Melost and Thelian left the leaders to finish their conversation. Melost's heart held a sense of fore-boding and in that moment he would have given anything to be leagues away from this place. He sat down wearily on a bench in the hall-way leading back to the Hall and let his head fall abck against the wall. He knew he hadto tell her he could not marry her as yet. He also knew that she would never understand. Melost was certain that this night would be a turning point for them both. Alas for him that he was to be proven right.
Thelian sat down next to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "By Elbereth herself, what ails you Melost? I have never seen you like this? All we have been asked to do is see to it that the women are safely taken to Lothlorien, where is the difficulty?" Melost closed his eyes as though in pain. "Thelian, I have to tell Anwenelme that I cannot marry her until this war is finished. How else is it fair to her? I will never wish to be parted from her once we are married, why then should I keep her in hope? I do love her, Thelian. I love her enough to have her choose another if she would, but I cannot and will not make her wait any longer should she wishes not to."
Melost got to his feet and started to walk away, but Thelian restrained him. "And what of you, Melost? What of yourheart?" Melost grinned at him sadly. "It ceased to matter a long time ago, kinsman." Together they returned to the Hall and there Melost beheld Anwenelme and Arthain talking avidly to one another and she laughed as he told her one of his many witticisms. Thelain watched as the blood drained from Melost's face. Melost took a deep breath and approached the table. They both smiled up at him as he pulled out his chair to sit down, little knowing that they had started down a very dark path indeed.
[ June 13, 2003: Message edited by: Cuthalion ]
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