“We cannot play with you,” said the youngling.
Elrond pouted, but Elros stepped forward, fists clenched. “Why not?”
One of the others spoke up. “You are not real elves.”
“Yes, we are,” argued Elrond in a quiet voice.
“Look at your ears!” taunted another elfling.
“You are too chubby!”
A tussle would have started had Maedhros not intervened. “Just what constitutes a real elf?” he asked, arms behind his back. “Two hands, two feet, long hair, pointy ears?” The group nodded. “Well then... I guess I am not a real elf, either!” he said to them with menace, drawing forward his maimed arm and pointing the stump at them.
As the children scattered, he patted Elros’ head. “You are too good for them,” he advised.
Author's Chapter Notes:
Elros, Elrond, Maedhros