It hadn't occurred to him to explain the events that resulted in his partial loss of limb. The Noldor were made familiar with the tale of Maedhros' capture by the Dark Lord, Morgoth and Maedhros' ensuing imprisonment and torture in Thangorodrim. Fingon rescued him years later, by cutting off his right hand to free him from his chains. Maedhros looked at the Lady Ariel, a small smile touching his visage at the sight of her auburn hair. It would forever amuse and delight him to see it, for it was such a rarity amongst even his own people.. but to not be distracted by musing over the color of her locks, Maedhros answered her inquiry.
"Liberation has a price, my Lady," he said, "to be freed from bondage there must be sacrifice." His visage darkened, but he refused to allow his mind to sink into memories of his torture. Not now, not in this place or with this woman. It was more pertinent to remain focused and in control.
Lucifer, demons, heaven and hell. It all made more sense when Maedhros aligned her explanations with his own imaginings of the world. Lucifer acted as Melkor, and his demons were his orcs sent afield to wreak havoc and destroy the lives of all beings. It was corruption of the body, the mind, the spirit and the land. "It exists," he said, "do not fear. Far to the West, when the sun rises and morning comes yonder, look to the West and know that the Gods exist there and watch, waiting. Even if you should choose not to believe, green fields await."
And then she lamented over the lack of voices in nature, a thing worth noting for Maedhros missed it dearly himself. He tilted his head, pointed ears tipping back. "Come, do you know where there is a spring? A spring wherein the fish do swim and live? For, to hear the voices of nature one must only wake the creatures and teach them to speak. Just as the trees were woken and taught the tongues of elves and men."