[alaklondewen]

Ereglin was deeply troubled by the King’s decision. He could not fathom taking these people across dangerous land with winter upon them to reside in abandon Dwarf mines. They should be heading to the Havens and to Cirdan, where real aid would be available. The Councilor did not fail to notice that the King had left the city long before the Elves, and therefore, took no counsel with the Eldar. It was folly.

“Lord Ereglin.” Rôsgollo’s voice brought him from his thoughts, and Ereglin noticed a guardsman talking to his personal guards. “He wishes to take us to our quarters.” The young elf said as he followed Ereglin’s gaze.

“That is good,” Ereglin answered. “I believe we can all use some rest.” As he spoke the young child that clung to Rôsgollo began to fuss, and the Elven guard set to calming him.

The mortal guard led them down a long, narrow hallway, lit with mounted candles whose light danced on the walls and floor before them. Several doorways along each side emptied into storage rooms. Ereglin glanced into each room as they passed and saw that they were quickly filling, mostly with nobility who were settling in to rest for the short time they were allowed. As they neared the end of the hall, the Elf’s highly sensitive ears picked up the melodic sound of Elven voices. “…must we too pay the price for the arrogance of the line of Isildur?” Ereglin raised his eyebrow at the statement and wondered if his guards heard it too. He almost smiled at the similarity to his own thoughts. The voice died down just before the guide halted at a heavy wooden door on the left. He knocked dutifully on the door before pushing it open, exposing the forms of the Imladhrim.

After thanking the guard for showing them to the room, Ereglin stepped in front of his guards and greeted the other Emissaries. “Lady Bethiril…Lady Erenor.” He bowed his head toward each of them. “I hope we have not interrupted you, but it seems we will be sharing quarters for the next few days.”