It had hurt. To stand alone. To not have his brother there with him, standing beside him as they always had except for minor things. Mostly minor. They'd argued over the Feanorians. Elros had been so angry when Elrond had relaxed around Maglor so quickly. They'd fought - but eventually... as harsh punishments should have been dealt but weren't... Elros had slowly started following Maedhros around. Watching from around corners. Haunting the elder's steps.

But his life would be short compared to his brother's, and knowing Elrond would be alone when he died... He would look around and remind himself why he'd chosen his path.

Elros chuckled at the resigned sigh and threw his arms around his foster father in a tight embrace, happy to lean against him as he'd once done just because. "I did. I never worried when I felt watched." He was an elf that could stand on his own, but he still relished being able to give that tight watch a rest and relax.

"I won't tell any that you are here. Just that you're an ally." He wasn't foolish enough to believe Maedhros or Maglor would be welcomed openly.