enter Hadereth and Andro...

CHAPTER 3

Hadereth and Andro had decided to go into the woods to practice their archery. Not that they needed practice, but moreso because they felt they needed the exercise. They had just come to a point not too far from their destination when they heard someone crying. Hadereth turned to Andro.

"Where is that crying coming from?"

Andro pointed over by a small clearing.

" There."

Both elves ran in the direction of the miserable sound, finally coming to a stop in front of a raven haired elf. Andro crouched down, realizing who it was.

" Erestor?"

Erestor looked up at him, his tears still streaming down his face.

" Andro?"

Andro nodded, then rested his hand on Erestor's shoulder.

" What has happened mellon nin?"

Erestor lowered his head and told them of what had transpired between himself and Dinendal. Hadereth and Andro looked at each other, then Hadereth's gaze returned to Erestor.

" Dinendal did this?"

Erestor merely nodded, but no answer came forth. Andro shook his head, then turned back to Erestor.

" Can you stand?"

Erestor shook his head.

" I heard a crack after I fell."

Hadereth shook his head, angry with Dinendal for what he had done.

" I will fetch a healer."

Andro watched as Hadereth raced off. He sat on the ground beside Erestor.

" Do you know...what happened to Dinendal?"

Erestor nodded.

" I know he was harmed by cruel elves. I could tell the moment I touched him and he pulled away."

Andro nodded.

" He is just trying to push you away Erestor. For what reason, I do not know."

Erestor let out a breath. Dinendal was acting like he had when he had been harmed. He pushed everyone away, never let anyone near him. Erestor leaned against the tree behind him. There was something different about Dinendal's behavior though. When he had held Dinendal in his talan, it was as though Dinendal trusted him, but then once again pushed him away. Suddenly, Erestor sat forward again, the movement causing a shooting to his back and leg.

" I know his reason."

Andro looked at him with curiousity.

" What is it?"

Erestor looked at Andro, his pain momentarily forgotten.

" I think he loves me."

Andro's eyes widened.

" Are you sure?"

Erestor nodded, then explained about the night he had held Dinendal. Andro listened, then thought it over for a moment.

" Do you love him?"

Erestor nodded.

" I do."

Andro smiled.

" Then once you are in the healing wing, I will find Dinendal and bring him to you. Even if I have to carry him over my shoulder."

Erestor laughed, then shook his head.

" If he will not come of his own free will, do not force him."

Their conversation continued on until the healers arrived with a litter and took Erestor off to the healing wing with Andro in tow. If they had only turned toward the tree that stood two feet from them, they would have found Dinendal, who had heard every word.

TBC...