A/n: Not much his said about who Salgant was or why he did the things he did or what happened to him. So, let's explore that shall we?
Also Some warning. This will be two parts (both will most likely be long) and this will be a bit heavy and will feature some self-harm and unhealthy ways to deal with pain. So, please take note of that warning. 

Glorfindel yawned as he walked the woods outside Rivendell. He was not guarding but did have his sword with him. The reason for the walk was that the twins were driving him up a wall (at one point literally) so he had to leave to get some air and space. 

He stretched feeling the sun on his skin as he walked. Yet, he slowed his walk hearing slow footsteps. They were distent but he clearly heard them. He listened carefully to the steps and looked over in the direction they came from. They were very slow and it was a bit concerning how slow. He headed that way to see if anyone was hurt. 

Then within a few long strides, he came to where he heard the steps and he saw a figure with a tattered cloak pulled over their head. They were walking very slowly and Glorfindel was pretty sure he saw a limp. "Hey! Are you okay?" Glorfindel called out as he came over. 

The figure froze as they heard Glorfindel's voice. They stood there shaking seemingly unable to remove. Glorfindel slowed his walk and said, "Hey. I am not going to hurt you." 

He slowly walked over to them and put a hand on their shoulder and slowly turned them. Glorfindel stepped back in surprise as he saw a face he thought he'd never see again. Salgant stood in front of him but he looked horrible. His face was sunken in and his eyes held very little life. His cheek was bruised and he had dirt smudged on his face. 

Glorfindel stared at him a part of him wanted to grab his sword and demand why Salgant did what he did. Why did he flee? Why did he try to send his house elsewhere? Yet, he couldn't as he looked at Salgant's face. It was filled with fear and pain....even after all these years. Also, Salgant was the first elf he had run into after all these years who survived the fall of their once-great city. He also was a friend and with all of those he could not bear to draw a sword on him.

Salgant looked down and started to move away but Glorfindel grabbed his hand. A quick movement he pulled Salgant into a hug. Glorfindel was surprised to feel how thin Salgant felt, not thin as in how elves were thin. It was thin as in not eating nearly enough. 

After a moment Glorfindel let go and looked at Salgant who had his head facing the ground. "Salgant?" Glorfindel asked. 

Yet the elf just fell to the ground with a broken sob escaping his mouth. Glorfindel bent down and put a hand on his shoulder. Salgant looked up at Glorfindel with tears streaming down his face. In a voice that sounded very sore like it hadn't spoken for a while said, "Why are you just sitting there. Why aren't you yelling or doing anything..." 

That was all the broken elf got out before his head fell back down and more sobs came. Glorfindel just crossed his legs and looked at him. "Seeing the way you are...I don't think I can be mad at you." He said gently.

"But-but...I," Salgant mumbled brokenly. 

"It was many many ages ago, I am not mad at you. Not at all." Glorfindel said. Salgant did not reply as he sat there as he sniffed quietly. 

"Salgant. It looks like you could use some help. At least a place to stay at for the night." Glorfindel said after a few moments as he held out his hand. Salgant looked at him and whipped his eyes with the edge of the tatted sleeve. 

"Please," Glorfindel urged the elf. It had been so many years and Salgant was a complete disaster. Salgant looked at Glorfindel's hand and slowly took it. Glorfindel smiled and stood up helping Salgant towards Rivendell. He looked at the elf as they walked and he sighed. It seemed he and Elrond had some work to do to help him. He also could not be mad at Salgant since he had forgiven Maglor for what he and his brothers had done. How could he be mad at Salgant for what he did when he had forgiven a kinslayer. Yet, from talking with Maglor he just hoped that Salgant could forgive himself. Judging from the way Salgant was that will be a very hard task. 

"Where are we heading?" Salgant asked after a few moments. 

"Rivendell," Glorfindel replied. Salgant looked at him and started to pull away. 

"No." He muttered. 

Glorfindel just held his hand firmly and said, "I am sorry, Salgant but you really need a healer. Look at yourself, you are shaking, you are thin as anything, and your clothes are as rags." 

Salgant shook his head, trying to pull his hand away. Glorfindel sighed and said, "Salgant. Please." 

Salgant still remained firm in not wanting to go. Glorfindel drew in a breath and said, "Salgant, you are in no shape to be out alone and you know I will carry you if I have too." 

