Morning was well advanced by the time Estel stirred again. Beyond curtains, drawn earlier to block the brilliance of a glorious red sunrise, rain fell steadily, but the air was soft and filled with the scents of rich damp earth and greenery. Elrond knew that by evening the clouds would ride away on a westerly wind and the stars would shine clear and bright, heralding a frost upon the morrow. Autumn was advancing.

Gilraen relinquished her seat and returned to the window, opening the curtains to a grey sky while Elrond settled himself to await Estel's imminent return to the world. There had been no further convulsions and when Elrond checked a little while earlier it was to find that the pupils of Estel's steel grey eyes were now equal and reacting normally to light. The pressure had been relieved at least.

Those eyes now fluttered briefly before opening upon the comforting sight of Elrond's serene features.

"Good morning, Estel."

For a moment the youth did no more than blink, then he tried to lever himself upright.

"No, Estel. Not yet. You are still weak." Elrond laid a restraining hand upon his shoulder. "How are you feeling?"

"Better, I think. The headache is not as bad. But, Adar . . ." He squirmed a little and Elrond nodded, lifting the appropriate receptacle from a basin by his feet and slipping it beneath the covers.

Gilraen, aware of her son's embarrassment, continued to study the rain washed garden below the balcony.

When Estel was more comfortable Elrond brought another chair and beckoned Gilraen to join them. "Would you like to try sitting up for a little while, Estel? I believe it is time for you to try some food and I need to ascertain how you cope with a change of position."

For the briefest of moments Elrond saw something cross his foster son's face. Was it alarm? But then Estel gave a small nod. "Yes. I would like to try that." He blinked, as though trying to clear his vision and Elrond considered waiting a little longer before attempting to move him, but Gilraen was already gathering extra cushions to place behind her son's shoulders.

Removing the bolsters Elrond rolled Estel slowly onto his back. "How does that feel? Is there any dizziness?"

"No."

Elrond's keen eyes noticed a slight increase in pallor, however. And Estel blinked several times. Still, the damage must be assessed so he decided to proceed; signalling Gilraen to be ready with the cushions as he began to ease their charge upright.

With the skill of many years tending the sick and wounded, Elrond found little difficulty in the lifting and Gilraen slid cushions into place. But as Elrond was about to stop, Estel paled appreciably. Were it not for elven reflexes the bedding would have needed changing again for Estel started retching just as Elrond slid a basin into place. There was nothing in the youth's stomach but retching bile was, if anything, more painful and it certainly did nothing to reduce the pain from his broken rib. Once Estel's stomach had finished its rebellion Gilraen gave him a sip of water to rinse his mouth and he collapsed back into the cushions, breathing laboured and eyes clenched tight against the agony.

Gilraen blotted tears and perspiration from her son's face as Elrond laid a gentle hand upon the erratically rising and falling chest. "Breathe slowly, Estel. The more you struggle, the more pain you will cause." Elrond slipped into a light healing trance, helping his foster son to shunt some of the pain aside, and after several long minutes his breathing began to even out. Once he was calm the elven healer released him and settled back thoughtfully in his chair.

Gilraen took her son's hand, her thumb stroking the back of his palm in soothing rhythm. "Did we raise him too quickly?" she asked.

Elrond did not reply, instead addressing his foster son. "Estel. Open your eyes please and tell me what you see." His tone brooked no argument and Estel knew of old that it would be best to do as instructed at the first time of asking.

He opened his eyes and blinked. "I see you and Ami."

Elrond raised a winged brow at Estel's elegant evasion. "Perhaps I should rephrase my question. Do you see anything unusual?"

Estel only lowered his head.

"Estel, I cannot determine how to treat you if you are not honest with me. I know you are young and wish to return to your life as swiftly as possible, but you were seriously injured and I need to know what symptoms you are experiencing so that I may help you to do that."

The youth's voice was a little stronger at least. "I can see strange coloured lights at the edges of my vision and they will not go away."

"That is better. And did moving make you dizzy?"

"Yes."

Gilraen continued to stroke her son's hand and now she smiled reassuringly. "You have been lying down for a long time. Dizziness is to be expected, is it not Elrond?" Her words carried more hope than certainty.

"It is, indeed. It can also be a result of the blow to his head, as can the flashing lights or other visual disturbances. Only time will tell us which it is and whether the symptoms will fade." Elrond studied his charge for a moment. "For the moment rest remains your best hope for a cure. And a little food and drink would help, but we shall start that gently with some broth. I have no doubt that your stomach still feels a little fragile."

Estel smiled ruefully. "Definitely. But I think I can manage some broth."

Elrond nodded, rising. "I believe your mother can see to that. And afterwards I want you to sleep. I shall bathe and take some rest too." He smiled at the lady. "Send for me if Estel's condition changes. Lindir is outside the door and will fetch anything you require. I will instruct him to fetch the broth and I shall return later so that you may eat and rest."

When Gilraen looked as though she would argue Elrond met her, gaze for gaze. Hardier folk than Gilraen had tried to outlast that steely will and failed, as she did now.

With no further words Elrond left mother and son.