Summary: Hidden in the Tower in Aewellond, Elwing's young guest thinks about what to do next...

Meanwhile, secreted in the tallest tower of Aewellond, a young Noldo stared at the prize in his hand...A prize the grandson of Feanor had come by unfairly, he reflected. Stealing it so audaciously...in broad daylight, though there was no one about to see. No one drew near the Vingilot when she was in harbor save for the Mariner himself and his wife, and Earendil's three companions. No one dared disturb her when she was alone. Except for him. He had violated the hallow...taken the jewel.

Wouldn't you be so proud of me, Anatar! Alcarin exulted silently, though his pride was only half-hearted; a vision of disappointed grey eyes swam before his eyes, and he faltered. Trembling, the young Reborn froze as he remembered his travels with Elwing. She had been so good to take him in when they had left Formenos together, though Earendil had looked at him askance. Are you sure? he could swear the Mariner had said. One of the Dispossessed? Perhaps Alcarin had imagined that look...but no, he was sure the Mariner distrusted him. And why not? Why not? Elwing had convinced her husband that Alcarin would behave. And yet...

Look at how you repay your hostess and saviour, Alcarin! Artanis' voice, laden with disappointment, flooded his mind. Look what you have done, Cousin...I thought I had turned you from that path...

"Well, it didn't save me, did it?" Alcarin didn't realize he'd shouted...or that he was no longer alone...until he heard a disappointed sigh from the doorway of the chamber.

"Alcarin...I thought you knew better. I thought Nana had turned you away from that." Alcarin looked up to see the disappointed eyes he had been visualizing...but framed by silver tresses, not gold. Celebrian walked toward him, shaking her head. "Enough, Alcarin. You have taken what is not yours." And for a moment, Alcarin wondered whether he had taken it, or it had taken him...and whether he could surrender the jewel in any case. A moment that seemed to hang in the balance eternally...and finally, he made his choice.