“Was my father a coward?”

Gildor turned to Gil-galad, moodily staring out to sea beside him on the verandah. “Did someone say that to you?” he demanded, outraged.

“Not to me. But… I heard Círdan say he sat out the Tears in comfort.” A pause, then the rest spilled out. “And is a fool and easily swayed.”

Waves lapped, gulls shrieked. Suppressing his own unease with Orodreth, Gildor picked his words carefully. “Your father had no love for Maedhros, and chose not to commit Nargothrond to his League. Distrust, not cowardice. And people can be too quick to see kindness and decency as weaknesses”

His words drew a small smile.. The boy already almost matched his height, and would be taller, broader too when he was grown. “Thank you. I hardly knew him, but… I remember he was kind. That’s important, isn’t it?”

Gildor nodded, resting a hand on his shoulder. “Kindness matters. So do strength, resolve and courage. But in the end, we can only do our best”

The smile deepened. He had charm, this grandson of Gildor’s friend, Angrod. “I will remember that when I have warriors to lead one day. Strength, resolve, courage. But also – kindness matters.”

~*~*~*~*~