Galadriel continued to speak to Reinette, Aglaron unable to understand and DĂșlinnor simply listening to the exchange. The Queen had gotten much closer to the Mortal though none moved to stop her. It was only as she spoke of Reinette's visions did he shoot a glance to the Mortal. She had not spoken of anything of the like to him. Perhaps they had just started while they had been at odds. That would explain why she'd not told him.
DĂșlinnor forced himself to remain rooted to the spot as Galadriel gripped Reinette's arm. "I've seen the past - I've seen Smaug. They plague me in my sleep... The eye, it watches me. I cannot run from it, and it calls my name." The Mortal said. The male Elf could not believe what he was hearing. It seemed so unlikely that what Reinette was saying was the truth..however, Galadriel seemed to believe her. She asked Reinette about the eye and the Mortal spoke of Sauron. It was something that she should know nothing about. He'd made sure to keep much of their current problems from her.
Galadriel continued to ask Reinette questions. The brothers did not look towards the girl and their Queen. As Reinette answered the Queen, DĂșlinnor found himself shocked once again. "All along. Since the very beginning. But it's all just supposed to be stories. It's all just supposed to be fiction. None of this is supposed to be real." DĂșlinnor found himself now eyeing Reinette as Galadriel pushed her for information. The Elf was quick to take notice of her pain filled eyes though was torn. He could not act against his Queen yet he did not like seeing the young woman in pain.
Tears fell down her face when suddenly Aglaron took hold of DĂșlinnor's lower arm to keep him from moving. It would do none of them any good if the younger Elf acted and got himself locked away. Aglaron only released DĂșlinnor when Galadriel had released Reinette and the girl fell to the ground. DĂșlinnor turned his gaze from Reinette to Galadriel as she moved back to Celeborn's side.
What seemed like a long silence followed until they were dismissed from the rulers. Aglaron turned as if to leave but decided to wait on the other two. DĂșlinnor's gaze was on Reinette once again though his emotions were quickly disappearing once again. He was allowing the words that he'd heard to replay over in his mind. She'd been lying from the very beginning and it was not something that he cared for.
He wasn't quite sure how to take it all. Yet, this was not the place to discuss it regardless. The Elf offered his hand to Reinette, willing to help her up. Aglaron watched, immediately noting that something wasn't right with his brother. He'd seen it before after he'd returned when Arneth had died. He was retreating back behind the walls that he was so good at putting up. He feared what was going to happen to the young Elf now that Reinette was to return to her world. He could already see that DĂșlinnor was not pleased and he knew well enough that his brother would never ask Reinette to stay, even if it meant he would be miserable for the rest of his life.
DĂșlinnor pulled from Reinette the moment she was on her feet again. He then turned and began walking, intent upon returning to the flet. They had much to do before the next morning. Aglaron shot Reinette a questioning glance before turning to follow the younger Elf. "What is wrong?" He tried asking as they walked. "Do not worry about it, Aglaron. It does not concern you." It was not like the younger Elf not to speak to him if something was bothering him. It worried the elder Elf.
It was only when they reached the market that Aglaron went his separate way from them, promising that he and Thurilostel would be by within the hour so that they could get ready. DĂșlinnor nodded and then continued along the route to the flet. He was silent, unspeaking to Reinette. He felt as if his heart was breaking all over again and it was a feeling that he hated more than anything. He'd known better than to get involved with her. Yet, he'd not been able to stay away.
They arrived at the flet and DĂșlinnor opened the door, waiting to allow the woman to enter before he followed her in. He closed the door behind him and moved into the sitting room. He stopped, turning his gaze to her. The air about them was awkward and it felt horrible. He knew that it would likely not get any better. "Why would you keep such a thing from me?" He asked her suddenly.
He'd not been able to stop himself. He needed to know. Did she not trust him? He waited, allowing her to speak before he continued. "I do not care for being kept in the dark. Do you trust me so little?" It was easy to hear the hurt in his voice though his face was still hiding such emotions. "Something such as that should not be kept a secret, Reinette. I cannot trust in your words, that much is clear to me. Though, I suppose it matters not now."
