“Elves?” I feel stunned. “I thought –“
“You thought we didn’t exist?” Balin asks, quietly.
I feel uneasy, “I don’t – To be honest, I don’t know much about other species. I was far too young when I was kicked out of my pack with my family. As a result, I never learnt the history of the Others.”
“Your parents never educated you?”
I open my mouth and then snap it shut, before finally, “My parents were killed. I only had Ben, my brother.”
The wave of grief is fresh when I mention him.
“Is he –“
“He was killed along with my mate.”
“I see.”
There is no sympathy or pity in Balin’s voice just a calm acceptance.
He then looks at his two companions, “Idril, is it done?”
Idril nods and both he and Aldon step back. I turn to face the fire and can feel my heart being torn into shreds.
“It
