A/N My thanks to Leaward and Rhapsody for their contributions to the existence of this story.

Now? After all the slaughter another Maia comes? I seethed as I thought of him, eating with Elrond, laughing with Galadriel. How dare he come here after all that had happened in Middle Earth with not a word from the Valar?

I sat alone beneath the branches of the tree, knowing that I had to grow calmer before I came among them again. Who was he to present himself before us? Who was he to think that I should heed his words? Why should I ever have cause to hear the words of any creature from that strange land beyond the skies after Eregion’s ruin?  Who was Galadriel to welcome him thus? Did she not remember?

“I hope that I do not disturb you?”

I returned his warm gaze with cold regard. “Will you forgive my rudeness if I say that you do?”

I could not read his expressions through his tangled beard, so I did not know if I had offended him. One vicious part of me whispered that it hoped I had.

“Yes,” he said finally, “I should like to speak with you.”

“I am afraid you shall not find me good company at this time.”

“I do not seek your good company, only your company.”

“Why?” I asked savagely,” at last turning my attention fully to him. “Why do you seek me out, Olorin the Maia, our helper come long after our need has gone.”

“It is as I said, I wish for your company.”

I snorted and turned away from him, yet I could hear him there behind me still. Why would he not go away; this maddening old creature with his grey cloak and aged face? He wore the garb of mortal flesh, but I knew him for what he was. I had suffered from his kind before.

Many minutes passed, and he did not give any signs of leaving. Finally I grew tired of waiting, it seemed as if I would have no peace until I had humoured him. I turned abruptly and glowered at him.

“If you will plague me until I hear you, then I bid you speak!”

He leaned heavily on his staff and watched me with sharp eyes. “I see you bear your kinship to Elu in more than your hair.”

Elu? What right had he to speak of Elu? Did he think he could earn my trust by speaking fondly of those I loved?

“Is that all you wished to say to me?” I said caustically, “to remind me how much I have lost because the Valar have no care for Middle Earth?”

He snorted gruffly and I watched two eyebrows draw together like clouds, obscuring the light of his eyes. Had I insulted him enough for him to go and leave me be?

“The Valar have sent me to aid your people.”

“And where should I kneel in praise for that?” I replied bitterly, “on the graves of my mother and father perhaps, or maybe that of my brother?” I ceased, but only long enough to draw breath, he had angered me now and I had no regard for what I said. “Nay, I cannot, for they were swallowed up by the devastation that occurred the last time the Valar sent aid to my people.”

“Is that why you do not receive me as lightly as your kin?”

“Hah!” I spat, balling my fists as if readying for battle. “I do not trust you because I have learned harsh lessons about receiving visitors who say they come from the Valar.”

“And you think Elrond greets me too warmly?”

“Let us wait and see if Imladris is raped and broken by Orcs, and then I shall answer you.”

He sighed at that and looked away, “the Valar do not possess infinite wisdom. They did not foresee that Melkor was dark and that Annatar had been corrupted.”

“They should have!” I shot back, and my throat closed around my words as if to block me from further blasphemy.

“But they did not-”

“So that is why you are here; to give penance for their mistakes? To correct wrongs too long left unrighted?” My voice trembled with anger and the words hung heavily in the air.

He sighed once more. I prepared myself for a defense, a rebuke.

“Yes.” He said softly, “I suppose you could see it like that.

All my anger fled from me at his answer. It was so simple, so honest, and it rang true in my heart. It seemed the Valar were, at last, trying to atone for their errors. They were not gods, they were servants of Eru just as I was, and it was strangely comforting to know that they too could make mistakes.

“They are somewhat late.” I said quietly, twisting the ring on my finger, which bore Elu’s crest.

“But not too late.”

“Perhaps not,” I agreed, “and we will need to trust one another if we are to accomplish anything. Will you forgive my bad humour and allow us to begin well?”

His eyes twinkled as he smiled. “I am glad to hear you say that.”

“Why?” I asked curiously.

“That is the reason I came to speak with you.”