Salgant stopped his feeble attempt to pull away and just looked down. His shoulders slumped and Glorfindel was able to start leading him into Rivendell. He felt Salgant tense as they entered the city. So, he quickly led him through the halls and to the main healing wing. Thankfully Elrond was there once he came in with Salgant. 

"Ah. Glorfin-" Yet, Elrond stopped as he looked up and saw the elf standing by Glorfindel. He saw the look on Glorfindel's face so he said nothing at first. He let Glorfindel explain when he could but he saw the state of the elf and he looked horrible. 

"Elrond. This is...Salgant." Glorfindel said as he came over dragging Salgant slightly. Salgant just was quiet looking at the ground like it was the most interesting thing there was.  When Elrond heard that name his eyebrows rose slightly. Yet, after a moment he shook his slight surprise away and said, "Hello." 

Salgant made no reply as he stood there, Glorfindel gave a bit of a sigh as he put a hand on Salgant's shoulder and said, "This is Lord Elrond. He rules over Rivendell, he is also a very skilled healer." 

Salgant looked to the former lord of Gondolin and then at Elrond as he said, "Before I do anything maybe we can get you some new clothes and you can have a warm meal. Then we can worry about it." 

Salgant realized it was completely hopeless to refuse, so he just gave a small nod. Glorfindel let out a breath of relief as he led him to one of the beds that were behind a closed door. He had him sit down and stepped just to the door and said, "I think it is better if I stay with him." 

"I agree," Elrond said with a nod. "I do not mind getting some new clothes." 

Glorfindel nodded his thanks and looked at Salgant who was sitting there like a  statue. He gave a little sigh and sat down next to him. "I don't know what is going on...but I want to help you," Glorfindel said to him.

Salgant did not make eye contact as he mumbled, "Like, I deserve it."

Glorfindel sighed and looked up as there was a knock at the door. He looked up and saw Elrond holding a change of clothes. "These should fit," Elrond said. 

Glorfindel stood up and took them and handed them over. "Here you go. We'll be right outside when you are done." He said. 

Salgant gave a bit of a nod as he took the clothes and looked at them as Glorfindel left the room closing the door gently behind him. He let out a long breath and ran a hand partway through his hair. 

"So. Salgant," Elrond said after a moment of silence. He made sure to keep his voice quiet enough so Salgant won't here.

"Yeah, I just found him wandering outside Rivendell. It took a lot more convincing then I thought to him come here." He replied keeping his voice at the same level. 

"I can see. He does not look well," Elrond said. 

"Well?" Glorfindel said. "Not well I think will be an improvement." 

Elrond sighed and said, "Yes. Yet, we need to be careful with him. We can only guess what happened but he seems very fragile. We need to be slightly forceful with somethings but with others, we need to let him decide a bit more." 

Glorfindel nodded and said, "Alright." 

He then looked up as the door opened and Salgant stood there he was dressed in the new clothes. He looked a bit better but the new clothes showed just how thin he was, it also showed that he was a bit dirty all over his body. His hair also was just a mess, it was knotted, dirty, and cut at a strange angle.

Glorfindel looked at him and stood up. "Is it more comfortable?" He asked. 

Salgant just nodded and fiddled with the edge of the tunic he wore which hung on him like a tent. Glorfindel just looked at Elrond who thought few a few moments. He then looked up and said, "Salgant. Glorfindel is going to stay with you while I go get you some food and if it's okay with you, I want to make you some tea with a few herbs in it. Just something that will help keep the food settles. Also, just some to help relax you a little." 

Salgant looked at Glorfindel and he gave a small nod. Glorfindel lead him back to the room and had him sit back down on the bed. Glorfindel saw the dirty clothes he was wearing and frowned at them. He did not deserve to be stuck wearing those. He looked at Salgant who still was sitting there. Yet on the side of the table that they had was a very old journal. When he said old he meant it. It looked even before maybe the time of Gondolin...perhaps before the trees were destroyed. 

Salgant saw Glorfindel looking at it and grabbed it. "It's mine," He said softly. 

"Alright," Glorfindel replied gently. Salgant held it close as Glorfindel walked over and sat down at the edge of the bed. Glorfindel just looked at Salgant who was holding the journal like that small book of papers that looked to be falling out was the only thing on Arda keeping him alive. 

