[The little kiss is heartwarming, and he doesn't flinch, though much of his body always does ache when he is left like this. His son never needed to know that, at least not while so young. It would serve no purpose but to upset him.

He is not surprised to find Sauron gone still when he returns to the living area with Etelo, now clean and crisp but still no fairer than before. He almost feels like he might look worse without the obscuring black of orc blood smeared over him.]

Eight days, but it must seem longer to you. You barely walked when last I beheld you. [Adar says as he gladly tucks him close under his arm and tugs a blanket around his shoulders. He had often been cold as a baby, he might be now. Adar doesn't eat, he sits instead and untangles golden curls slowly and gently while he listens to his son.]

No elves, no. There is no one close by outside the walls. The Noldor will not make that mistake twice, little love. I saw only the sky. I truly did not run, I just knew your papa would finally turn his gaze upon me if he felt me leave. I did not know how else to get to you, for I did not know why he was upset with me.