Cleansed Spirits

He took off the blindfold, slowly... he could sense the sunlight almost burning through his eyelids. But the moment he opened his eyes, the light struck him like a sword. He crouched, his eyelids closed again, his mind in pain... He wanted to go back into the protecting dark, where he had been. Now he understood... He had become like one of the Umanyar, the ones that once had refused to follow the light into the Ancient West. They had refused, for they were afraid. He had fought darkness for seven days, but now he was afraid of the rays of Anar. It needs courage to face the light. 

He stood up again.

I am not afraid. I am one of the Eldar, the people that once were brave enough to trust, and mad enough to follow. My ancestors stood tall and proud within the light. Look up, sculptor. Do not be afraid.

He opened his eyes. The rays of Arien cut through his eyes, and touched his mind. This would be similar of being in presence of an Ainu he thought, not wearing any raiment of physical form, but showing pure essence of light and power. It was beautiful and terrible to behold.

He embraced it, and so he stood there for a while, like a madman staring at the sun...

***

Later, Ráolor and Undomion were talking in a guestroom in Rivendell. Few know what happened there, but it is said that what both had experienced during that week changed their mind, and pride and grudge faded.

It was the beginning of a new friendship, and it was approved by their common friend, Veryathoron the white hawk.