so this is obviously going to be a little bit of Dinendal, Erestor, Hadereth, and Andro...I promise that Rumil and Orophin will make an appearance soon :)

CHAPTER 4

Erestor laid on the bed in the healing wing thinking about Dinendal. Was there a way to bring Dinendal out of the shell he had built so well around himself? Erestor knew he had to try. He would not lose Dinendal to the darkness. He had dreamt of him as he had slept and now as he was awake he could not think of anything else other than his beloved Dinendal. He felt a hand touch his shoulder. He turned his head slightly to see Hadereth and Andro sitting there. He smiled weakly.

" How long have you been here?"

Andro smiled.

" Since you were put on the litter."

Hadereth smiled as well.

" I was waiting here for you."

Erestor thought for a moment. He did not remember ever falling asleep, only waking.

" When did I sleep?"

Andro chuckled.

" You fell asleep upon your arrival."

Erestor nodded. He was about to ask another question, but stopped at the sound of a very familiar voice.

" Lord Erestor?"

Hadereth and Andro stood, ready to defend Erestor from the new visitor. Erestor sat up slowly.

" Hadereth, Andro, it is alright. Come in Dinendal."

Hadereth and Andro took a step back, allowing Dinendal to step forward. His head lowered as he stepped closer to the bed. Erestor could tell by the slumped shoulders that perhaps their conversation should be a private one.

" Hadereth, Andro, may I speak to Dinendal alone please?"

Hadereth was about to protest, but was halted by Andro.

" If you need us, we will be right outside."

Erestor chuckled as Andro had to nearly drag Hadereth out of the room. After they were gone, he turned to look at Dinendal, who was now sitting in a chair facing him.

" Dinendal?"

Dinendal raised his head to look at him, knowing he was the reason Erestor was here. He also knew he should not have come. He should just let Erestor hate him.

" Yes Lord Erestor?"

Erestor shook his head.

" You do not need to address me thus."

Dinendal nodded.

" Indeed I do. You are above me and my station. I should be imprisoned for what I have done."

Erestor felt his heart nearly crack in two. Is this what Dinendal truly thought?

" Why do you say this?"

Dinendal lowered his head.

" It is true." he replied softly," As was your knowing the reason that I push you away from me."

Erestor's eyes widened.

" You do love me then?"

Dinendal nodded sadly, but did not reply. Erestor reached out for Dinendal's hand, not surprised when Dinendal pulled back from him.

" I will not hurt you Dinendal," He whispered, " I promise you."

Dinendal swallowed hard as he allowed Erestor to take his hand. Erestor smiled, then his eyes went wide.

" You are cold."

Dinendal looked at him with sad eyes.

" I know."

Erestor felt tears spring to his eyes.

" You are fading."

Dinendal nodded, lowering his head.

" Yes."

Erestor sat up even more in his bed, wincing slightly at the pain in his back. Apparently he had made a sound as well because once he sat up, Dinendal was sitting beside him, halting him from any further movement. Erestor looked into Dinendal's eyes.

" What can I do Dinendal? I will not let you fade."

Dinendal brought a shaky hand to Erestor's cheek.

" You must save me from the darkness."

TBC...