Now is Not the Time
Prologue
There are different kinds of stories in this world. Stories that excite you. Stories that make you cry. Stories that give the word 'friendship' a whole new meaning. Stories that make you realise the value of love. Stories that keep you awake at night. Stories that make you ponder your role in this world. Stories that make you wonder,"Can I change the world?"
Many such stories deserve to be told. But there is a time and place for stories to be narrated. Listening to a captivating tale by the warmth of the fire with your companions after a hard day's work is rewarding, for you have all the time in the world to be absorbed in the magic of the Storyteller's weave of words. But what would you do if the world around you is in chaos, your strength is failing you and you can hardly hear your companions yelling your name? Would you have the patience and the peace to hear a tale? Would you risk all that is happening around you to be enthralled in the web of mystic words? Would you? Alas my friend...a good story has a good reason to be told with patience. If you do not have the time to listen to such a story...Now is not the Time.
o0o
Gandalf let out a deep breath. He watched as the swirling smoke from his mouth melted into nothingness in front of him. His brow creased as he sat pondering over the events of the day. It had been a tiring day. As he inhaled once more from his pipe, the door opened and in strode Elrond, Lord of Rivendell.
Elrond sniffed the air and twisted his lips in displeasure. "I still fail to see how few dried weeds catch your interest".
Gandalf removed the pipe from his mouth and gave a small smile as Elrond sat across him in a chair in front of the fireplace. "So do all elves, my dear friend, so do all".
The elf-lord and wizard sat in silence, the sound of the rushing water outside continuing its peaceful yet volatile journey down the stream. Gandalf closed his eyes, as if seeking to calm his mind and bury his fear in the depths of his mind. He opened his eyes and saw the elf-lord looking at him with expectant eyes.
"Will he live?" Gandalf asked his eyes hopeful and persisting.
"I have done all I could within my power, it is still too early to say". Elrond replied his tone grave and derived of all hope. "Do not despair Gandalf" he said, looking at Gandalf's sad state. "If all that you have told me is true, he will live to see another day, for now he must rest and regain his strength" Elrond gripped Gandalf by the shoulder, his gaze now assuring Gandalf of hope.
o0o