It was dark when Elrond opened his eyes. He felt dizzy and disoriented. His side throbbed terribly, but the pain was oddly comforting as it confirmed that he was alive. He recognized that he was back in his own room. He was aware of someone sitting beside him and turned his head slowly trying to focus on the figure. Cirdan smiled kindly and stroked his head.

"I am sorry that I was unable to protect you." The Mariner said softly.

"You were in time." Elrond said simply, though speaking pained him. He had never dreamed to gain one who would care for him so deeply, who would want to be his guardian. "It was not your fault." Elrond heard a soft whisper and someone handed Cirdan a cup. "I was not skilled enough."

"You fought bravely and well." Cirdan said steadily. "None could ask more of you." The youth closed his eyes in an effort to hide his pain.

"I have a herb brew to help control the pain and promote healing. Noenri's orders." Cirdan spooned the mixture slowly into Elrond's mouth, carefully watching the boy's reactions. "He agreed to allow you to stay in your own room as long as I gave my word that you would not try to sit up for a few days."

"I did not know him." Elrond whispered.

"He is in custody. He will not harm you again." Cirdan said soothingly.

"He poisoned me."

"I know."

"He hates me because I am a peredhel." Elrond choked out. His eyes flashed. Cirdan nodded sadly.

"You have many who know and love you, elfling. We love you unconditionally." Cirdan said, gently wiping the young elf's heated brow with a cool cloth.

"Please stay." Pleaded the voice, suddenly so young.

"Sleep and heal, young one. I will watch over you." Cirdan watched the silver eyes dim. They were eyes that had already beheld far too much. He stroked the dark head as the lines of pain faded from the pale features, and the silver eyes closed in peace. Cirdan was not looking forward to informing Ereinion about the incident. Nor would he soon forget that horrible hour of waiting for news from Noenri. Galadriel had come to aid the healer, and she brought out news that Elrond was stable and would fully recover. As was the custom, Ereinion and Indiriel had been sequestered for the day following their wedding. The royal couple was not due to emerge for further celebrations until this evening. Galadriel and Celeborn had decided to withhold information about the incident until the three-day royal celebration was past. They had gone to this evening's reception so as not to arouse suspicion. It was late when they returned to check on Elrond.

"How is he?" Galadriel asked, seeing the pensive look on Cirdan's face.

"He woke briefly and was in pain." Cirdan noted. "Ereinion and the Avari King both wish us to win him for the elves. They foresee his twin choosing another path."

"What do you wish?" The Lady questioned.

Cirdan sighed. "I wish that both of Eärendil's sons will find some measure of happiness in this world no matter to which kindred they chose to cling. To our shame, the Edain appear to be more accepting of differences than we Elves. I wish that Elrond will chose to remain with us, but I perceive that choice will mean that he will endure intolerance and much sorrow as a lone peredhel among bigoted Elves." He wiped Elrond's brow again with the cool cloth.

"You will not be able to protect him." Celeborn observed. They all fell silent.

"No, apparently even the palace grounds are not safe. We should have him train more seriously, perhaps with the novices. He will make friends and allies there and quickly develop and strengthen."

"It will not be enough for him to be merely good. To survive he must be exceptional." Celeborn said tiredly, rubbing his temples. He had loved his King Elu Thingol and Queen Melian. It pained him to know that the last of their line was in jeopardy from other Elves.

Xxxxxxx

Maedhros cut with his sword to the left but Elrond spun in rhythm to meet it. He was stronger now and started to switch from a defensive mode to attack positions. The jeers of the Feanorians halted. He burned with a desire to defeat this nemesis of his youth to surpass him in strength, knowledge and strategy. He pounced forward his strokes flowing and powerful.

"Elrond!" Someone called insistently. "Elrond, wake up."

He opened his eyes. They flashed with the controlled anger of a warrior in battle. Erienion, Cirdan and Celeborn all recognized that look. The glint dissipated as Elrond adjusted to his surroundings. Clearly, this youth had a strong will and a fighting spirit.