The Elf paused only for a moment. "You should pack. We shall be leaving early in the morning. Aglaron and Thurilostel will be here shortly to help." He left her then, knowing that if he did not he would say something cruel to her and he did not wish to do so. He went to his room and closed the door behind him. The Elf went about his room, pulling out a few packs that he knew that he would need. He then began packing clothing and other things that he knew they would need.
It would take them at least two months before they reached their destination. And that was if they were untroubled and moving at a fast pace. He remained alone for the remainder of the hour until Aglaron and Thurilostel arrived. The older male Elf had went to pulling out a map that he'd brought with him, laying it upon the table that was near the couch. He took a seat, looking over the item. DĂșlinnor joined shortly, taking a seat next to his brother.
"The route we are going to take will be dangerous. There is no other way to go. It will be the easiest though we will likely cross many that are aligned with Sauron." Aglaron said. He then sent Thurilostel back to find Reinette and to help her pack up as she needed to do. The men remained together, discussing on the route that they'd need to take. Only once their path was certain did Aglaron roll up the map.
It had been decided that he would meet the Mortal and DĂșlinnor at the stables the following morning. "I am sorry that you must join us. i've no doubt that you would rather remain here with your family." DĂșlinnor said, clearly apologetic to the older Elf. Aglaron smiled, shaking his head slightly. "I would not dream of allowing you to go off without me. Clearly, you need someone watching your back. Thurilostel understands. We will return soon enough..but..will you, DĂșlinnor? I can already see you pulling away and it worries me. Why not tell her how you feel...ask her to stay."
DĂșlinnor was suddenly standing, clearly not pleased at his brother's words. "Do you think that I've not said anything to her? This is her choice, her decision. I could never be so selfish as to beg her to remain in a world that she is clearly not happy in." Of course, he knew that he'd confessed his love for her in Elvish. She likely had no clue as to what he'd said. Yet, it didn't make him feel any better. He was still too hurt...too upset to truly talk to her. If she wanted to leave...then he would see that she got her wish.
The following morning DĂșlinnor was up before the sun had risen. He'd made sure to get Reinette up though had spoken no other words to her. He'd retreated back to his room in order to finish getting ready. He dressed though this time in armor. He and Aglaron had decided that it would be best to wear it as they were certain that they would regret it if they did not. DĂșlinnor had decided to forgo the helmet. He did not care for it and could not see needing it.
Once he was fully ready, the Elf made his way into the sitting room, waiting for Reinette to join him. As he waited, he placed his weapons upon his form where they always went. He was ready as Reinette finally joined him. He did not greet her, simply spoke to her. "We need to go if we are to meet Aglaron."
Then, he opened the door and waited for Reinette to exit before he followed after her. His stride was a bit quicker, not usual for when he walked with the woman. Yet, he made sure not to leave her behind. The short trek to the market did not take long though it was fairly silent. The male noticed Aglaron before the older Elf saw them. His armor was heavier, showing that he preferred to fight in the midst of the enemy. He greeted the both of them before taking the lead.
They walked for some time along the familiar route towards the bridge. Aglaron took across it first and then DĂșlinnor waited for Reinette so that he could help her across. His hands rested upon her waist, helping to keep her balanced. It was then a short walk to the stables. Their horses were ready, packed up with supplies that Aglaron had gotten the day before. He mounted and, though he was still upset with Reinette, DĂșlinnor helped the woman onto Rochiril. Only then did he mount Suldal.
And so began their journey to Gondor. Aglaron took the lead, as he preferred to remain in the front. DĂșlinnor allowed his horse to walk behind Reinette's. They were keeping her in the middle so as to make it harder for harm to come to her. They'd discussed it the day before. However, this caused DĂșlinnor to have to watch her..the entire trip. It was hard on his heart and he was unsure how he was going to get through this.