Glorfindel just thought it best not to say anything right then, maybe after they got Salgant some food and hopefully a bath. They could talk or at least Salgant will be okay with Glorfindel doing the talking. So, he was thankful when Elrond came in holding a tray of food. He saw the food was very simple, being just some bread and from what he saw a bit of fruit. Also, a cup of tea sat on the tray as Elrond put it down on the open part of the bed. "Here you go." He said. 

Salgant nodded and was about to move but Glorfindel passed the tray closer to him. Salgant smiled a small thanks at him. Yet, the small smile faded quickly as with shaking hands began to slowly to nibble on the food. 

"Salgant," Elrond said causing the elf to stop and look up slightly. 

"After you eat. I do think you should bath before you rest. If you do have any injuries they could get infected and from that. You can get a bit sick." Elrond said. Salgant looked at his clothes and then at Elrond. 

"Don't worry about them. We can get you some more things to wear," He said. "And we have a private bathroom in the healing wing." Elrond did add. 

"Alright," Salgant replied. 

Elrond smiled and left the two alone. Glorfindel remained quiet just letting Salgant focus on eating. It pained him to see he had just the smallest drop of trouble with it. He just prayed that they will be able to help the poor elf out. 

~~~

Salgant walked by Glorfindel to the private bathroom, Glorfindel had gone to get it ready for him. He did not deserve this kindness, especially not from Glorfindel. Yet, he knew it was pointless to try to fight it. He knew that Glorfindel will not let it go seeing how he was physically and he will do whatever he could to help him. 

Salgant just looked at the water in the tub and looked at Glorfindel as he got some towels out and laid his clothes off to the side. "There you go," Glorfindel said. 

Salgant just nodded a bit as Glorfindel headed to the door. "Take as much time as you need," He said. "I'll be right out here if you need anything." 

Once again Salgant just nodded and once the door was closed he carefully pulled the clothes from his body. His body had scars and bruises all over it. Some old and some new. Some older than most and some a bit fresh. Yet the scars that made him feel sick was the one that was on the side of his stomach. He hated that wound more than anything, it made him feel so sick. He just closed his eyes and took a breath. Just wash off the dirt...and the dried blood. Salgant thought as got into the tub. 

He could not help but let out a soft moan of relief. The warm water felt very nice against his cold and bruised body. It took a few moments but soon he did grab the soap and a soft cloth and started to clean himself off. He did rush it a bit since he just wanted to get covered up again. He hated looking at his scars right now, he always hated seeing some but after what he did. He hated seeing them even more so. 

Yet even with the quick bath, he did feel better. His body was relaxed and it did feel nice to put on clean clothes when he was clean himself. He stepped out and found Glorfindel waiting for him. He looked up and smiled and said, "You look a bit better," 

Salgant just gave a small nod and followed Glorfindel back to his room. He sat down on the bed just like he did before. It was then Salgant realized that another reason he felt his body relax more was the tea that Elrond gave him. 

"Hey. You are looking tired, maybe you can get some sleep." Glorfindel said. 

Salgant just laid back and slowly moved under the blankets. He was a bit ashamed to admit that Glorfindel had to help him out. Yet, a few moments later he was laying in bed with the soft blanket pulled close around him.

"Alright. I'll be in the other room if you need me," Glorfindel said.

Salgant looked up and before he realized what he said, He said, "No." 

Glorfindel looked at a bit startled and a little confused. "Do you want me to stay in here?" He asked. 

Salgant looked down but nodded. Glorfindel just nodded and sat down in a chair by him. Salgant settled deeper into the bed and closed his eyes. Before he knew it. He drifted off into a dream

~~~

"Rauil?" Asked a young Salgant as he and an older elf sat by a river. Rauil looked at him and asked, "Yes?"

"Why am I short?" Salgant asked with a little huff.

"Well, you are not that oldm" Rauil replied.

"I know but when we pass other Avari and they have elves closer to my age they are all taller," He said with a sigh. Rauil looked at him and smirked suddenly. "Well. I have a solution to that, it is tempory and you will even deice to go back to how tall you are now."

Salgant looked at him with wide eyes as Rauil stood up. Suddenly with a swift motion, Salgant was on the other elf's shoulders. "Tada," Rauil said. "Now you are even taller than them."

"This is not what I meant," Salgant said but he did say it through giggles.

"I know, we can't change what we are, Salg." He said as he sat back down with Salgant still holding onto him. "For right now you are a little short but-" He continued as he put the elfling down and turned to face him. "-but you'll grow. Yet, how tall you dose not matter. Your kindness and the light you have. That's what matters, more than anything."

