in for coffee or tea. It had been Carnistir who had taken her hand and thanked her for her hospitality but politely declined the offer, tell her that there was much for them to do in making up for time lost due to their family estrangement. Mrs. Gadsden had been thoroughly charmed by his cousin. Even Aegnor had found himself smiling at his words, much to his own dismay.

They had taken to the trail that afternoon in relative silence, the only sound between them was the cracking of twigs and leaves along the path. Not much time had passed since he had last been here with Andrea but the change was noticeable. The trees that had once been clothed in green had become a riot of color. Shades of red, orange, yellow and purple. The air was cooler with a tincture of earthiness. Leaves of gold would pirouette down, spinning till it landed on the trail, the shiny vibrant color standing out against the amber and bronze beneath it. As the day began to wane and the night closed in, the trees took on a skeletal look and a chill crept into the air. Not the bite of winter blusters, but just a nip to let them know a new season is at hand.

Carnistir had said they needed to be somewhere near water. Aegnor would not bring him to where he and Andrea had first stayed, it seemed a sacrilege, that lake was sacred to him. But there were other large bodies of water they could go to and that seemed to suit Carnistir just fine.

Aegnor was not certain of the time when they had finally reached the water. The stars reflection resembled diamonds across a blue blanket. Carnistir stood at the edge of the outcrop that looked out over the water.

"This will do," he said softly. "Set up camp, I will be back shortly."

Aegnor opened his mouth protest but Carnistir had already melted into the shadows. Aegnor set about the task of starting a small fire while simultaneously going through the breathing exercises he had perfected through the years to keep from losing himself to the sadness. Only now he did it to keep from murdering his cousin.

He paused while he was laying out a blanket, his keen ears picking out a voice in the night. Was that singing? Aegnor strained to hear. It was faint and at a distance but every so often something would float in air across the water.

"– by water, wood, and hill … by … willow … harken now … hear – "

Was that Carnistir's voice? Aegnor walked to the outcrop and looked over the water at the exact same spot where his cousin had stood. He stood so still one would have thought he was a part of the night. But he heard nothing. If it was Carnistir singing he could no longer hear him.

By the time Carnistir had returned, Aegnor had made himself quite comfortable. He lay upon a blanket on the ground, his head resting on the rolled up sleeping bag, staring up at the stars. It had been some time since he had last been in the wild, nothing but the lights of Ilúvatar as company. A sense of peace had come over him he had not felt for ages. Not even Carnistir could disturb him.

Carnistir sat down next to him with a sigh and began digging in his bag. After a moment he pulled out a flask and two small glasses, pouring golden liquid into each and offering one to Aegnor. Aegnor took his and upon sipping it, looked at Carnistir with surprise.

"I did not steal it from you, if that is what you are thinking," he sniffed as he saw Aegnor's reaction. "You are not the only who was capable of finding Miruvor."

"I did not think that at all," Aegnor lied as he looked down at his cup.

Carnistir simply arched his brow at him as he sipped at his own.

"Pity I never learned how to make it," he finally said. "It never turns, you know. Never will either. I always try to snatch it up whenever I find it. Alas, that opportunity comes less and less as the years progress. Now I can only find it in the old country and usually under lock and key."

Aegnor found himself nodding. "So much is lost," he sighed.

"Probably for the best." Carnistir threw back the rest of his drink before pouring another glass and topping off Aegnor's. He then stoppered the flask and set it back in his bag before leaning back against his own bedroll. "Do you ever regret?"

Aegnor blinked and looked over at Carnistir. "What?"

"Do you ever regret?" he repeated. "Returning. Do you ever wish you had remained or perhaps returned instead to Aman?"

Aegnor sat silent for a moment before he spoke. The question had surprised him and yet he could hear the sincerity in his cousin's voice.

"No," he finally answered, "no I do not. I could find no healing in the great Hall and if I could not find it there then how could I find it in Aman. The only time I ever remember feeling true joy was while I was with … while I was not there. Besides, if I do start to miss it I will just fade quietly away and end up back as a faceless, bodiless void floating around listening to Námo prattle on for eternity."

Carnistir looked at Aegnor for a moment before he barked out a laugh. "Hells Aegnor," he guffawed, "that is practically blasphemy coming from you!"

"I suppose it is," he chuckled.

"I could not exist in a world without Haleth," Carnistir said after his laughter had finally died down. "I miss my brothers, I must admit. Of all my family, I would say I miss my mother most. She was always right … always." Carnistir grew silent as he looked at the fire, his eyes like two pinpricks of light in the dark. "But I cannot imagine a world without Haleth."

"How did you know you would find her?"

"I am not sure exactly," his brow furrowed slightly in thought. "I believe that I had always felt her pull at me, even within the Halls. I felt something that kept grating at my being, clawing just below the surface."

