For the first time, Haleth feels a stab of sympathy for Caranthir. She is used to thinking of the Firstborn as gifted beyond all others; compassion is not something they have seemed to need, much less merited. Except, in Caranthir's case, on a more personal level, regarding his wishes towards her--but that is a separate matter entirely.

They are already sitting side by side, with his arm around her shoulders; it is not hard for her to reach for his free hand and hold it in hers. His fingers are not so cold as she expected. "What do you fear, and what have you sought that was not given?" she asks. "Tell me of it, if you will.