Khalad was not much surprised that the elf spoke to Vlad, perhaps he could recognise him as the leader of the camp. And his words answered some of the questions.
He thought over what the elf had said. He had been right, then, that this Arthain was a Gondorian, a part of Isildur's army. A sudden longing swept across him, to see his countrymen again. An entire army of them, camped not far away! If it was possible, he would take this elf with him to the army. Hopefully, the elf's gratitude would protect him from the errors of his past.
He had no more time to dream, though, as Vlad became agressive once more. The elf disliked Jaheira for some reason, though Khalad could not guess what it was.
"But first you tell me why you tried to attack Jaheira!" Vlad demanded, but before Melost could reply, Khalad came to his defence.
"Remember his condition. If he has been attacked, it could explain his lack of weapons. And if the first thing he saw after his attack was Jaheira, it is likely that he thought she was one of them." Khalad reasoned, hoping he could persuade Vlad.
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Elendil looked at Gil-galad with sympathy. He did not know this Melost, though Isildur had spoken of him at one briefly. But he was apparently a kinsman of Gil-galad, and Elendil knew what sorrow the elven king was feeling. He imagined if one of his own sons died, and how he would feel.
Gil-galad had no sons, but it was possible that this Melost was as close to him as one. The sudden outburst of emotions told Elendil that the elf was deeply touched, for normally he concealed hos feelings.
Slowly, hesitating, Elendil reached his hand forward and placed it on Gil-galad's shoulder. The elf looked up, and his through his face of grief a smile found its way, and though it was filled with sorrow, it warmed Elendil's heart.
"Tell me about Melost," Elendil said quietly, and Gil-galad began telling of their relationship.
Although he listened, Elendil could not stop thinking of Anarion, who would join them along the road, and Elendil looked forward at seeing his youngest son. It was the only real joy he could find in this war.
Little did he know, that from a treetop Isildur watched them both, and if he could read his father's thoughts, they would have angered him, even more than seeing him and the elf together in an obviously intimate conversation.
[ July 24, 2003: Message edited by: Daniel Telcontar ]
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