Chapter 22

After what Aglarmir had told the Lord and Lady, Galadriel was sure to be expecting Gilrean to show up. And as if brought up by her thoughts, Gilrean suddenly appeared before the Lady. Before she even had a chance to speak, Galadriel told her something that made Gilrean's blood run cold.

"I understand now your fears for young Estel last night. Aglarmir has already informed me of the trespasser that he caught earlier this morning when he and Estel were away. I can see the intentions of people before they are spoken or made known to others by action. And I can see that this man's heart is very black towards you and your son. I take it that you believe him to be the same man that attacked Estel on the river?"

"Yes, m'lady. Estel was too distraught to even speak to Aglarmir on the way back and he seemed reluctant to tell me about what Aglarmir had told him." Galadriel nodded and motioned for Gilrean to take a seat.

"The scouts will be back with him in a short time. When he awakes, we will question him and then make sure that he cannot harm your son again. I understand that it will not put your mind at ease if he is allowed to remain free, but other than trespassing, we have no significant charges against him, therefore we cannot keep him as a prisoner."

Gilrean's head slumped a little, but she understood the truth in Galadriel's words.

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A short time later, the elves returned with the man in tow. Gilrean gasped when she caught sight of him. It was Reneal and she had every intention of giving him a piece of her mind. She still found it hard to comprehend that this man whom she had known most of her life would betray her trust by trying to kill her son. When he awoke, he found her standing over him. Reneal's head was still swimming from the mixture in the dart.

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After he had been knocked unconscious from the rock, he had floated far downstream and eventually ended up washed up on the shore. Once he had gained his bearings, Reneal had immediately set out for Lórien to try and make amends with Estel and his mother. He had no idea how he would do this as he was sure that Estel had told his mother everything that he had said, that he now desperately wished he could take back.

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Gilrean backed away from him when he tried to sit up. "Gilrean, I'm…" She silenced him. "I do not care to hear whatever apologies you may have come up with. All I know is what very little Estel told me from what happened that day on the river and no apology can make up for your complete abuse of my trust in you to take care of my son. And the one thing I am absolutely sure of is that you are to never come near me or Estel ever again, is this clear?"

Reneal nodded his head and let it drop against his chest. He really had no logical explanation for his behavior that day. Gilrean and Arathorn had always treated him as one of their own family and he had betrayed that fragile bond by his own jealousy and ambition.

Galadriel and Celeborn watched the exchange with interest. "You have heard the lady's pronouncement, now it is time for ours. We do not tolerate trespassers in our realm; especially ones who tried to murder an heir to our kin. We will provide you lodging for the night and some food, but you must be gone by break of day and stay away from Gilrean and Estel tonight. A guard will show you to the border at that time. And I would hope that you are wise enough to travel south instead of back to your home in the north. I am sure that the Dunedain will not appreciate hearing from Lord Elrond about your actions. This is all we have to say in the matter."

Gilrean had quietly slipped away while Celeborn had been talking to Reneal; she had no desire to look anymore upon that man's face. When she reached their tent, she found Estel curled up on his bed. She went over to him to find that he was awake and had been crying.

"It is okay now. The Lord and Lady have taken care of him. No harm will come to us. Estel, I have the feeling that you did not tell me everything that was said between you and Reneal that day. I do not wish for you to keep secrets from me, but I know that we have both had a trying day, so I will not press this issue any further until you are ready. But I do hope that one day you will tell me." She smiled down at her son. "How about we go find a hot meal?"

Estel nodded his head vigorously when he heard his stomach rumble. Gilrean took him by the hand and led him to the food tent. "Have you checked on Melian lately?"

"No, I have not had the chance. I think I may take her for a ride later. Would that be okay? I mean, if Aglarmir came with me?"

"Of course it will be. I love you Estel, always remember that. And always remember that I will be here to help you and to listen when you need it."

"I know. And I love you too."