"Your brothers … did they know about …"

"Gods no," he grunted, "although I think that Maedhros may have suspected. He always had a way of knowing the rest of us, of knowing the hearts of others."

"He was a great Prince among his people," Aegnor agreed.

"A lot of good it did him," Carnistir muttered and leaned over to stoke the fire. "Still, if he did know he was willing to keep my secret which is more than I can say any of the others would have done."

Aegnor looked over at Carnistir. "I was not aware things had become so … strained with your brothers." Indeed, everything that Aegnor could remember about them was that they were close knit. Certainly they each had their own interests, but in all they only took each other's council, even as children. Carnistir looked at Aegnor as he leaned back.

"Oh please. Do not pretend to tell me you did not see the strain. Curufin and Celegorm both had turned into little pricks, Eru only knows why. And Amras refused to have anything to do with anyone unless forced."

Aegnor did not speak as Carnistir stared darkly into the fire. What was there to say? In truth, he agreed that his brothers were pricks. But then he thought Carnistir was one as well … did he not? He surprised himself when he spoke.

"They could not have become so bad as that. They had made questionable choices, but with the best of intentions at heart."

"Oh you think so?" Carnistir sneered with disgust. "Pity you cannot ask your brother if he feels the same way." Carnistir sighed and pinched at the space on his between his eyes. He suddenly looked very tired to Aegnor. "Forgive me. I am being an ass."

Aegnor did not know what Carnistir meant by that comment. Angrod had perished alongside him. Had something happened with Finrod or Orodreth that involved his brothers? Aegnor decided not to ask. Carnistir had apologized, which had been shocking enough.

They sat in silence a moment, nothing but the snap of the fire or the rustle of some animal in the dark to break the quiet. Aegnor lay back down against his blanket roll, fingers laced together behind his head as he looked up at the night sky.

"Earlier while you were gone," he finally said, "I could have sworn I heard someone singing."

Carnistir chuckled from where he lay, also staring up at the canopy of stars above them. "That is because you did. It was me."

"You? Whatever for?"

"Well, I was trying to call someone."

"By singing?"

"His wife like singing. His wife also likes the water. And since he seems to like anything his wife likes, it seemed like the best way to find him."

"Who is he?"

"What is he might be a more appropriate question," Carnistir mused.

"Really Carnistir if you don't know then just say it," groused Aegnor

"I just did!"

Aegnor sat up and glared at his cousin. "Just what in the hell have you gotten me into here Carnistir. Enough games. Why in Eru's name were you down there singing."

"I told you, his wife likes singing! God's truth!" Carnistir threw his hands up in the air in exasperation. "It is the only way to find him. They are strange like that. Don't concern yourself. We are not in any danger, not from him anyway. Truly I do not know much about him, other than he is very old. Likely older than both of us and is devoted to good. He has helped me before and I am hoping he will help me again."

Aegnor glared at Carnistir for several more seconds before he lay down again. "Well, I don't like it Carnistir. Not one bit. Does "he" have a name?"

Aegnor rolled over slightly so he could see his cousin when he did not answer. When he did, he saw Carnistir sitting up straight and peering into the dark towards the lake. He opened his mouth to speak when Carnistir raised his hand to silence him. It was then that he heard it. The light sound of laughter, like the tinkling of bells coming off the water.

Carnistir jumped up with Aegnor close behind him as they both made their way down the embankment. The sound of laughter came closer and Aegnor felt as if his fëa was lifted by the joy the sound would bring. It was the sound of the red robin in the summer, it was the scent of the honey suckle in bloom. The air became lighter, warmer. The chill of fall was gone and spring was all around. But then that was impossible, was it not?

Carnistir stopped so abruptly that Aegnor almost ran into the back of him. They stood there waiting.

Out from the shadows, a woman appeared. At least Aegnor thought she had emerged as it seemed as if no shadow could touch the golden light that was all about her. Her yellow gold hair rippled down her shoulders; her gown was the green of the young reeds that lined the river and was speckled with silver beads like dew. A belt of gold set around her waist looked like a chain of lilies and forget-me-nots, while around her feet green grass and small white flowers appeared within the wake of her step. Her smile was warm and wide and so beautiful that Aegnor could not help but wonder if she were some elf queen that had remained behind. She same towards them, her arms open in welcome.

"Welcome dear folk and precious first children of the land! What joy it is to walk among you again. You are welcome, welcome guests!"

Her voice laid a spell upon him unlike any other. His heart moved with a joy he did not fully understand. The woman before him looked young, but Aegnor knew he was standing before something that was older than time itself. He found himself dumbfounded, frozen with awe by the being before him. It was Carnistir that was finally able to break him of his stupor. His cousin stepped forward and swept into a graceful bow.

"My heart is full of joy to be blessed to see you once again, my Lady Goldberry."