[Daniel Telcontar]

Elendil could hear Arthain and Dorlas arguing outside. Though he could not distuinguish the words, it was easy to hear from their raised voices that they weren't the best of friends.

The voices stopped though, and, releasing himself from his day-dreaming, Elendil once more concentrated on organising his army. This was stopped quickly, as the tent door moved. Elendil thought it was either Arthain or his squire who had returned, but was a bit surprised to see Gil-galad.

He had not thought the Elven King would come to his tent; usually meetings were in Gil-galad's tent, with Elendil being summoned there. Elendil was unsure what this thought meant, or if it was worth remembering; but that was soon forgotten, as Gil-galad made the usual greetings.

After Elendil had responded, the elf came to the core of the matter.

"As you know, the escort from Rivendell has arrived. Melost, whom I put in charge, did not arrive with it. And after I have heard the conversation between your captain and his squire, it seems like you have already made some consequences."

Elendil was unsure what Gil-galad meant with his last words. Was he not satisfied with Arthain's punishment? Elendil did not wish to punish the captain further, but he might be pushed to it, if the elven king demanded it. His doubts and fears were disspelled though, as Gil-glad continued to speak.

"To be honest, I think you have acted too harshly. Whatever harm was done, happened to me. And I have forgiven the captain. I ask of you to return him to his rank of captain."

Elendil was relieved that this was the matter, though he realised he had to deny.
"That is generous of you, but as you said; the harm was done to you. The captain acted wrongly against one of your officers, and may have endangered the relationship between our men. I cannot act otherwise."

Gil-galad looked at his human colleague, and searched his face for the truth. It was not usual for Elendil to be this harsh, and Gil-galad knew something else was behind.
"Is this the truth? I mean no disrespect, but it does not seem like you would usually act."

Elendil sighed; the elf had seen through him, and guessed he concealed something.
"In fact, I have forgiven him already. But he cannot forgive himself, especially not if there are no consequences of this. He must feel the weight of his actions and wrongdoings, or he will never be able to put this behind him."

Gil-galad nodded as Elendil spoke, perceiving the wisdom in his words.
"You are wiser than I thought, and have dealt appropriately. I hope this Arthain can indeed forgive himself, and perhaps, in time, seek out the company of elves once more. He shall be welcome."

Gil-galad extended his hand, and Elendil shook it, knowing there lay more than a simple farewell in this gesture; it was his way of confirming the immortal bond between both themselves, and also their races.