"Ereinion?" Elrond blinked, his eyes slowly focusing.

"It is good to see you awake." The High King answered. He and Cirdan eased Elrond to a sitting position. The King took time to assess Elrond's condition. "Noenri tells me that you are healing well. He should be able to remove the stitches in a few days."

Elrond watched Ereinion silently. The King's eyes were masked, but he could perceive worry and anger there. He hoped that he had not disappointed him.

Ereinion stood perplexed for a moment trying to discern what the young one was feeling. He felt terrible that even the palace grounds had not proved safe enough. "What happened Elrond?"

"I would have fared better if I had not been cornered in the weapons room." Elrond said quietly. Then he began to tell the tale of how the trees had warned him of the danger and his decision to head for the training grounds.

"The trees warned you?" Ereinion reiterated, watching Elrond intently. The boy's eyes revealed the truth of his words.

"Yes." Elrond repeated, oblivious to the look of approval that passed between Celeborn and Cirdan, who both delighted in hearing this confirmation of his Sindar heritage.

Elrond told of discovering the training area deserted, his dash for the weapons room, and the ensuing struggle with the dark elf. Then his voice trailed off. "I would not have survived but for your timely arrival." He admitted softly.

"Warriors often depend on others in an attack." Celeborn reminded him. "There is no shame or debt in that."

"You were resourceful and brave. The elf who attacked you was a seasoned warrior, who survived the destruction of Doriath." Ereinion said.

"I have sparred with him myself and am well aware of his skill." Celeborn said. "His dishonorable deeds horrify me."

"I should train more seriously as a warrior." Elrond said.

"You should focus on recovering." Ereinion said deliberately. "Then spend time with Lady Galadriel. She will train you in the ways of Melian, your ancestress. When you are well, we can readdress your training schedule." Ereinion paused to give Elrond time to digest all these instructions. Then he squeezed Elrond's hand in support. "I am truly sorry that you had to go through all this."

Xxxxxxxx

Erestor was working on an assignment in the library for Councilor Merwen when he paused and glanced out the window. A white cat was stealthily creeping across the garden towards the live oak tree. A slight figure topped with black hair was almost obscured by the dark trunk of the tree. The figure shook slightly when the cat pounced. Erestor smiled, then put aside his work, and walked out to meet his friend.

"Elrond" he called softly, wanting to warn his friend of his approach. He moved behind the oak and sat down next to Elrond, who was slowly stroking the cat with trembling hands.

"Elrond, it is good to see you!" Erestor happily declared. "I was worried for you. There have been so many rumors." Elrond looked up, his eyes had an oddly vacant look. He appeared drained and tired.

"Erestor," he greeted in a quiet voice. "I have a break from lessons with Lady Galadriel."

"It would seem that lessons with Merwen are much preferable." Erestor eyed him carefully, smiling slightly. "I've met the Lady several times on Balar. Her eyes seem to pierce right through me."

"On Balar?" Elrond asked tiredly.

"Yes, my family moved there for safety when I was quite young. You should come visit Balar with me next time I go home. It is quite beautiful. My Mother loves to have company, and I know she would like you immediately."

"Go home?" Elrond repeated still sounding dazed. "Where do you live here in Mithlond?"

"Oh, I earned a position to study here at the palace. They are very sought after spots and housing is provided. I live within the palace grounds just behind the house of healing." Seeing Elrond's interest, Erestor described his move to Mithlond and his current living space. Erestor was happy to see his friend relax, though he could still perceive the slightest trembling in his hands.

"You know, my Mother sent a tin of honey cookies. Come, let's go enjoy some with tea. I could use a bit of a break myself."

"Thanks Erestor." Elrond said gratefully. "That sounds nice." Elrond whispered a thank you to Selig. The cat purred, slowly stretched, and meandered away. Erestor pulled Elrond to his feet and proceeded to lead him towards the dormitory. He knew that Elrond would enjoy hearing stories about life on Balar.

"So, have you ever been fishing?" Erestor asked.