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Mellondu
Opening his eyes, Mellondu did not move, but lay staring wide-eyed at Erebemlin. He could sense the elf's presence combing through his thoughts; but for several moments it was less an intrusion than the sense of being ignored. He waited, hearing his own heartbeat pound. He felt weaker than he could ever remember. Many heartbeats passed.
Finally Erebemlin seemed to turn, and greet Mellondu the sick boy. "You are awake."
Mellondu wanted the strength to answer, but could not find it. The elf waited, and then gently touched the edge of his thoughts.
My sister.
Erebemlin's eyes sparkled, and flicked away, and back. She lives; she is here with us. The other did not fare so well.
Other? What other? Bella? Argeleafa?
Gwyllion.
Mellondu did not respond at first, and then said only, I want to see her.
Mellondu is not your true name, Fingon. And your sister is Finduilas.
I must see her.
She is asleep. But Erebemlin knelt, and picked up the blacksmith as he had been a child. Mellondu hardly had the strength to hold his head up; but Erebemlin carried him quickly to his sister's side, and sat the blacksmith beside his sister, his mighty arms around the blacksmith's shoulders. Wake her not, Fingon.
Not far away, Ravion sat up, and watched uneasily. Nothing had been said aloud. He stared at the blacksmith, and made as if to rise, then sat back down. Mellonin paid him no heed, but gazed and gazed at his sister. She looks so peaceful.
Her face may decieve you.
What do you mean? Mellondu sensed Erebemlin departing his thoughts. Not long afterwards, he returned like a warm summer breeze.
Your sister's dreams are troubled.
Mellondu was displeased. By a tall goldenhaired elf-king? He will not aid her, that is certain. Nor will you.
Indeed I shall if I am free to. You wrong me, man-child.
Mellondu did not respond.
He became aware of another man nearby. Ravion knelt across from him, on Mellonin's other side, studying his face .
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