Salgant smiled and hugged him. Rauil smiled and hugged him back and said, "However, I think there is a rule that little brothers can not be taller than their older brother. Know why? So we can always do this!"

He then grabbed him tightly and began tickling him. Salgant burst out giggling and squirmed around in his older brother's arms. After a few moments, he stopped and let Salgant go but the elfling just fell over giggling still. Rauil smiled as Salgant sat up and grinned up at him. Rauil then looked at the stream and saw some fish swimming around.

"Let's have an easily dinner then we should head home," Rauil said. He looked at Salgant who nodded happily. Rauil smiled and stood up and grabbed a long branch. He pulled out his knife and sharpened the edge. He then stood by the edge of water carefully and with a quick thrust of his hand, the sharpened stick stabbed a fish. Then a few moments later two fish were roasting on a fire that Rauil had started. Salgant sat next to him cuddled into his brother's side.

"You are so cool," Salgant said.

"Well one of has to be," He said tapping Salgant lightly on the nose causing him to make a face. Rauil smiled and sat back looking at the endless starless sky. They both were quiet listening just to the crackling of the fire. Rauil closed his eyes for a moment but looked down at his brother as he heard him sigh.

"Something wrong?" Rauil asked.

"I miss them," Salgant said softly.

Rauil looked at Salgant with a gentle face and pulled him close. "I know buddy...I know."

Salgant was referring to their parents who both passed away around five years ago. Leaving Rauil to defend, provide and having to raise Salgant. Which he did with no regrets but it was hard since they both missed their parents. Their mother's beautiful singing and flute playing. Their father's firm but loving advice and the adventures he took them on.

Rauil looked at Salgant and ruffled his hair up and said, "Hey. Remember how they used to make those wood flutes for us? Why don't we make some while dinner is cooking."

Salgant nodded and sat up a bit as Rauil gathered some ticker sticks and sat down by Salgant. He took out his knife and started carving one bit of wood carefully. After he started it he handed them over to Salgant to use. He kept his hand over his little brothers keeping his hand steady and making sure he got the right movements. Then as they got halfway through making their small wood pipes. Their dinner was ready.

As they ate Rauil began telling Salgant different stories. Some true others he made up on the spot. Salgant giggled as Rauil used different voices for the stories. Then as they were finished Rauil stood up and said "Hey. We should head back home,"

Salgant sighed but nodded and took Rauil's hand as he started walking into the woods. Salgant leaned happily into his brother's side, he felt safe with his brother walking calmly next to him. They soon reached their home which in truth was just a small hut that Rauil had made. They would have stayed in their old home but that was destroyed by a group that belonged to Melkor's right hand. Mairon. In fact, that's how their parents died, the group destroyed their home killing them. Even with Melkor being gone, Mairon continued on his work of shaping and perfecting orcs. Yet, they survived but now they were living in a small hut. Getting by day today. Yet, Rauil did everything he could to make sure Salgant always wore a smile and was healthy.

"Rauil?" Salgant asked as they walked inside.

"Hmm?" He asked looking at his brother.

"Tomorrow can we finish the pipes?" Salgant asked.

"Of course, now it is late. We need to get some sleep," Rauil replied. Salgant nodded and climbed into the makeshift bed. Rauil laid down next to him and Salgant smiled softly. "Rauil?" He asked softly.

"Yeah?" His brother answered.

"You won't let Mairon get us. Will you?" Salgant asked.

"Never. I will protect you till the ends of time." Rauil said putting a firm arm around Salgant. Who then was silent for many moments. He then asked, "You'll stay with me...right?"

"For always and forever," Rauil said. "I will leave you, never."

Then with that. Salgant closed his eyes.

~~~

Salgant gasped and sat up. He found himself staring at Glorfindel's face, he wasn't sure what happened. Yet, Glorfindel looked a little worried as Salgant's head dropped to his shoulder. Salgant then started to cry once more. Glorfindel who was a bit confused just wrapped an arm around him. He saw Salganet shifting around in his sleep and went to make sure was alright.

Glorfindel just let the other elf cry and curl up. Whatever was wrong he really hoped that he and Elrond could help. Yet, he never remembered Salgant being like this.  So he did also wonder what happened that made him like this. But...was he always similar to this and he and the other lords just missed it. He just shook his head and thought to himself that no matter what the case is. He'll just be here for him and hopefully, help him get better.