Ch 17 Endings

Elrond was the first to find his voice. “I am afraid so, My Lord.” He was unable to look at his king.

Glorfindel spoke. “It was my fault as well, My Lord.” He sighed, then said, “I should have been more alert.”

Gil-galad glared at the two elves standing before him.

“Amin hiraetha”, whispered Elrond. He could feel his knees start to give. Both Gil-galad and Glorfindel grabbed his arms and sat him down, where he bowed his head.

Gil-galad waited until a little color had come back. He then spoke. “Peredhil, look at me. Amin sinta. I am not angry. I do not want to lose my hair, but it will grow back. I am more concerned about you. Have you not been taking care of yourself? You may be immortal, but you still must rest, and eat. We - I - need you healthy, mellon nin. You are of no use to anyone when you work yourself into exhaustion.”

Elrond knew Gil-galad was right. He had been working until exhaustion forced him to seek rest. He nodded, then said “You are right, as usual, My King.”

Gil-galad smiled, and said, “I know. That’s why I am king.” His laughter rang out over the camp. Both Elrond and Glorfindel smiled.

“Nay, I am only teasing. However, I do have two questions. First, how much hair will I lose, and, two, will it grow back?”

Elrond thought for a moment, then said, “Mayhap only half of your hair will be lost. It will grow back even thicker than what it is now.”

Gil-galad grew thoughtful. He then said, “I would look rather silly with only half my hair. Therefore, make more of the salve. I will use it tomorrow, BUT, only if you are certain my hair will grow back.”

Elrond nodded, and replied, “Aye, your hair will grow back. You will notice that within a few days, it will have already started to grow.”

“Very well, it will be done. I would hold you to one promise. If ever you receive the message “rúdh”, it will mean I need your assistance.”

Both Elrond and Gil-galad gladly sealed the promise.

Gil-galad clapped the two elves on the shoulders. “Very well, let us attend the feast.”

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“And that, ions nin, is the tale of rúdh.” The four friends were smiling as Elrond finished his tale.

Legolas laughingly asked, “Did you ever make any more soap?”

Glorfindel almost fell off the log as he laughed. “Nay, but I did, and never again in the same place where herbs were kept. The first few times, I had to use it then show the king I still had my hair!”

Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas rolled around laughing.

Estel also laughed, then said, “Please, do not make me laugh any more. It hurts!”

Elrond made tea for everyone. As they rested, he spoke. “We shall leave for Rivendell in the morning. I will be glad to be home!”

All agreed, and settled down for the evening. As they slept, Elrond watched each of them, thanking Illuvator for bringing them through the battle alive. Finally, he too walked in elven dreams.

Translations:

Amin hiraetha: I am sorry.

Amin sinta: I know.

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