hmmm Brethiel sure gets around doesn't he...well this chapter is a little sad...
CHAPTER 7
Elrond made his way to Celeborn's talan. He was infuriated that once again an elf had caused harm to Erestor. Elrond did not even wait for the normal call of 'enter' and barged into Celeborn's talan. Celeborn stood, glaring at Elrond.
" How dare you just barge into my private rooms?"
Elrond returned the glare.
" Did you know that my husband was harmed by one of your elves?"
Celeborn's face softened. Elrond heard a second voice from Celeborn's bed.
" Is Erestor alright?"
Elrond turned to face the speaker.
" Forgive me Haldir, I did not know you were in audience with Lord Celeborn. Erestor is not well. He does not speak often anymore."
Haldir lowered his head for a moment, then raised it slowly.
" Was it Brethiel who harmed him?"
Elrond's eyes widened in shock.
" Yes. How did you know?"
Haldir swallowed hard.
" Brethiel harmed me as well Lord Elrond. It is because of him that Lord Celeborn brought me here."
Elrond returned his attention to Celeborn.
" Will Brethiel be sent from Lorien?"
Celeborn nodded slowly.
" When Galadriel returns, he will be sent away."
Elrond nodded. He was about to ask Haldir a question, but a knock came from the door. Celeborn called 'enter' and the visitor entered. Elrond watched as Erestor entered with his head lowered, refusing to make eye contact with any of them. Elrond slowly took a step forward.
" Erestor?"
Erestor did not raise his head.
" Yes?"
Elrond took another step forward.
" Why are you not asleep meleth nin? You were when I left."
Erestor began to shake. Without thinking, Elrond pulled his husband into his arms. Erestor shoved him away. Celeborn's eyes widened. He heard a small creak from his bed and saw Haldir slowly making his way toward Erestor.
" Lord Erestor?"
Erestor make no indication that he had heard Haldir, but Haldir continued to speak anyway.
" Did you have a nightmare?"
Erestor nodded once. Haldir swallowed hard once again.
" Will you tell us what it was about? Perhaps if you tell us, we can help."
Erestor allowed Haldir to lead him to the bed. They sat down and Haldir waited for Erestor to speak. Erestor raised his head slowly, his eyes focused on Elrond. Elrond walked to Erestor and knelt before him.
" Would you like to speak with Haldir alone?"
Erestor shook his head. Celeborn sat on the other side of Haldir, also waiting to see what the dark haired would say. Erestor swallowed hard.
" M-My nightmare was of Gondolin and the first night I was taken by Hadereth. I-I was beaten first by Andro and then taken by Hadereth. For s-some reason, Brethiel was there. H-He said the same thing in the nightmare as he said to me in Lorien the night he harmed me."
" What did he tell you Lord Erestor?" Haldir whispered.
Erestor looked at Haldir, sorrow in his eyes.
" He said, ' Always remember, you are Haldir's replacement.' "
Haldir took a deep breath.
" Who are Hadereth and Andro?"
Erestor lowered his head.
" Former warriors of Gondolin who personally saw to it that I would never forget them."
TBC...