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You paced up and down outside the healing wing, the guards watching from their posts by the door. Even from outside you could hear the panicked voices of the healers as they tended to Aredhel, Turgon no doubt breathing down their necks as they tended to his sister. You yourself had been in the room until several minutes ago when the head healer had finally had enough of your panicking and had you removed.
Aredhel had been your best friend for as long as you could remember, before the journey across the grinding ice and before the sun had appeared. Seeing her fading so quickly despite a relatively minor wound brought you to your knees. The healers thought the blade thrown by Eöl may have been poisoned but they had no way to make the correct antidote.
You let out a sob and pressed your hands to your face in an effort to stop the tears. Aredhel had been missing for many years and as soon as you’d got her back, she was being taken from you yet again.
“Y/N!” Ecthelion came down the corridor at speed, almost jogging to get to you. “What news?” You shook your head, taking a moment to get your breathing under control before speaking.
“None yet, they’re still trying to…” You trailed off.
“Turgon is with her?”
You nodded and looked down, not trusting your voice.
“And what about you, my love?” Ecthelion’s voice was much softer as he focused enough to truly take in your distress.
“"If you don't hug me right now I think I might fall apart…”
Ecthelion had his arms around you in an instant, pulling you against his chest. You mashed your face into his soft robes and started sobbing, not caring about the guards seeing you in such a state. Ecthelion rubbed your back and held you tighter as he pressed his lips to the top of your head. There were no words of comfort he could offer, the least he could do was let you cry it out.
“What if…” You sniffed between breaths, voice muffled against Ecthelion. “What if she-“
“Don’t think like hat, my love.” He told you firmly.
“Assuming the worst will get us no where.” You let out another sob and clung to him tighter. “Shh… there is nothing more to be done here. The healers are doing all they can. Let us go, yes?”
“But-“
“You being here will not change the outcome, whatever that may be. I know Egalmoth and Penlod are staying in the dining hall until we hear news of Aredhel’s condition, although that may not be for many hours yet. Would you like to wait with them? Then we shall be among the first to hear news.” Ecthelion was already guiding you away from the healing wing slowly, giving you time to make up your mind.
You got along well with both Egalmoth and Penlod and found their presence almost as calming as your husband’s. But at the same time, you felt embarrassed for them to see you in such a state.
“No…”
“Darling, I cannot allow you to remain here. While we can do nothing for Aredhel’s health, I will still protect yours where I can.”
“No, I mean…” You clung to his arm. “Can we just go to our chambers instead? I haven’t the energy to sit and discuss matters of politics…”
“I’ll stay with you.”
“You don’t-“
“This I insist on.”
You knew from experience that there was little point arguing with Ecthelion once he’d made his mind up about something. He wrapped an arm around your shoulders and allowed you to hold his other hand, keeping you close at his side to the point where you were almost wrapped up in his cape. Usually, it would be inappropriate but at that moment no one cared, least of all you.
His presence comforted you greatly as you made your way back to the chambers. Your breathing slowed to something of a normal rhythm even though you still felt paralysed with worry. You knew that whatever happened to Aredhel, you’d be able to handle it with Ecthelion by your side.